Here's how you can optimize your attendance at networking events as a social media manager.

Es crucial conocer a las personas o perfiles que asistirán al evento de Networking. Esta información te permitirá generar conversaciones relevantes y tener contexto sobre los desafíos y oportunidades en las que puedes contribuir y aportar valor. Aunque no es obligatorio, es una recomendación que aumentará tus posibilidades de establecer relaciones duraderas y lograr grandes contactos. Cuantas más herramientas lleves contigo, mejor será para ti.

Effective preparation goes beyond research—it’s about strategic positioning. Curate talking points based on trending industry topics to showcase expertise. Prepare an elevator pitch that highlights your value as a social media manager. Schedule pre-event interactions by engaging with speakers and attendees on LinkedIn or X (Twitter). Optimize your digital presence with a pinned post or featured work to guide new connections. Carry digital or QR-code business cards for seamless networking. Setting SMART goals—whether brand visibility, partnerships, or trend insights—ensures every interaction is purposeful, maximizing event ROI.

Before the Event: - Set goals (e.g., connect with 5 potential clients). - Optimize your profile (update LinkedIn and social media). - Prepare an elevator pitch. During the Event: - Engage with purpose (connect with your niche). - Share value (offer social media tips). - Collect contacts (exchange business cards or connect on LinkedIn). After the Event: - Follow up within 48 hours. - Stay active (engage with their content). - Offer a freebie (share a useful resource).

I maximize networking events by engaging online before, sharing live updates, and building genuine connections. Post-event, I follow up to nurture collaborations.

As social media managers, we need to connect with new audiences, reach more capable people, grab their attention, listen carefully, provide research tips, and suggest new tools to speed up their work.

Active engagement at networking events extends beyond in-person interactions. Leverage social media by using event hashtags, tagging speakers, and sharing key takeaways via LinkedIn posts or live tweets. Engage in meaningful conversations by listening first and offering insights that add value. Participate in breakout sessions, panels, or roundtables to establish authority and visibility. Post-event, nurture connections by commenting on attendees’ content and initiating follow-ups. A balanced approach—mixing online and offline interactions—ensures you leave a lasting impression and build relationships that go beyond the event.

As social media managers, we need to connect with new audiences, reach more capable people, grab their attention, listen carefully, provide research tips, and suggest new tools to speed up their work.

Como oficial de projetos na OIT Brasil, participo de muitos eventos e palestras representando a minha instituição. Muitas vezes, eu já até conheço algumas das pessoas que lá estão, mas estar com elas presencialmente em um mesmo lugar, traz um aprofundamento das relações interpessoais que não é possível alcançar de outra forma. No final das contas, é no cafezinho e conversas de corredor que fechamos nos conectamos de maneira mais sólida.

Once you're at the event, be fully present and approachable. Smile, make eye contact, and approach people with genuine curiosity. Ask open-ended questions that encourage meaningful conversations rather than surface-level exchanges. Listen attentively, take mental notes, and find common ground. Avoid the temptation to talk solely about yourself or your services—instead, focus on building connections. Remember, networking is about relationships, not transactions.

Connecting digitally amplifies networking impact beyond the event. Use LinkedIn and X (Twitter) to send personalized connection requests, referencing key takeaways from your conversation. Engage with attendees’ content post-event by commenting or sharing their insights. Create a recap thread or LinkedIn post highlighting key moments, tagging relevant speakers and peers to spark further discussions. Leverage event hashtags for visibility and discoverability. For high-value connections, initiate direct conversations to explore collaboration opportunities. A well-executed digital follow-up transforms brief meetings into long-term professional relationships.

As social media managers, we need to connect with new audiences, reach more capable people, grab their attention, listen carefully, provide research tips, and suggest new tools to speed up their work.

While in-person connections are powerful, backing them up with digital engagement ensures they last. As you meet people, follow them on LinkedIn or other relevant platforms right away, making sure to personalize your connection request with a brief mention of how you met. If appropriate, engage with their content post-event—comment thoughtfully, share their posts, or tag them in related discussions. This keeps you on their radar and shows your genuine interest beyond the event.

The real magic happens after the event. Within 24-48 hours, reach out to your new connections. Send a personalized message reminding them of your conversation and expressing appreciation for their time. If you discussed specific topics or opportunities, follow up on them promptly. You can also offer to introduce them to someone in your network or share a resource you mentioned. Consistent, thoughtful follow-up transforms a casual meeting into a lasting professional relationship.

Offering value in networking isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about creating meaningful exchanges. Provide actionable insights, industry trends, or social media strategies tailored to their niche. Support their work by amplifying their content, engaging with their posts, or offering feedback on campaigns. If relevant, connect them with industry peers who align with their goals. Position yourself as a resource, not just a contact, by consistently delivering value. This approach fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and enhances your credibility as a social media expert who genuinely contributes to the community.

It can also be helpful to share what you've learned from your new connections if you happened to catch them speaking at an event or on a panel. Craft a post sharing your key takeaways and tag them for visibility.

Networking is a long-term investment, not a one-time transaction. Always look for ways to offer value to your new contacts without expecting immediate returns. Share helpful articles, tools, or tips relevant to their needs. Provide insights that can help them solve a challenge or improve their work. If you can, connect them with someone who can assist with their goals. By becoming a valuable resource, you’ll strengthen your professional relationships and establish credibility.

After each event, take time to reflect on your performance. What worked well? What conversations felt natural, and where did you struggle? Review the connections you made and how you followed up. Use this insight to refine your approach for future events. Maybe you need to fine-tune your pitch or improve your follow-up strategy. Treat every event as a learning opportunity that brings you closer to becoming an effective and confident networker.