As the only representative of my company in the region I hired "booth babes" to assist me at PyCon. It was a logistical necessity as we used several thousand dollars of computer equipment at the display. I requested they wear suits.
While I wouldn't characterize myself as shy, they were an order of magnitude better at engaging the attendees.
They combed the floors to make introductions. They brought me lunch so I could spend more time speaking with developers. They helped me identify potential candidates and kept the people who were apparently bored at bay.
> Ask questions regarding the technology. Ask about planned life cycles of the software, on use counts, and other things. Treat them exactly as you would an equal.
While I wouldn't characterize myself as shy, they were an order of magnitude better at engaging the attendees.
They combed the floors to make introductions. They brought me lunch so I could spend more time speaking with developers. They helped me identify potential candidates and kept the people who were apparently bored at bay.
> Ask questions regarding the technology. Ask about planned life cycles of the software, on use counts, and other things. Treat them exactly as you would an equal.
Not bad advice.