Ask Open Questions and Bring Others into the Conversation
Ask the person your questions in the appropriate opportunities during the conversation. Questions should not terminate the discussion; you should leave the discussion open to be able to continue it later. Do not ask yes/no questions, ask them about the interesting points of their business, for example, or about their role in that business; about the projects they have already worked on or they are currently working on.
If you found out the other side as a good partner, ask questions to make him/her talk. Making person feel comfortable so they can talk to you is very important. Remember that they have also come to that event to communicate and intend to represent their capabilities to you. When you give good feelings to others, they will attempt to make you feel good, unless it is against the social etiquette.
If possible, include other people in your target circle in the conversation. This way, you save time; instead of one person, for example, you may speak with five people and finally, you receive their contact information. In this way, you shine as the star of the crowd, and the audience will think better of you because you are the founder of the group and the initiator of the discussion, where everyone has come for the same purpose. As a result, attempt to give a 20-second introduction of you when you shake hands. It is better to hear the initial introduction of the other side at the same time. Summarize the main discussion in one minute, too.