Attending a professional conference is an effective way to explore and advance knowledge, skills, and careers. For graduate students, attending a conference is an effective way to explore academic fields and new professions. However, attending a professional conference requires precious resources--time and money--so the decision to attend, or not, is often difficult. In this reflection, the author shares her experience and a framework for graduate students, and professionals, to maximize attending professional conferences. Based on her conference experience, reflection, and research, an overarching theme of "making connections" emerged and formed the foundation for a model. Although the model's focus is graduate students making connections at a professional conference, the "making connections" opportunities and best practices also apply to seasoned professionals. Although no one person will experience all connections at all conferences, each graduate student or professional has the opportunity to experience multiple connections and benefits. (Contains 1 figure.)