Joshua, I would pick out a few people who are 'luminaries' in your research field. You can probably tell who they are from the key people in your course work, references etc and from your professors. Then make an effort to meet each of them at the conference. You may be able to check in advance if they are coming. You can also email them and ask if they are going, that you would like to meet them, and maybe talk about (x), x being your topic, or perhaps some related idea you think they will be interested in. You can think of some possible (x) in advance even.
Then, going into the conference, you either have people to see, or you can search for them. Make sure to go to the networking events, the cocktail party, the dinners. Try to sit at table with one of them.
My advice is don't hesitate to go up and speak to your person; most profs are more than happy to chat about work or answer a question or two.
The exhibit area is another place you can often catch your target browsing.
It takes a bit of gall, but can be well worth it. Basic sales techniques.
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Bruce Hartman
Professor
University of St. Francis
Tucson, AZ United States
bruce@ahartman.netwebsite:http://drbrucehartman.net/brucewebsite/
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