Tableau Software : Make lasting connections at the TC18 Data + Women meetup

From: Mona Liang, originally from Atlanta, GA.

I still remember the excitement when I first stepped into TC16. As a solo conference goer, I was always on the move, checking conference schedule and making sure I was learning as much as I can. It was not until I stumbled into the DPW talk that night when I was truly inspired by Brit, Chloe, and 500+ people who shared the same passion-telling stories of women in the data analytics field.

I felt strongly connected and had to introduce myself. Next thing I know, I was spending the rest of my TC journey with Brit, Chloe and Katie! Two years later, when I was ready to move from Atlanta to the Bay area, the girls gave me all the advice and I'm now proud to be their coworker and friend.

1. It's more than a conference! Go to sessions and events that will inspire you. You may even end up making a few friends! Even after moving to the Bay area, we still get together to celebrate birthdays, attend events, and just support each other in any way we can.
2. Make meaningful connections and follow up. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to anyone that inspires you. Exchange information or ask them to meet for coffee. You never know where it might lead.
3. Identify area of focus. I always plan my sessions around marketing analytics and data visualization. This helps me dive into the fields I'm most passionate about and also provides me with an opportunity to connect with other like-minded professionals.

Be sure to join us at the Data Plus Women event at TC18 on Tuesday, October 23 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. We hope our stories and tips will help you make the most out of the event!