Leave room in the circle

Summary

This pattern is for anyone mingling at a conference, reception or networking event. It describes how to stand so others can join, how to join a group yourself, and how to leave one gracefully.

Recommendation	Why?
When standing in a group, leave a gap about one person wide.	The open shape (sometimes called the “Pac-Man rule”) signals that others are welcome, and someone can step in without asking.
Shift to widen the circle when someone approaches.	Making space is the clearest welcome there is, and it saves the newcomer from hovering.
To join, approach an open group, stand at the edge and listen.	You get a sense of the topic and avoid interrupting mid-sentence.
Wait for a natural pause, then introduce yourself briefly.	A name and a one-line reason you’re there is enough, and it lets the group carry on.
Wear your name badge on the right side of your chest.	When you shake hands with your right hand, the other person’s eye naturally falls on your right side.
Leave by giving a short, honest reason and thanks.	“I’m going to grab a coffee before the next session, it was good to meet you” closes the conversation warmly.
Follow up within a week with anyone you’d like to stay in touch with.	People still remember the conversation, and a brief message with something specific turns a chat into a contact.

Context

This pattern suits coffee breaks, poster sessions, receptions and other standing events where people move between groups.

It does not suit a seated dinner, a private conversation that’s clearly closed (two people talking quietly face to face), or a group that’s obviously in a tense or confidential discussion. In those cases, wait or find another group.

There’s a trade-off between depth and breadth. Staying with one group gives you a longer, more useful conversation, while moving on lets you meet more people. This pattern encourages open groups so that both are possible, but it’s fine to stay put when a conversation is going well.

Usage

In a group: keep your body angled slightly open toward the room. When someone joins, greet them, give a one-sentence recap of the topic and include them in the next question.

Joining: look for groups of three or more with a visible gap, or someone standing alone. Make eye contact, smile, and wait for the pause. Plan your breaks with Plan your conference, leave gaps so you’re not always rushing off.

Leaving: wait until you’ve finished speaking or the topic shifts, then excuse yourself. If you promised to send something, note it straight away.

Shared spaces: the same habit of making room applies elsewhere, as in Riding an elevator.

References

Conference organisers and professional associations often publish networking tips for attendees. The open-group idea is widely shared among event organisers as an informal social convention.