Networking for Event Planners

Whoever coined the word “networking” needs to go to jail. Ask 10 people how to do it, you’ll get ten different answers. And that’s the problem. Because networking isn’t one skill. It’s FIVE. Unless you know which one you’re practicing, you’ll always leave events feeling like you “didn’t network enough.” Here’s the breakdown: 1. The Skill of Initiating The courage to walk up, introduce yourself, and open a conversation that isn’t empty small talk. Start with something real enough to spark interest, but light enough not to overwhelm. Most people fail here because they wait for the “perfect moment.” 2. The Skill of Listening Sounds cliché, but it isn’t. Great connectors aren’t the smoothest talkers, they’re the sharpest listeners. The right questions make people open up. A direct pitch kills networking. Listening makes it come alive. 3. The Skill of Positioning The least discussed skill. Positioning isn’t bragging. It’s telling your story so it sticks. A one-liner people can carry with them and repeat when you’re not in the room. Confuse them, and you’ve lost them. 4. The Skill of Following Up The most underrated. A conversation without follow-up is just noise. Real networking begins the next day—when you show you remembered, cared, and chose to continue. 5. The Skill of Compounding Networking isn’t built in a single night. It’s the compounding of tiny touchpoints over years. That stranger in the coffee line becomes an ally when you’ve shown up enough times with small acts of value. Now here’s the thing: You can’t master all five at once. And you shouldn’t even try. At your next event, pick one. Maybe it’s just practicing your opener. Maybe it’s testing your one-liner. Maybe it's religiously sticking to your follow-up. Get one right. Build momentum. Then move on to the next Because networking isn’t a gift. It’s not “some people have it, others don’t.” It’s a learned skill. And like every other skill, it’s mastered piece by piece—not in one grand performance. So stop treating networking like a mystical ability. Start training it like the craft it actually is. Which of the five are you good at? Which one do you struggle with? #networking #communication #collaboration #mindset #work #skills #event

I MISSED THE OPPORTUNITIES! There was a time when I would speak at events and not fully seize the opportunities before me. Too focused on the performance of my talk, I overlooked the chance to build my network and meet potential collaborators. I realised I needed to make the most of each speaking opportunity. So I put together a strategy to connect more effectively with my audience, ensuring every interaction could lead to deeper relationships and future collaborations. Here’s how I changed my approach to audience engagement: ONE ↳ Meet and greet networking - I started actively networking with my audience, treating it like a meet and greet. This face-to-face interaction made my presence more memorable and personal. TWO ↳ Resource kit via QR Code - I created a QR code for attendees to scan, giving them access to a resource kit related to my talk, like a parting gift that keeps giving. This could be my slides or additional content to help them take further action. THREE ↳ Business literature - I ensured that everyone could leave with my contact information through well-crafted business literature, making it easy for them to reach out later. FOUR ↳ Collaboration with organisers - I worked with event organisers to feature in their follow-up emails. This not only reinforced my message but also kept my name in circulation among the attendees. FIVE ↳ Post-talk conversations - Staying behind to answer questions or have further discussions showed my commitment to the audience beyond just delivering a talk. And guess what? It worked. These steps didn’t just enrich my speaking engagements; they turned each appearance into a networking opportunity. I started building a strong network, discovering great opportunities, and developing long-term relationships. Now, every time I step off the stage, the conversation isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Engaging with the audience post-talk has taught me that the true value of speaking engagements often comes after the applause stops. It’s all about the follow-up. To anyone looking to make the most out of their speaking opportunities: Don’t just share your knowledge, be ready to build lasting connections. It’s these relationships that will carry your message further and open new doors. To your successes, Zoe

