Networking sounds great in theory, until you’re standing at a crowded event, clutching your drink, scanning the room for someone you should know.
Where do you even start? (Start by not skipping The Expo!)
The truth is, connecting with the right people in the event world isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing the landscape, showing up prepared, and understanding that relationships don’t happen overnight.
Know the Lay of the Land
Before you dive into handshakes and business cards, step back and look at the bigger picture.
The event industry isn’t one big room. It’s more like a city with neighborhoods.
Corporate conferences. Luxury weddings. Trade shows. Experiential marketing pop-ups. Each one has its own insiders, trends, and unspoken rules.
So pick your lane.
If you’re in the luxury scene, maybe that means studying BizBash or Event Marketer, or tuning into what NYC planners are posting on LinkedIn.
Get familiar with who’s shaping conversations in your niche, from creative directors to venue owners to tech innovators. Because when you know what’s moving the industry, you suddenly have something real to talk about.
Find the People Who Actually Matter to You
You don’t need to meet everyone. Just the right ones.
Make a list of at least 10 to 15 leaders who feel relevant to where you’re headed. Not just the biggest names. Look for the ones who share your style, your vision, or the kind of clients you want to attract.
Check their LinkedIn posts, read interviews, and notice who they collaborate with.
Find common ground. That’s what makes your first message or conversation natural, not forced.
Prep Like It’s Game Day
Here’s the secret: great networkers rarely wing it.
Before any event or intro call, know your story. Know what you want to say when someone asks, “So what do you do?”
It’s not a script. It’s a rhythm.
Try something simple:
“I design experiences that make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a story. I’m especially focused on sustainable event design, the kind that looks amazing and leaves a lighter footprint.”
Thirty seconds. Clean, confident, memorable.
Approach With Curiosity, Not Pressure
If you’re walking into a conference, skip the hard sell. Catch people during breaks, not mid-panel. Lead with genuine interest: “I saw your work at the [brand name] launch last year. That setup was stunning.”
And then, listen. Really listen.
Networking that sticks isn’t transactional. It’s conversational. It’s being curious, not desperate.
One real connection beats a stack of business cards every time.
Show Up Online, Too
This is the year where digital networking is just as powerful as meeting in person.
On LinkedIn, skip the generic “let’s connect.” Add a note. Mention a talk they gave or a post that made you think.
Instagram? Use it to show your creative eye. Not just glossy photos, but behind-the-scenes stories.
And don’t sleep on platforms like LinkedIn Live or EventProfs communities. That’s where the quiet, meaningful conversations often start.
Keep Showing Up
Networking isn’t a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing practice.
The planners and producers who stand out in NYC’s event world? They’re visible. They’re consistent. They nurture relationships long after the first hello.
Yes, it takes time. But one introduction can shift everything: a collaboration, a client, a career pivot.
So start small. Be real. Keep showing up.
Ready to Level Up Your Network?
If you’re serious about meeting the people shaping the future of events, you have to be at The Event Planner Expo 2025.
It’s where you’ll rub shoulders with top planners, corporate buyers, and global brands in New York City. You’ll hear from marketing legends, learn what’s next in event tech, and maybe meet your next big collaborator over coffee.
Get your tickets now and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
