9 Networking Tips To Help Event Planners Successfully Connect

October 6, 2019 Susan Serena Douglin

41% of event creators say they'll spend more money on marketing--specifically social media and email.

Knowing that event creators are spending money on marketing is neither a good or bad thing for event planners, but how do you make sure you get in front of the money? To market an event, there has to be an event to market.

How do you make sure you're the one that stands out at the networking event and gets the job? Continue reading this article to find out how to make yourself the most attractive option as an event planner.

The Truth About Networking Event Success

When you go to a networking party or other types of career networking events, let's face it--these aren't always the most pleasant experiences. Sometimes you feel like you're on one long job interview.

You feel as if your career might just take a nosedive if you don't crush every single conversation and make everyone love you. The good news is that's not the case at all.

You can still win if you mess up on a conversation or if someone can't stand being around you. Read the following tips to find out how to win at the networking game.

1. Wear a Name Tag

Even if name tags don't look amazing on your outfit, they can be very helpful. People that find it easier to remember when they see something vs. hear something and will be greatly appreciative.

When you wear your name tag, if you get to write on it, you can do a little doodle if you like. A little doodle related to your business or a crude drawing of your logo can get attention and even be a conversation starter.

2. Remember Names (You Can Cheat)

Whether remembering names is your strong suit or not, it is very important. If you meet someone and you want to remember their name, you can put it in your phone. To make it easier to remember them, you can look up their photo on LinkedIn and save it alongside their name.

Most people that are at networking events know the importance of having a LinkedIn profile so this works pretty well most of the time. If you can't find them, write down something visual that makes it easy to remember them.

3. Have a Goal Before You Go

Before you even go to a networking event, have a goal. You should know if there is a certain person you want to meet or someone with a specific title. Whatever your goal is, you need to remember it as you have conversations.

4. Dress Appropriately

Look back at past events to see what people wore at those events. While it is better to be overdressed than underdressed, it will help you decide what to pack if the event is far away. If the event is within driving distance, then it might not be a problem but oftentimes big industry events aren't in your town.

5. Don't Forget Your Business Cards

A beginner blunder is getting excited about an event and walking out the door without your business cards. If you go out the door, forget your cards and remember them halfway there, come back and get them. People that are interested in connecting will ask you for your cards and if you don't have them, you'll look unprepared and unprofessional.

6. Be Confident When Meeting Someone New

When meeting someone new, look them in the eye with a smile. While you don't want to pierce their eyes, you do need to be able to keep eye contact confidently. People love being around and working with confident people.

7. Introduce Other People to Each Other

The other people at the event are just as nervous about making a good impression as you are. One of the ways you can meet more people without awkward situations is by introducing people to each other.

Let's say you're standing with someone and you've got their name. You look over and notice someone not far away, but they aren't talking with anyone. If they're close enough to hear you without yelling, call them over and introduce yourself and the person you're talking to.

They will be glad you saved them from sitting or standing alone, and you'll get to meet them as well. You're the hero. Win-win.

8. Pay Attention

When people talk to you, make sure you pay attention. Many times, we get in our own heads and we constantly are thinking about what we're going to say next. Remember that it is okay to pause and think about what people say before you respond.

There is no race to respond to the other person's conversation. People won't mind if you take a minute to think about what they said before you reply to them. When you take the time to listen, contemplate and reply, it shows you pay attention to what they say and people like that.

9. Follow Up

Now that you've got all of these great contacts from a successful networking event, what do you do? Do you let them sit in your desk until it gets weird and people won't even remember who you were?

Of course not!

It's time to give some of the people you feel you connect with well a call. If you noted that they would rather text or email, then you can follow up with them through their chosen way of communication.

To read more tips on networking for event planners, be sure to visit our blog!

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