I agree that networking is very important, but how can "early career" scientists do it and do it well? Here's my experience (when I was younger):

1) Networking with people at a similar stage of my career is easy and fun because frankly we all have no clue what's going on and we're desperate to network, so it feels like kids making friends in the playground. Many conferences now even offer social events (ice-breaker, field trips, dinners, etc.). Go for it even if it means costing you a few extra dollars; it's worth it.

2) The harder part is to network with the "well known" scientists. Everyone wants to get some face time with the "big shots". Not that all big shots are arrogant and full of themselves (some are), but some of them are genuinely nice and friendly people. The problem, rather, is that I don't know them personally and they always seem occupied. Let's face it, big shots have been around long enough to have a lot of friends they like to reconnect or hang out with in conferences, and perhaps they also feel more comfortable networking with people at a similar stage of their career! So, what do I do? I was lucky that my PhD advisor made an effort to introduce me to his circle of colleagues (all senior and some big shots) and include me when they went for drinks and dinners, etc. While they don't necessarily remember my name, they remember me as so-and-so's PhD student--- that's a good start and it has helped me tremendously in my career!

There are many options and opportunities these days. Do a careful planning and balance between interests and budget. If you are a graduate student, check with your own school about travel grants. If you are a member of a professional organization, also check with them about student travel grants. Some of them are very competitive, and you'll have a better chance if you are presenting a paper. The main two purposes of attending a conference to me are: 1) exchange of ideas/knowledge and 2) networking. Talk to people, you will meet many interesting people; many of them may become good friends or simply good contacts for possible graduate program or a job opportunity. Do not be intimidated by the well-known scientists; go talk to them, most are very friendly and down-to-earth. Proper attitude and enthusiasm will make a good impression. Take advantage of workshops to improve your skills and knowledge, and field trips offered as part of the conferences. Finally, get involved in those organizations you found more interesting and that you believe will benefit your professional career. Start with the local chapters of those organizations and then go to the regional and national levels later. Contributing to those professional organizations is also a rewarding experience as a scientists. Hope my coments help.

I agree that networking is very important, but how can "early career" scientists do it and do it well? Here's my experience (when I was younger):

1) Networking with people at a similar stage of my career is easy and fun because frankly we all have no clue what's going on and we're desperate to network, so it feels like kids making friends in the playground. Many conferences now even offer social events (ice-breaker, field trips, dinners, etc.). Go for it even if it means costing you a few extra dollars; it's worth it.

2) The harder part is to network with the "well known" scientists. Everyone wants to get some face time with the "big shots". Not that all big shots are arrogant and full of themselves (some are), but some of them are genuinely nice and friendly people. The problem, rather, is that I don't know them personally and they always seem occupied. Let's face it, big shots have been around long enough to have a lot of friends they like to reconnect or hang out with in conferences, and perhaps they also feel more comfortable networking with people at a similar stage of their career! So, what do I do? I was lucky that my PhD advisor made an effort to introduce me to his circle of colleagues (all senior and some big shots) and include me when they went for drinks and dinners, etc. While they don't necessarily remember my name, they remember me as so-and-so's PhD student--- that's a good start and it has helped me tremendously in my career!

Here is an interesting blog post

http://conservationbytes.com/2013/09/05/how-to-make-the-most-of-a-conference/

Hi Colleagues,

All answers relevant, but 

HOW TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS IN OUR CONFERENCE?

I primarily want feedback on my conference paper (especially for other scholars in the subdiscipline to catch any mistakes I made). I try to get an expanded version of every conference paper I present published, so I use the conference presentation as a form of peer review.

Any advice for making to most of professional conferences?