Networking Opportunities In The Event Industry

What Are Radical Ways to Connect Startups, Founders, and Investors While Showcasing Local Talent? Networking could be more than the typical hotel conference room or formal meet-and-greet over coffee. Take a bolder approach to creating unforgettable connections while supporting local entrepreneurs in 2025– ☕️ Diners and Cafés? Hold networking breakfasts at a diner or coffee shop that opened recently. Let the founder share their story of perseverance and vision while attendees connect over coffee. 🌟 Startup Spotlight Nights Feature a handful of local startups in a pitch or demo session. Pair this with food and drink from local vendors for a true celebration of community talent. 🎨 Artisan Showcases Partner with local artists, musicians, crafters, or designers to highlight creativity and business synergy, proving innovation isn’t limited to tech. 🚶♀️ Startup Safari Create a “trail” where attendees visit multiple local businesses, hear founder stories, and connect with other participants along the way. ☕ Breakfast with Founders Create intimate morning meetups for founders and investors to share advice over coffee. 🍪 Workshops at Local Spots Host events where attendees can learn the story of a local business and participate in a fun activity (like baking or crafting). ➡️ Let’s reimagine networking. Which of these ideas resonates with you to build relationships? #CollaborateForChange #FounderResources

Someone said "You should teach a transition class at events like these" while at the Air & Space Forces Association annual event in DC yesterday I explained that I have done that before...but attendance at these major events typically fell into 2x buckets: 1 - many of the senior leaders attending weren't even thinking about their transition, so they focused on talking with friends, attending events & industry engagement 2 - the ones in their transition window were hell-bent focused on "finding a job" by going to pitch themselves to every major defense contractor in attendance #quinnsights Going to these booths and saying "I'm the ...." doesn't tell them anything about what you want or can do Companies don't come to these major events to hire (they come to sell and form partnerships) And that events like these (AFA & AUSA) don't typically "get you a job" They give you an entry point (someone to speak to & maybe build a relationship) #militarytransition But the key to every event is FOLLOW UP What should you do? 1 - connect with them on LinkedIn every time Show them your QR code right there and wait for their connection request to come through (sneaky way to ensure they do) 2 - Go into My Network each night and look at your newest connections They are organized chronologically, so they will all be people from the event 3 - Send them a quick note on LinkedIn saying how great it was to meet them at (insert event name) and that you would love to stay in touch for advice This locks in that you met face-to-face in their Inbox...always leaving a reminder there in case either side reaches out (not a cold pitch) 4 - Make a networking spreadsheet that tracks the people you met AND who responded For the ones that responded, asked some simple questions or for a short advice phone call, if appropriate For the ones that didn't - send an additional follow up message one week later to thank them again and add a short easy question (they'll be back from the event & likely have more time) #militarytransition Once you get to the calls, ask questions to learn and listen more than talk to find your success Questions? Is there anything you would add? And will I see you at the AUSA Fireside Chat/Transition Panel on Tuesday Oct 15 from 1300-1500 in Rm 147A/B in the Washington Convention Center?

Most people completely waste their networking efforts the moment they leave an event. I watch professionals collect business cards like trophies, then let those connections die in their LinkedIn requests folder. That's not networking - that's contact hoarding. The real networking magic happens in the 24-48 hours after the event ends. Here's how to actually convert those conversations into valuable relationships: 1. Personalized outreach within 24 hours - Reference specific conversation details, not generic "nice meeting you" messages. Stand out among the dozen other people they met. 2. Strategic LinkedIn connections - Include context about where you met and what you discussed. Transform anonymous invitations into meaningful relationship foundations. 3. Value-added follow-through - Share relevant articles, resources, or introductions that address what they mentioned. Show you were actually listening and can provide value. 4. Propose concrete next steps - Coffee meetings, collaboration opportunities, strategic introductions. Strike while the event momentum is hot. 5. Document everything - Record their professional goals, current challenges, and collaboration opportunities. This enables strategic relationship development over time. Here's what most people get wrong: they treat networking like contact collection instead of relationship building. The goal isn't a bigger contact list - it's developing professionals who proactively support each other's success. Stop collecting business cards and start building actual relationships. Your future self will thank you. What post-networking strategies have you found most effective for converting event meetings into valuable professional relationships? Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://vist.ly/3yrck #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #relationshipbuilding #professionalnetworking #careerstrategist

