I’ve often heard people say “networking only really works in person” and that online events are just for watching talks.

My own Java career proved the opposite, thanks to an online conference and one very important person: Bruno Souza.

We first “met” at the Java Champions Conference, a fully online event. I wasn’t a speaker, organizer, or VIP--just a participant. But I decided I wouldn’t be a passive viewer.

Here’s what I did:

1️⃣ I joined as many talks as I could

2️⃣ I used my real name so people would recognize me

3️⃣ I asked honest, thoughtful questions in the chat

4️⃣I commented, encouraged speakers, and tried to add value for everyone

From Bruno’s side, he later told me that as a speaker and moderator, he kept seeing:

“Vincent, Vincent, Vincent…” in session after session. 🤣

🔍 That consistent, visible participation made me stand out (in a good way).

Over time, that led to:

◼️ Real conversations after the event

◼️ Mentorship and guidance

◼️ Growing inside a strong community

◼️ Becoming an Oracle ACE & vExpert

And eventually… working with Bruno and welcoming him twice to Lille in person 🇫🇷

All of this started from an online event.

💡 What I’ve learned about online networking for developers:

- Use a recognizable profile (real name, real face)

- Be a positive, helpful presence in chats

- Ask questions you genuinely have – others likely have them too

- Thank the speakers and acknowledge their effort

- After the talk, follow up on LinkedIn or X and mention the session

- Share screenshots or photos of you watching, and tag the speaker and conference

- If it’s live, share the link and invite others to join

Online events may feel harder for networking than in‑person ones.

But they’re also full of opportunity if you show up, contribute, and make yourself visible in a respectful and constructive way.

Thanks to the Java community, to Bruno Souza, and to the great people I’ve met through mentorship and participation (Luiz Real, Thiago Gonzaga, François Martin, Csilla Szántó and other great people...), I’ve added a lot of value to my work and my career. And this is just the beginning. 🌍☕

If you’re a developer watching talks from home:

👉 Don’t just watch. Participate. That’s how doors open.

How do you stay visible and engaged during online tech events? I’d love to hear your approach 👇

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Go further with Java certification:

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