• Be positive. If you truly don't want to go to the event, then don't go. People will know if you are feeling lousy and would rather not be there. Your eyes will tell the truth no matter what comes out of your mouth. So make sure you want to go before you make a bad impression that you can't erase.
• Think of the benefits of attending the event. Know why you are there. Are you there to get exposure, to meet people or merely because you "have to be there." If your attendance is required, that's fine to acknowledge to yourself, anything else would be dishonest, just make sure that you've gotten your positive attitude into gear before you walk on stage.  If not, then you should stay home.
• Prepare your self-introduction. Your self-introduction will depend on the event you are attending. But keep in mind that any self-introduction should be short and pithy. Keep it under nine seconds. Make sure you use phrases that will help people remember who you are. Keeping your introduction basic and adding a bit of humor is usually the best bet.
• Bring your business cards. This is important. This is how people will be able to get in touch with you in the future. Make sure you bring enough for your event. If you want to give someone your card, but the person hasn't asked for it, you can ask for that person's card to get the person involved in card exchange. Take other people's cards, and when you do, look at them, if possible comment on the card, then look back at the person. Acknowledge the givers, and they will see you as a good receiver. As soon as possible write something on the card that will help you remember the person, then file the card away where you will be able to find it. Don't throw it in the bottom of your purse or crunch it up in your wallet only to discover it months later in a state of degradation.
• Prepare some light and entertaining small talk appropriate to your event. Try to come up with three pieces of conversation that people will appreciate.  If you stand around saying nothing, you will make people uncomfortable. Remember to neither hog the conversation floor nor to say too little. Both are rude and unacceptable behaviors when you go to an event.
• Make eye contact and give a warm smile. This is important. People will not feel you are sincere if your eyes are wandering about the room while you are introducing yourself. They'll just think you're looking for someone more important to talk to—and they'd probably be right. Be sincere. Really pay attention to the person you're engaging. make that person feel like he or she is the most important person in the room.
• Practice an appropriate handshake. That means a handshake that is not too hard and not too soft, but just right. You want to generate just the right combination of warmth and strength—without overwhelming the other person.

-adapted from How to Work a Room, by Susan Roane