Networking to grow and sustain important business connections is an infinitely important part of a successful business, especially in the New York event planning world. There are always new happenings and expos around the city that serve as perfect opportunities to cast a connection net, meet new potential sponsors, and elevate your event planning business’ presence. And if you needed more reasons to pencil in your attendance to networking events in 2024, here are four advantages you can’t afford to miss.
1. Be Seen As a Brand and a Professional
As an event planning business exec, just attending a networking event isn’t enough, and while networking events offer a lot of room to be seen, you still have to make yourself and your event planning business stand out. Increasing visibility and overall presence at an event is an easy first step to taking full advantage of networking events that come your way.
2. Improve Business Connections
To be a little cliche, the event planning world is your oyster, and networking events help you snatch up all those precious pearls. Industry connections are valuable, even if it seems like they might not be immediately.
The fact that you’re developing some interpersonal relationships with others in the New York event planning business world means you’ll be more recognizable and memorable when opportunities pop up down the line.
3. Get Those Creative Juices Flowing
Networking events are an interesting place to be, especially in New York City. It transforms into a melting pot of people and ideas that get bounced around, discussed, broken down, and reassembled. Just like seeking out a second and third opinion, networking events can be fantastic platforms to soundboard ideas, solve a problem your business might be having, and find new inspiration.
4. Grow Your Business
Networking isn’t all about pouring into a mass event to gain a little bit of ROI. It can also be a way to educate yourself on the finer workings of event planning business details. Learn the latest business strategies, new industry insights, and up-and-coming products.
Where Can You Find Networking Events?
The simple answer – Anywhere. The more detailed answer – Anywhere. Every opportunity you have to get in the room with someone new means harnessing new ideas, growing, and becoming a better version of yourself. Incredibly networking opportunities can show up anywhere, but they won’t matter if they’re not penciled into your calendar.
Some great places that prove to be perfect networking opportunities include:
- Fundraisers and charity events
- Chamber of Commerce events
- Business after-hours events
- Ribbon cuttings
- Morning “mingles”
- Open houses or business launches
- Local and national trade shows
- Business conferences
- Offshoot block events and bazaars, like the one in Harlem.
You don’t always have to have a booth, be a vendor, or pay extra to sit at the big table. Networking on a grassroots level to gain intimate knowledge of local options is just as vital to a successful business reputation as meeting other executives is.
The Best of All Networking Events in 2024
The Event Planner Expo has consistently ranked top-tier in terms of events and hospitality industry expos. With over 150 exhibitors and thousands of high-profile guests, the 2024 expo is projected to easily top previous years. Learn events industry secrets, build local NY and national connections, discover essential business insights, and more by securing your spot on The Expo Waitlist today. And trust us – you don’t want to miss this premier networking opportunity!
