AICPA ENGAGE networking tips: How to make meaningful connections

A few months back, Alex Romero, CPA, CGMA, committed to leading a session at AICPA ENGAGE 2026 focused on the power of networking.

When Romero takes the stage at ENGAGE in June, she’ll do so as the AICPA’s newly hired CPA Pipeline director — a role she landed in part because of her past networking success at the conference.

“If you’re hoping to see somebody in the profession this year, chances are they’re going to be at ENGAGE,” Romero said. “CPE is big and you get a whole array of sessions with the latest information, but a real key piece of ENGAGE is networking and being able to see and meet so many people because everybody goes to this conference.”

At the conference, June 8–11 in Las Vegas, Romero will discuss the next level of networking during her session, “Beyond Networking: How Purpose-Driven Relationships Drive Career Advancement.”

In advance of ENGAGE, she shared practical tips that first-time attendees and returnees can use in networking amid a sea of some 5,000 accounting and finance professionals.

Get off on the right foot

“Walking into the Dolby Theater at Park MGM and the multiple floors in ARIA for the first time, you can feel like you’re lost,” Romero said. “It can be overwhelming when you first walk in.”

But Romero has a solution: Simply walk into the First Time ENGAGE Attendee Welcome Reception on the eve of the conference.

“It’s an easy way to start the week because everybody’s in that same frame of mind, unsure of what’s going on,” she said. “We intentionally designed it so that it is the least intimidating part of ENGAGE.”

And, whether you’re asking conference committee members like Romero for advice on navigating the event or you’re munching on an appetizer while asking someone about their favorite table game in Vegas, you are already networking without even thinking about it.

“The first step of creating those relationships,” Romero said, “is going in and talking.”

Get started before your foot hits the floor

“My tip for networking at ENGAGE: Book it now.”

That’s the advice of Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, vice president–Firm Services at the AICPA.

Even on Vegas time, there are only 24 hours in a day. And with sessions, meetings, and other ENGAGE activities quickly filling up the calendar, it can be tough to find an open slot to connect at the conference. That’s why Romero recommends scrolling LinkedIn or the like in advance of the conference, checking connections you’ve already made, and acting now if you notice someone you’d like to meet with face-to-face at ENGAGE.

Then, once at ENGAGE, Simpson encourages attendees to be open to a different approach to the conference and the calendar.

“Sometimes I’ll give a person my card and say, ‘I would really appreciate it if you could follow up in the next two weeks,’” Simpson said. “It’s about being flexible and proactive.”

Be genuine and ingenious

Once you’ve made a new contact, you can strengthen that connection with a LinkedIn post about it.

“I don’t think it’s overstepping if you ask to take a selfie,” Romero said. “That’s a great way to start the connection. You put the photo on LinkedIn and you tag them, and then a lot of times they will comment and you can start building a relationship from there.”

Taking a second for a selfie can create a touch of connection on a personal level, and personality can be a big part of successful networking at ENGAGE.

“It’s really trying to find ways to be genuine, so somebody can tell that you took the time to really think about it rather than just trying to use big words or big ideas to impress somebody. Trying to impress somebody is not going to be helpful.”

In fact, Romero warned, such an approach could have the opposite effect.

“Especially if you are looking at them to maybe be a mentor or coach or sponsor,” she said, “you don’t want to make them think, ‘Well, they’ve got it all. Why would they need my help?’

“Also, make sure it’s not one-sided, that it’s not always, ‘I need this.’ It’s about following up and creating those relationships where you are checking in, getting to know the person. That can help you stand out.”

A word for introverts (but really for everyone)

Introverts and networking aren’t a natural pairing, but social interactions are rarely as awkward as you think they are.

“It can be intimidating as an introvert, but you can take solace in knowing that most CPAs and accountants are introverts, so you’re going to be going up to people that are similar to you,” Romero said. “And while it can be awkward and there might be moments of silence, it’s OK. Don’t get stressed out, don’t let your mind spin, take a few deep breaths.”

Romero suggested keeping it simple. Instead of trying to memorize an attendee’s credentials before making contact, for example, she recommended planning for a more generic approach to ice-breaking, such as, “How did you get started volunteering with the AICPA?”

And, if the bright lights of ENGAGE prove too much for a stretch, Romero recommended engaging in a different way for a while to recharge.

“If you get overwhelmed, go back to your room and watch a session from there,” she said. “Since we have them available in person and virtually, you can go up to your room and you can watch a session and then if you want to meet that person later, you’re at the conference, you still have that ability.”

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Bryan Strickland at Bryan.Strickland@aicpa-cima.com.