Public Relations Event Networking Tips

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

👻👻 A (professional) introvert's guide to making Networking Events Less Spooky 👻👻 If you fear networking events, copy my playbook. True story: I fear "networking events" on multiple levels. If biz dev wasn't part of my role with Remedy Public Relations, I'd be happy with a more behind-the-scenes role mentoring & strategizing (#careergoals). How do I make it "seem" easy? Preparation & strategy. 1. Show up EARLY. It's easier to strike up a conversation at the beginning than try to inject yourself after. 2. Be distinct. I like to wear one piece of flair that relates to who I am outside the office. My long-distance running shoes (Nike Zoom Fly Five / Hyper Pink), are a conversation starter. ⛳️ Do you play golf? Wear a golf shirt from a brand that only fellow golfers would know. IYKYK 3. Don't rush in. Whenever possible, I'll work remotely near the event. This gives me time to relax & collect myself before walking in. 4. Don't ask what someone does. That's transactional & many fear that question if they're between roles. Ask what they're up to. Let them choose the path. 5. Talk to everyone. I HATE the term referral partners, but I've received some great leads from people far removed from PR & marketing. 6. Plan to chat. Prepare to discuss something you're working on that you're excited about. - No one likes someone who only talks about their job. Be prepared to get personal. What did you do the weekend before that was exciting, or what are you looking forward to this weekend? Sound obvious? Sure… but I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday, so if you put me on the spot, I may forget if I didn't prepare. 7. Slide into those DMs. See who registered you want to meet & drop them a note. No list? Check who posted about going to the last event on social media. Drop them a note. 8. What's a challenge you or your industry is facing? Keep that in mind for conversations. 9. Work on your penmanship. If you have to write your own nametag at an event, it helps if people can read it. We also have little Remedy PR stickers to throw at the bottom of the nametags. Side note: Jonah Peake 🐺 has posted before about putting your nametag upside down to spark conversations. 10. Check your network to see who is going, but don't cling to them. I saw a lot of people I know & like at Connect's #IDSD24 a few weeks back, but I didn't sit with anyone too long. Move around. 11. Consistency brings comfort. Commit to a regular series of events so you start seeing some of the same people. It will make conversations less daunting & keep you in mind for later. 12. Stress builds strength. I try to commit to one new event or meeting a month that takes me outside my bubble. Makes the next one easier. 13. Drop a line to them after you meet. Keep the ball moving. Some pics below of people I met for the first time or strengthened relationships by going to networking events within the last six weeks. Kanani, Robyn Goldberg, Jason, Lu, Scott, Susan.

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

Conferences used to drain me. As an introvert, I would stand awkwardly holding a coffee, wondering how everyone else made networking look so easy. Here are 5 hacks that helped me—and might help you too: 1/ Create Your Personal Energy Zones: Don’t try to network the whole time. Set specific "on" times for socializing and give yourself "off" breaks to recharge. The key isn’t to stay active but to be strategic about when you are. 2/ Be a Connector, Not a Networker: Shift your focus from trying to meet people for yourself to helping others connect. It’s less stressful, and you'll be remembered as someone who brings value. 3/ Use "Curiosity Openers": Instead of preparing boring questions, try asking what excites them about their work or what drives them. It turns small talk into meaningful conversations. 4/ Leverage Your Quiet Presence: You don’t have to be loud to make an impact. Own your silence. Sometimes, standing calmly in a room of chatter makes you more approachable and memorable. 5/ Network After the Event is Over: Some of the best connections happen in the follow-up. Use LinkedIn or email to deepen conversations after the initial meeting, where it’s quieter and more personal. Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing our strengths, we can build meaningful connections. == P.S.: What are your go-to networking tips? Share them in the comments! #introvert #personaldevelopment #networking

I talk to a lot of new founders and creatives who drop $$$$ on conferences hoping to bump into investors, land clients, shake hands and kiss babies. Their heart’s in the right place, but if investors see you blowing early-stage capital on $5K conference passes with no clear ROI, it raises a red flag: “Will this person treat my money like Monopoly cash too?” Here’s a better play, attend “Lobby Con.” That’s right, skip the badge, grab a latte, and park yourself in the host hotel’s lobby or bar for 8 hours a day. That’s where the real game happens. Keynote speakers, power players, and actual dealmakers aren’t at the expo hall, they’re lounging over Negroni’s. Do your homework. Identify 10–20 decision-makers before the event, then slide into their LinkedIn DMs or email inboxes a few weeks out. Try to get on their radar early and set up face-to-face time during the event. Why spend $5K on a conference pass when you can get further with a $20 coffee. Make an impression by hosting a small dinner or cocktail hour. Invite prospects or collaborators to a vibey restaurant and actually have a real convo. Relationships are built over hard drink, and finger food. Be the belle of the ball, not the ghost at the gala. If you’re gonna attend a conference, own it. Try to get on a panel, moderate a session, or find a creative way to get your face on the flyer. Visibility from the stage (or even just the website) changes the energy, suddenly they’re Googling you, not the other way around. Being positioned as a thought leader by the event itself is the ultimate credibility shortcut. And don’t forget: social media is your hype machine. Announce that you're attending on LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Instagram. Tag the event, share insights in real time, and follow up with new connections after the fact. It’s not about who you meet, it’s about who remembers you.