It's wedding season here in The Channel! AKA the time when all the Technology Solutions Distributors host their large national events (Telarus, AVANT Communications, AppDirect, Sandler Partners, Intelisys)   Here are my recommendations on how to get the most (as a supplier) out of these events. **In no particular order** Take Notes of Connections: These events are busy and chaotic. Have a predefined way of tracking the conversations you had and the follow-up needed. Don’t think you are going to remember them all. If you are successful, it could be dozens of people you need to follow up with, and remembering them all is next to impossible.   Be Fully Present: Commit to the event wholeheartedly. Set your out-of-office replies, and focus on engaging with everyone there. Utilize every meal and meeting as a chance to connect and exchange ideas. Move around, meet new people, and foster relationships.    Join After-Hours Networking Events: Stay for the late-night gatherings. You don’t need to drink to be at the bar. This is where real connections are made in a relaxed setting. Use this time to get to know others on a personal level and not be so quick to pitch your product. Prepare Thoroughly for Meetings: Do your homework and schedule meetings with partners at the event. Prepare before meetings to understand their business and how you can add value. Have an agenda and ensure every meeting ends with a Scheduled Next Event (SNE).   Commit to Education Sessions: Participate in the sessions, even if you think you need to know the content. It’s a chance to learn what’s relevant to your partners and competitors. Use it as a professional development opportunity.   Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: Practice until it’s second nature. Be clear, concise, and confident in delivering your unique value proposition in 30 seconds or less.   Expand Beyond Your Circle: Resist the urge to stay with your colleagues. Use this time to meet new people. Spread out and make new connections that can lead to potential partnerships and opportunities.   Attend the Awards Dinner: Top sponsors have prime seating with Top Trusted Advisors, creating an invaluable networking opportunity at the dinner. Make sure to attend these ceremonies to connect with key players in the industry.   Use the Registration List Effectively: Relying just on your marketing team to send out a canned email after the event is a less effective way of growing your market. Use the list to do research and find the partners you believe you could add value to their business and reach out to them by phone.      These channel events are a great way of meeting new partners and connecting with the ones you are already finding success with. These are some of the most productive and expensive events in the industry. PRO TIP: To get an ROI out of the event put together a strategic vision and plan tactical activities with detailed metrics before the event.  

Networking hack when you don't have a network? 💡 Host events! 🥳 That might sound scary, esp. if you're an introvert like me. But it's a muscle you build. And when you host events, you get to center it around what you enjoy and who you want to surround yourself with. You become someone who people want to get to know. You become a connector. And you impart a bit of joy into the world. Yesterday, I had two separate coffees with leaders in my network who asked me how to network. It hit me that you build your network very slowly scheduling 1:1 coffees. But you build it very fast when you host events. I hate attending larger events since I rarely know anyone when I get there. But when you host your own event, people seek you out. You become the party. And you can always follow up with folks on a deeper level 1:1 afterwards. I've hosted over 250 tech events over the last decade. With Women In Product, Product Leader Summit, Sidebar, Curious Cardinals, Spero Ventures and more. And have brought together people through my breakfast club and poker nights. So follow my playbook. Host events if you're looking to build your network. And if you're part of one of my communities, I'll co-host with you! Also check out my "Networking as a SuperPower" blog post below if you want to want to learn a few more tips.

