Networking Event Arrangements

How could I build a career if I couldn't even handle a "simple" networking event? Twenty years later, I'm CHRO. And I still hate networking events. But I cracked the code. Traditional networking assumes collecting 50 business cards equals success. For introverts? One deep conversation beats 50 shallow hellos. Quality over quantity isn't just our preference. It's our superpower. So I built my own system. ——————————————— → The 100-Point Energy Budget Every event, you start with 100 energy points: • Random small talk: -15 • Meaningful conversation: -5 • Pretending to laugh at bad jokes: -20 • Finding a fellow introvert: +10 • Strategic "email break": +5 Hit 20 points? Leave. That's not quitting. It's resource management. ——————————————— → The 3-Deep Rule While extroverts collect 50 cards, I build 3 real connections. They get names. I get allies. They get LinkedIn adds. I get coffee meetings. They get forgotten. I get remembered. One meaningful conversation > 50 forgettable handshakes. Tell people you're "gathering insights for research." Now it's an interview, not small talk. Arrive 15 minutes early. Quieter room, better conversations. ——————————————— → The Opener That Works "I'm testing a theory that admitting you're an introvert at networking events creates better connections. You're participant seven." People lean in. They want in on your experiment. Ask what matters: "What problem are you tackling right now?" "If you weren't here, what would you rather be doing?" ——————————————— → The Lighthouse Strategy Don't circulate. Plant yourself somewhere visible. Let people come to you. Or volunteer at check-in for 30 minutes. Meet everyone, defined role, then disappear. Set 45-minute alarms. Energy check. Below 5? Bathroom break. ——————————————— → Permission Granted You can officially: • Leave after 52 minutes • Eat lunch alone at conferences • Say "I need to recharge" • Build your network through LinkedIn • Skip events that don't serve you My biggest deals came from 1-on-1 coffees, not cocktail parties. My best hires came from deep conversations, not speed networking. ——————————————— → The Truth Successful introverted executives didn't learn to act like extroverts. They learned to network like strategists. My record? 12-minute holiday party appearance. Two conversations. Both mattered. Still got promoted. Once had my assistant call with an "urgent client matter" 45 minutes into a dinner. The client was my cat. Zero regrets. Your quiet nature isn't a bug — it's an executive feature. Your energy management isn't high maintenance — it's self-leadership. The revolution isn't about becoming louder. It's about quiet leaders writing the rules. From a comfortable distance. Through screens or deep connection. Like the evolved professionals we are. ♻️ Share to save an introvert from networking hell 📩 Get my Networking Energy Toolkit → https://lnkd.in/dfhfHWe5

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

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

Networking for Introverts Lessons from my Singapore Management University workshop Networking advice often sounds the same: "Speak up, hand out business cards, follow up within 24 hours." Useful, yes—but let's take it a step further. Here’s the advice that’s helped even the shyest professionals stand out: 1️⃣ Do Recon on Attendees (Without Being Creepy) Before events, research key attendees or speakers on LinkedIn. Note shared interests or recent achievements to weave into conversations. And if Wi-Fi is spotty at events? Save profiles offline for reference. Being prepared makes even the most introverted among us feel in control. 2️⃣ Ask Thoughtful, Unexpected Questions After building some quick rapport, try asking: "What’s the most exciting thing happening in your industry right now?" "If you weren’t in [current role], what would you be doing?" It shows genuine curiosity and sparks meaningful conversations. 3️⃣ It’s not about you—it’s about them. Practice active listening to uncover their hidden professional needs. Ask questions like, “What’s been your biggest challenge this year?” and offer insights or solutions. Giving value leaves a lasting impression. Networking doesn’t have to feel forced or superficial. Introverts can thrive by leveraging their strengths—preparation, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to connect. What’s one unorthodox networking tip that’s worked for you? Share it in the comments! 👇