I used to drop $1,000 on big conferences, thinking that’s where all the action was happening. Now? Game-changing events > calendar fillers. Turns out, the best convos were always happening at small side events. Recently at TechWeek, I managed to get into a tiny, highly curated event for a Series B+ audience and it was so worth the hustle. This wasn’t a “buy ticket, show up” kind of event. It was more like: find the organizers → reach out directly → dig up mutual intros → prep a killer intro blurb → earn your spot Because even the best pitch means nothing if you’re in the wrong room. Here’s how I decide where to go now, and don’t waste my time (or budget) there: → Research the audience first Check last year’s attendees. Look at the speaker companies. If your ICP isn’t there, don’t go. → Prioritize curated over open-door Events with RSVP forms and shortlists are gold. They take more effort to get into, but the quality of conversation is 10x higher. → Hunt for the small stuff and side events I’ll skip the 2,000-person conference for a 20-person breakfast any day. No booths, no noise — just real people and real context. → Use event curation newsletters I love Supermomos newsletters for finding quality events. Way better than scrolling Eventbrite or Luma for hours. → Don’t stack your day One meaningful event > three mediocre ones. You’ll actually have energy to follow up. Result: I stopped collecting just LinkedIn connections and started landing real leads. And I couldn’t have pulled it off without my assistant — from outreach, to prep, to managing all the behind-the-scenes ops. Great networking starts with choosing the right rooms. And remember: not all events are created equal. Some open doors. Some just fill your calendar. What’s your approach to event strategy?

How to Network Like a Pro. Even If You Hate Small Talk. I have a confession to make. I enjoy networking. But that wasn’t always the case. When I started my career, I felt awkward and out of place at networking events.  It started to change when I applied these tactics: 1. Prepare like a pro Walking into a networking event without a game plan makes conversations even more awkward. Research who will be there, identify people you’d like to connect with, and prepare talking points or questions. 2. Lead with curiosity Instead of struggling to find something to say, shift your focus to the other person. People love to talk about themselves, and showing genuine interest makes conversations more engaging. 3. Be interested – and interesting Charismatic people are the most interested and interesting people in the room. Listen to understand, then go for deeper, more valuable discussions. 4. Play to your strengths If big rooms overwhelm you, opt for smaller, more structured gatherings, one-on-one coffee chats, or online communities where thoughtful conversations happen at a different pace. 5. Offer value first Give without any expectation to receive anything in return. Generosity builds trust and makes you more memorable. And if you don’t expect anything, you can’t be disappointed. 6. Have an exit strategy Don’t get stuck in an awkward conversation. Simply say: “It was great meeting you – I’m going to connect with a few more people before the event wraps up”. 7. Remember the "Liking Gap" We often underestimate how much people enjoy talking to us – this is called the Liking Gap. In other words, you’re probably making a better impression than you think so do follow-up! Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional or awkward. When done right, it’s simply about finding people you genuinely connect with and nurturing those relationships over time. 📌 Follow me Oliver Aust for more insights on leadership & communication.

Summary: How to navigate the tough dynamics of groups at a networking event 😵💫🫨😬 Networking events can be hard work; throw in the awkward dynamics of a group and it gets even harder. You find yourself thinking things like: - What group should I talk to? - How can I break into an established group conversation? - How should I introduce myself? - How do I remember everyone's names and what they said? - What topics should I talk about? - Am I talking too much/too little? - Am I going to have to introduce myself everytime someone new enters the group? - How do I leave a group without it being awkward? - Should I exchange contact details with people? If so, should it be with everyone in the group? And so on... No wonder many people just hang out by the food 🍲 or spend most of an event on their phone 📱 It doesn't have to be that way though; having someone who guides the conversation invariably makes it easier and more beneficial for everyone 🙌 It's similar to how teams operate when they first come together. If they are left without someone actively bringing the best out of everyone in the team then everyone feels awkward and it takes much longer (if ever) for them to work well together. That's often the role me and my team do for clients and their teams. So when I go to networking events, I can't help but look to ease the tension in any group by: - being the first one to speak - making everyone in a group laugh, smile and feel comfortable (often by talking about inane stuff) - inviting anyone in the periphery into the conversation - remembering everyone's names and repeating key information so more people can remember them - encouraging different formats of introductions - bringing any new person up-to-speed on the people and what we've been talking about - not dominating too much but equally making sure one person doesn't do all the speaking - creating a natural point for people to disengage and/or swap contact details This is the natural team facilitator in me and this is something you can do too. I realise not everyone enjoys a networking event as much as me. In a similar way, I realise not everyone can get the best out of a team as much as me which is why I love doing what I do 😊 Anyone got any other tips for group situations at a networking event? [This post was inspired by an excellent networking event I attended courtestly of Good Souls held at Brew Co-working space this morning] #effectiveness #StartupLife #SmallBusinessOwner #PositivePalestinian #networking #Facilitation #EQ #EmotionalIntelligence