I've closed more deals from photographing a table plan than from any pitch. Teach me how to get great at networking, and a table plan is exactly where I would start. The people who are good at networking aren't necessarily the smoothest talkers in the room. They simply did the work before they arrived and are more interested in you than in sounding interesting themselves. Most of the value isn't created at the event at all. It's created before and after it. 1. Before I commit to anything, I ask for the guest list. Who's going, where do they work, and whether it’s worth my time. If I can't get a list, I think hard about whether to go at all. Your time doesn't come back, so make the room earn it. I'm not there to collect fifty business cards. I'm there for a few conversations that do actually lead somewhere. 2. Then I sort the boring stuff, because the boring stuff is what trips people up. A business card, even now, with a QR code I've checked actually works. One broken link can quietly cost you a deal. A phone with enough battery to swap details all evening. And the right clothes for the room. Knowing the dress code does more than make you comfortable. It makes you look like you belong, and people walk towards those who look like they belong. 3. In the room, I keep one rule: The conversation goes both ways. A short, confident introduction is enough to break the ice. After that, I'm asking questions to learn, not perform.  There's good research showing that asking someone for advice makes you look more capable, not less, especially on a hard problem. People remember being asked. The intern you're chatting to today could be running their own company in five years. 4. Now the table plan: If I can’t get the guest list, I photograph any list of names there and name badges before people arrive. By the end of the night, I've got a record of everyone I didn't reach. I did exactly that at The Times CEO Summit recently. I followed up with the people I'd missed, asked for a coffee, and some of those chats are now future projects. Do it within 48 hours, while the event is still fresh in their mind. 5. The part most people get wrong is treating networking as transactional. The relationships that have mattered most to me were built authentically. I worked out what I could offer first, then led with that, whether it was an introduction, some hard-won experience, or a door I could open. Know what you bring and give it without keeping score. None of this is a rigid set of rules. It's about preparation, and genuinely curious about people. Get those two things right, and networking starts feeling like the best part of the job. What's the best networking advice you've ever been given? I'd like to hear it. For more founder questions and answers, join my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ergDQtiK

I was recently at an event with a group of professional speakers. Perhaps surprisingly, almost all of us were introverts. Getting up on stage and delivering a keynote? Totally calm. What *really* provokes my anxiety: walking into a crowded room where I don’t know a single person. I hate that feeling so much that years ago, I vowed I’d never again go to a big “networking event.” Instead, I follow a few strategies that make life easier as an introvert who still wants — and needs — to meet interesting people and make business connections: 1)  Host instead of attend — Organize small dinners or gatherings. It flips the dynamic: people come to you. 2)  Leverage 1:1s — Reach out in advance to meet someone for coffee instead of “working the room.” 3) Leverage other events — Invite someone you want to know to join you at a talk, performance, or workshop. For more practical strategies to connect without burnout: ·              Join my newsletter: dorieclark.com/subscribe ·              Share your go-to networking tips below ·              Repost this to help other introverts

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

It's Not an Event. It's a Way of Life... When most people hear the word networking, they think of name tags, conference halls, LinkedIn connections, and polite small talk over canapés. But real networking is far more powerful—and far more personal—than that. Networking isn’t an event. It’s a way of showing up in the world. You are networking every time you make a genuine connection, express interest in someone else’s journey, or offer value without expectation. Weddings. Funerals. Church. School functions. Even a neighbor’s BBQ. You don’t need to wait for a “networking event” to build your network. Life is full of opportunities to connect—if you’re paying attention. How to Network Without Calling It Networking 1. Do more listening than talking. The best networkers are not smooth talkers. They are curious listeners. People open up when they feel heard. When they feel seen. Make it your goal to leave every interaction knowing more about the other person than they know about you. 2. Focus less on what you want to get. Pour more into what you can give. Ask not, “What can this person do for me?” but, “What can I do for them?” Sometimes that’s an introduction, a compliment, a resource—or just showing up and caring. It’s a shift from extraction to generosity. 3. Never show up empty-handed. Whether it’s a boardroom, someone’s home, or a casual meet-up—bring something. Small gestures leave deep impressions. This doesn’t always mean a gift you buy. It could be a kind word, a thoughtful question, or a helping hand. Relationships Are Not One-Size-Fits-All 4. Use emotional intelligence. Not everyone wants the same kind of connection. Some people thrive on regular contact. Others prefer a quiet, respectful “keep-warm” relationship. Pay attention. Let your EQ guide how and how often you engage. 5. Build bridges, not just ladders. A strong network is not made up only of the most powerful people in the room. Sometimes the most helpful person is the least expected. Be intentional about cultivating both vertical and horizontal relationships—mentors, peers, juniors. Diversity brings strength, creativity, and resilience. 6. Play the long game. Networking isn’t about quick wins. It’s about planting seeds and nurturing them over time. Be consistent. Be genuine. One small interaction today might become a transformative opportunity tomorrow. In the end, networking is just another word for community. It’s how we lift each other up. How we grow. How we give. And it’s happening all around you—if you learn to look for it. So the next time you go to an event—or to a dinner, a party, or any social gathering —don’t ask, “What can I get from here?” Ask instead: “How can I be of service?” That’s where real networking begins. Stay blessed 🙏🏼

