How to best take advantage of networking opportunities

I just got back from the spring Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group meeting. I am learning that more of the time I spend at these oncology meetings is really best used for networking, and not for knowledge acquisition, which I can get via the web, journals and review courses in a more productive manner. But we don't learn how to network in medical school, do we? So, how do you best take advantage of these opportunities to talk with and make an impression on leading oncology academicians? Here are a few useful (albeit business-focused, ick) articles I found helpful:

Networking for introverts. My favorite piece of advice? You will kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince(ss).
From Penelope Trunk, the new networking means being your authentic self.
How futuristic: How to network online!
A special article for working moms (from the good site Blue Suit Moms), how to network specifically at a conference.

I hope these are helpful to you. I find that I cover so much more ground in person than through e-mail or on the phone, and the professional opportunities quickly make up for the inconveniences of travel. Good luck!