Meet Otterra. Otterra is the first GPT created specifically for landmen. NAPE Expo LP will be here soon, and Otterra is giving advice to those who are planning to attend. Today we’re sharing tips for independent landmen or land service companies looking to pick up new clients and projects. 1. Preparation is Key: * Research Attendees: Before the event, review the list of companies and attendees. You can see the floor plan here: https://lnkd.in/gjk3uSWX * Set Goals: Know what you want to achieve — be it finding new clients, learning about industry trends, or seeking out specific projects. * Schedule Meetings: If possible, schedule meetings in advance. NAPE is busy, and people's calendars fill up quickly. 2. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: * You'll meet many people and have a short time to make an impression. Ensure your pitch is concise, compelling, and clearly explains what you offer and what sets you apart. 3. Networking: * Maximize Booth Time: If you have a booth, ensure it's manned by knowledgeable and engaging staff. * Attend Social Events: Many deals and relationships are built outside the exhibit hall. Attend the mixers, receptions, and other social events. * Bring Business Cards: It might seem old-fashioned, but business cards are still a staple at industry events for a quick exchange of contact information. 4. Understand Your Audience: * Tailor your conversation based on the company type (operators, service providers, investors) and their interests. For instance, operators might be interested in your track record and efficiency, while investors might focus on your project's ROI. 5. Follow-Up is Critical: * After the event, promptly follow up with the contacts you made. Personalize your communication based on your conversation to remind them of who you are and the value you can provide. 6. Stay Informed and Be Ready to Discuss Industry Trends: * Be prepared to discuss current events, trends, and technologies in the oil, gas, and land management sectors. This shows that you're knowledgeable and proactive in your field. 7. Professionalism: * Dress appropriately and maintain a professional demeanor. First impressions are crucial, and you want to be remembered for the right reasons. BUT WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES! 8. Be Open and Approachable: * Sometimes, opportunities come from unexpected sources. Be open to conversations, even if they don't seem immediately relevant to your goals. 9. Self-Care: * Events can be exhausting. Ensure you're eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest to stay sharp and engaged throughout the event. Remember, NAPE is not just about making immediate deals but also about building relationships that can lead to opportunities down the line. Be genuine in your interactions, and focus on creating value for the people you meet. Good luck and see you there! #landmanagement #networking #energy

I created a simple system to never talk about weather at networking events again: 🌤 ... ⛈️ ... 🌩 I used to default to weather talk at every networking event. Now I have meaningful conversations that lead to real connections. Steal my exact process: Step 1: Identify your favorite conversation topics • Pick 3-4 topics you genuinely enjoy discussing • For me: travel, food, solo biz, personal development • These become your conversation targets Step 2: Plan responses for common small talk questions • Create answers that lead to your preferred topics • Include specific details that invite follow-up questions • Always end with a question to keep conversation flowing Step 3: Practice your responses • Rehearse until they feel natural, not scripted • Adjust based on what gets the best responses • Keep refining until conversations flow easily Real examples from my networking playbook: 👋 When asked "How's business?": "I'm learning to distinguish productive busy from just busy in my solo business. Everyday is a new adventure. What about you - working on anything exciting lately?” 👋 When asked "How are you?": "Energized from traveling to this event! I love connecting face-to-face with coaches after working 20 years in corporate IT. Very different vibe! What about you, what are you working on lately? 👋 When asked "Where are you from?": "St. Louis for over 20 years now. The affordable cost of living helped me launch my solo business last year. How about you?” 👋 When asked "What do you do?": "Former IT project manager who discovered CliftonStrengths and pivoted to become a ghostwriter for coaches. It’s a wild ride! What exciting things are you working on?” TL;DR: • Identify topics you enjoy discussing • Prepare engaging responses to common questions • Practice until your responses feel natural Ten minutes of prep can transforms networking from awkward weather chat to deeper connections. Not a bad way to increase your surface area of luck (to quote my friend Pamela Wilton) ❓What's your go-to response to "So, what do you do?" Share in the comments below! ♻️ Share or repost if you find this helpful! ~ ~ ~ 😀 Hi, I’m Angeline. Content partner for coaches and certified CliftonStrengths Coach 💡 Helping CliftonStrengths® coaches turn workshop attendees into paying clients with automated follow-up emails Top 5: Relator | Arranger | Input | Learner | Responsibility #CliftonStrengths #Coaching #PersonalDevelopment #Ghostwriter #emailseries #leadgen #RecoveringOverthinker

In a world where your online profile could be your first handshake, the age-old art of in-person networking can feel like a lost relic. Yet, there’s an undeniable magic in the live, human connection that no digital interface can replicate. So, when you're stepping into the arena of face-to-face networking, how do you harness that magic effectively? Let’s break down the strategic play into clear, actionable tactics for making a lasting impact. Invent a Signature Ice-Breaker: Create an engaging question or share an interesting anecdote that’s personal and reflective of your interests. Rehearse it enough so that it feels natural, allowing you to deliver it with confidence and ease. Enter with Purpose: Clarify your intentions before the event. Are you there to find new clients, potential partners, or maybe to scout for new talent? With every handshake and introduction, have a clear objective in mind to drive the conversation. Ask with Precision: Arm yourself with well-thought-out questions that are relevant to current industry trends and individual expertise. Aim to get deeper insights by asking for examples and experiences, not just surface-level information. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in responses, maintaining eye contact and responsive body language. Build on their replies with thoughtful, engaging follow-up questions. Exchange Value: Go into every conversation with the mindset of what you can offer them—an idea, a connection, or even just an interesting conversation. True networking is reciprocal; aim to provide value in every exchange. Connect and Follow Up: Whether you prefer a classic business card or a digital link, have your contact information readily accessible. Cement new connections with a personalized follow-up message within a day of the meeting. With these tactics in your arsenal, you’re ready to turn every networking opportunity into a strategic stepping stone for your professional journey. Remember, it’s the quality of the connections, not just the quantity, that builds a robust network.

At one event, the emcee wrapped the opening session by saying, “You’ve got 45 minutes to network — go!” No prompts. No structure. No plan. The result? A few people started working the room — business cards in hand. Nearly half stayed in conversations with people they already knew. The rest stood awkwardly scanning the room, hoping someone would approach… then excused themselves to “use the bathroom” and slipped outside. That was the day I promised myself I’d never let “networking” be a free-for-all. If it matters to your event, it has to be designed. Here’s how to make networking actually work: * Provide conversation starters and guided activities. * Create more intimate spaces designed for connection. * Recruit and empower super connectors to make introductions with ease. Networking without design isn’t networking — it’s chance. What’s one creative way you’ve seen an event make networking easier?

I've left more industry conferences than I can count feeling more isolated than when I arrived. They're great for vendor demos and regulatory updates. But as a woman? And an introvert? These events left me feeling like an outsider looking in. They created more anxiety than advancement. The very networking they promoted felt isolating. So I built Women in Consumer Finance. Here's what it feels like when you design specifically for women: ☕BREAKFAST Industry events → Wonder if you'll know anyone → Grab coffee, sit alone Feels like: lonely, anxious WCF → Join your pre-assigned team table → Teammates already know your name Feels like: safe, positive 🎤GENERAL SESSION Industry events → Sit among crowd in huge ballroom → Famous keynote you'll forget next week Feels like: a solo experience WCF → Sit with team & connect over shared experience → Stories from women just like you Feels like: a shared experience 💡BREAKOUTS Industry events → "AI and the Future of Finance" → "Federal & State Regulatory Update" Feels like: Surface-level info WCF → "Juggling Kids & Career: Real Talk for Working Moms" → "Visibility for Women Who Hate Self-Promotion" Feels like: They get me ⏸️BREAKS Industry events → Wander the exhibit hall → Check email, return to room for conference call Feels like: An obstacle to get through WCF → Shop for gifts in curated marketplace → Bond with your team in trivia or scavenger hunt Feels like: refreshingly fun 🎉EVENING Industry events → Hotel bar networking or vendor-sponsored suite crawl → Feel the pressure to come back with leads Feels like: socially exhausting WCF → Like you're immediate family at a wedding reception → Dancing and laughing with your new tribe Feels like: tiring, but in the best way ✈️DEPARTURE Industry events → Promise to "stay in touch" (you won't) → Return to work with same network Feels like: checked a box WCF → Exchange phone numbers with new friends → 8-10 genuine connections who respond to your calls Feels like: transformative experience The difference? Industry events = networking and staying current WCF = women's career advancement The results? Within one year of attending WCF: → 58% take on tasks previously outside their comfort zone → 37% get recognized for contributing at a higher level → 52% begin mentoring others in their company → 1 in 4 receives a promotion at their company → 1 in 5 gets a new client from relationships built at WCF → 1 in 5 speak at conferences or webinars for the first time Because relationships - not contacts - drive career success. And belonging - more than anything else - drives the confidence needed to step up. ♻ Repost to share with women who deserve to feel less alone in their careers. 🎫 Get in on the advancement, November 10-12, in Charlotte! https://lnkd.in/e7cJ7_6U 📥 If this spoke to you and you'd like to get to know each other, please DM me!