A lot of the value of attending or speaking at a conference doesn’t come from being there. It comes from what you do afterwards. How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the networking receptions, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, especially after returning from a conference and then move on to the next thing without following up. What you proactively do after the event is what can turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of attending your next conference: ✔️ Prioritize the people you met and follow up with context on LinkedIn or by email, referencing your conversation and suggesting a clear next step ✔️ Follow up with organizers to share feedback and express interest in speaking or getting involved in future programming ✔️ Turn your conference notes into key takeaways and share them as content (LinkedIn post, blog post or short video) connected to your work, your clients or what you’re seeing in the market ✔️ Host your own webinar to recap key themes and extend the conversation ✔️ Interview speakers or attendees whose perspectives stood out and use that content in a webinar, blog post or on social media ✔️ Host an internal recap to share key insights and connect them to your team’s work ✔️ Turn questions or conversations from the event into content or targeted outreach ✔️ Share insights from the event in an email newsletter ✔️ Add relevant new contacts to your email list so you can stay visible with them ✔️ Create a simple system to stay in touch with the people who matter most ✔️ Review the attendee list and reach out to people you didn’t meet ✔️ Follow up with speakers you admired, even if you didn’t connect in person ✔️ Identify one trend or theme you kept hearing across conversations and proactively share that perspective with clients or colleagues You already put in the time and energy to be there. This is how you carry that momentum forward. Which of these ideas resonated most with you? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment #PersonalBrandingTips

Wish to decode the art of networking in corporate events? Do you go to various corporate events but struggle to establish valuable connections? It’s all about the follow up!! Strong follow-up strategies convert these events from a collection of handshakes and business cards to the starting point of potential long-term business relationships. Here are some intuitive yet impactful ways to transform those initial meetings into fruitful collaborations: 1️⃣Timeliness is Key: Follow up within 48 hours of the event. This time frame ensures your conversation is still fresh in their minds, making your outreach more meaningful. 2️⃣Personalize Your Approach: Generic emails get lost in the shuffle. Tailor your message by referencing a specific topic from your conversation. This shows genuine interest and sets the tone for a personalized connection. 3️⃣Offer Value in Your Follow-Up: Instead of a simple "nice to meet you," include something of value in your follow-up. This could be an article relevant to your discussion, an introduction to a contact in your network, or an invitation to an upcoming industry event. Providing value demonstrates that you're interested in a mutually beneficial relationship. 4️⃣Use Multiple Channels Wisely: While email is standard, don't shy away from connecting on LinkedIn with a personalized note. For deeper connections, a phone call can be more effective. Choose the medium based on the rapport you established. 5️⃣Set the Stage for the Next Interaction: Instead of leaving the conversation open-ended, propose a specific follow-up action. This could be a coffee meeting, a scheduled call to discuss potential collaborations, or an invitation to another relevant event. Remember, successful networking doesn't end at the event; it's just beginning. With these strategies, you can turn brief encounters into lasting business relationships, paving the way for growth and new opportunities. #networking #businessevents #offlineevents #meetings #B2B #GTM #ABM #marketing #linkedincreators

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth