Author Celebrates Human Connection and Networking in Nashville

Lucero Tagle argues that the most enduring value of professional networking lies in the unplanned human connections made outside of formal event agendas, according to a post she shared on LinkedIn.

Reflecting on a recent trip to Nashville, Tagle said that while the structured sessions of a conference provide the framework, the real substance often emerges during the “in-between” moments. She described scenes of hallway chats, dinner conversations, and groups crowding under stone archways for impromptu photos as the highlights of her week.

For many professionals, the primary objective of attending large-scale industry gatherings is to fulfill a specific list of meetings or to absorb scheduled content. Tagle, however, suggested that a different kind of ROI—one rooted in curiosity and active listening—can lead to unexpected and meaningful outcomes.

“I’m going to remember the people I met in Nashville long after I’ve forgotten the agenda,” Tagle told LinkedIn.

The emphasis on spontaneous interaction highlights a growing tension in professional development: the balance between rigid, high-efficiency scheduling and the organic serendipity that often drives innovation. Tagle wrote that she intentionally “left room” for the people she didn’t know she would meet, suggesting that over-scheduling can actually act as a barrier to genuine connection.

This approach relies on a specific set of interpersonal skills. Tagle identified the core of these connections as being “curious about someone,” which involves asking questions, listening properly, and allowing a conversation to evolve in directions that weren’t part of the initial plan.

In an era where professional networking is increasingly mediated by digital platforms and automated scheduling tools, Tagle’s observations serve as a reminder of the tactile, human element of industry community-building. The "conversations between sessions" she described often build the strongest professional rapport, away from the pressure of a podium or a slide deck.

The social fabric of the event was evidenced by the wide array of professionals Tagle engaged with during her time in Tennessee. In her post, she specifically recognized several individuals for the laughs and conversations shared throughout the week.

The group of professionals she credited includes:

Oneeka Botu
Terrence Black, MBA, SHRM-SCP
Jacqueline Lowery
Nina Remiker-Scheinman
Jared Goralnick
Jen Kilman
Jonathan Fuentes
Frances Melegrito
Shawna Tucker
Gisele Fox
Annie Hoellein
Brandon Springle, MHR
Ali Ghiassi
Blaine McLaren
Alexandria Croom, M.S.Ed, PMP
Brian De La Cruz
Jenna Filipkowski, PhD
Rajh O.

These interactions represent the decentralized way professional networks are maintained and expanded. While the formal agenda might dictate the “what” of a conference, these individual exchanges dictate the “who,” creating a lasting social capital that extends far beyond the duration of the event itself.

Tagle concluded her reflection by expressing a desire to maintain these new relationships, stating, “I’m so glad we met. Let’s keep in touch.”