How differently can you interact with the executives at the year-end party? I remember our annual fundraising events, usually held at a hotel with lots of parking and good food. The thought of approaching high-level leaders and guests invited was often intimidating at the beginning. However, the relaxed environment was too inviting to let go of the once-a-year opportunity. Thankfully, I was involved in the preparation of the guest list. This helped me prepare intentionally for conversations with key executives or guests. One of the interesting networking books that has been beneficial to me is Keith Ferrazzi's 'Never Eat Alone'. PS: If you want to be intentional about your networking at events as a leader, this book is a must-read and belongs to your home library for regular reference. Ferrazzi emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships. Here are some tips from his book. 1. Be prepared with conversation starters. Before the event, think of some engaging questions or topics to discuss. Research the executives you may meet, focusing on their recent achievements or initiatives within the company. For example, if you know they led a successful project, you could ask, “What inspired your approach to that project?” This shows you’re invested in their work and opens the door for a deeper conversation. 2. Use the give-first approach. Ferrazzi advocates for a mindset of giving before expecting anything in return. Look for ways to provide value to the executives you meet. This could be as simple as sharing an interesting article related to their work or offering insights on industry trends. When you focus on how you can help others, you create an atmosphere of reciprocity and goodwill. 3. Practice Active Listening. Listening is a vital component of effective networking. Show genuine interest in what the executive has to say by asking follow-up questions and engaging with their responses. This not only fosters a deeper connection but also demonstrates your respect for their time and perspective. 4. Be Mindful of Body Language. Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how we are perceived. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use open body language to convey your interest and enthusiasm. Your demeanor can help create a welcoming environment that encourages more profound interactions. 5. Follow Up with Purpose. After the event, don’t forget to follow up with the executives you connected with. Send a personalized message expressing your appreciation for the conversation. Mention something specific you discussed. This will help reinforce the connection while also showing that you valued the engagement. According to Ferrazzi, 'The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity'. Remember: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. What else would you add? Share in the comments below. #leaders #leadership #management #careers #womeninleadership #womenwholead

It's networking week and I haven't talked about networking events yet! Heyo! Let's do this. Yes, I know networking events can be draining and a lot to deal with, but they can be manageable. Here’s the first trick: Realize 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼. No one cares about you -- they’re all up in their heads about how they look and what they say. Now here's some tips: 1) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 What organization is hosting the event? Who is the contact person? Sometimes the event will publish a list of confirmed attendees - look them up in advance. If there is a speaker, contact them too and say you’re looking forward to the event. And look at that! You have made connections before you even walked in the door. 2) 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 My favorite opening question is, “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺?” Everyone has a reason for attending the event, and this will help you find something in common with the other person. They will likely ask you the same question, so practice your answer ahead of time. 3) 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 “𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵” Speaking of introductions, practice how you will introduce yourself to a new person. Consider your goals - what do you want people to remember about you? For example, if you’re looking for a new job, your pitch will include the types of jobs/industries that interest you. 4) 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱 I wrote about this yesterday. You can attach digital business cards to your email signature block, text the cards to a contact, and generate a QR code. LinkedIn is a great option too - 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗤𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲. Here's how: 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝗹𝗻𝗸𝗱.𝗶𝗻/𝗲𝗞𝗫𝟮𝗘𝟵𝗝𝗖. 5) 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 Don’t dress in boring black like everyone else. Wear something noteworthy so you stand out from the crowd and people will remember you. You could choose a colorful jacket, tie, scarf, jewelry, brooch, or glasses. Later, when you’re following up with people, you can say, “I was wearing the red jacket." 6) 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 Find the person who organized the event and thank them before you leave. If they seem too busy or overwhelmed, send a message after the event is over. First of all, this is a nice thing to do because they put a lot of effort into organizing the event. Secondly, no one does this and it helps you stand out. Finally, the event organizer knows most of the people who attended and can be a great addition to your network. I'm rooting for you. 👊 ♻ Please repost if you think this advice will help others. ***** Hi, have we met? I'm Emily and I'm on a mission to get the #greenbannergang back to work, one actionable step at a time. #jobsearch #jobhunt #jobseekers