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

Most people completely waste their networking efforts the moment they leave an event. I watch professionals collect business cards like trophies, then let those connections die in their LinkedIn requests folder. That's not networking - that's contact hoarding. The real networking magic happens in the 24-48 hours after the event ends. Here's how to actually convert those conversations into valuable relationships: 1. Personalized outreach within 24 hours - Reference specific conversation details, not generic "nice meeting you" messages. Stand out among the dozen other people they met. 2. Strategic LinkedIn connections - Include context about where you met and what you discussed. Transform anonymous invitations into meaningful relationship foundations. 3. Value-added follow-through - Share relevant articles, resources, or introductions that address what they mentioned. Show you were actually listening and can provide value. 4. Propose concrete next steps - Coffee meetings, collaboration opportunities, strategic introductions. Strike while the event momentum is hot. 5. Document everything - Record their professional goals, current challenges, and collaboration opportunities. This enables strategic relationship development over time. Here's what most people get wrong: they treat networking like contact collection instead of relationship building. The goal isn't a bigger contact list - it's developing professionals who proactively support each other's success. Stop collecting business cards and start building actual relationships. Your future self will thank you. What post-networking strategies have you found most effective for converting event meetings into valuable professional relationships? Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://vist.ly/3yrck #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #relationshipbuilding #professionalnetworking #careerstrategist

It's event season. And we as vendors want to get those prospects talking to us, but remember they have trauma from past events... So stop treating event attendees like Leads. Start treating them like people with trauma. Your prospects haven't forgotten being treated like walking badges to be scanned. They remember every empty promise, every salesperson who talked over them, and every "personalized" follow-up that proved you weren't listening. This isn't just annoying to them, it's a breach of professional trust that makes your brand instantly forgettable in a sea of competition. How I have borken the cycle: 𝗔𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁: • Start by asking about THEIR specific challenge • Really listen to their problems vs jumping in with solutions • Ask what would the impact be to the business/them if the problem is solved • Share a takeaway resource they can use tomorrow, whether they buy from you or not    𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁: •  Follow with specific challenge & language they mentioned when they stopped by • Provide content that helps them see how their world would be if they solved their problem • Share assets that highlight how peers/influencers/thought leaders are thinking about the space • Focus on expanding and delivering value, not starting the sales process It's about consistently demonstrating value and respecting their experience. This takes you from "another vendor" into a trusted resource they WANT to engage with long after the conference ends.

Want to make networking easier and more productive? Bring a wingperson. Here’s the truth. Most professionals dread walking into a room full of strangers. It can feel awkward, forced, or just like a waste of time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you network with a friend or colleague by your side, the whole game changes. Conversations flow more naturally. Introductions happen faster. You both come away with more value. The photo is of John Alfonsi, CPA, Allison Cummins and me working the room at a financial conference. Three professionals. One simple goal. Help each other make meaningful connections. That’s the power of networking in teams. Here’s how you can make it work. First, pick the right partner. Choose someone you trust. Someone who knows your business well. Someone who can speak about you the way you’d speak about yourself. If they can tell a story about how you helped someone, that’s even better. Second, meet before the event. Spend ten minutes reviewing who you each want to meet. Talk through your goals. Share a couple of examples of the ideal introduction. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your wingperson to help you connect. Third, work the room together. Approach small groups and introduce each other. Let your partner brag on your behalf. Say something like, “You two should meet. John is the guy you call when the numbers matter most.” This kind of third-party endorsement builds instant trust. Fourth, watch for opportunities. If your wingperson is in a conversation that seems like a fit for you, they can loop you in. You do the same for them. You’re each other’s radar for the entire event. Fifth, debrief after the event. Grab a coffee or schedule a call to share the highlights. Talk through who you met and how you might follow up. Thank each other for the support. Offer to make follow-up introductions if it makes sense. Networking becomes easier when you’re not doing it alone. It becomes more fun. It becomes more productive. You’ll meet more people. You’ll have deeper conversations. And you’ll leave the room with more real connections. This works at formal networking meetings. It works at casual events. It even works in a Zoom breakout room. The goal is the same. Show up with someone who has your back and be that person for them too. So next time you’re invited to a networking event, bring a wingperson. Walk in with a plan. Work the room like a team. Then watch what happens. Real relationships grow faster when we grow them together.

27 cold emails... That is how many I have received in the past 2 weeks from vendors after attending Inbound. Pretty ironic to receive awful outbound from a conference literally named Inbound. All sound the same: "Hope you enjoyed Inbound. Have you explored our amazing AI widget? Here is a free coffee mug. Since you have a pulse, I thought you would benefit from helping me reach my meeting set quota. Here is my calendar link." NOTHING valuable to me at all. Here is the main problem: attendees go to events to learn and network not to buy things. When you try to sell things, it is incongruent with the mindset they are in while there. So your outreach misses. Answer: Align with WHY THEY WENT THERE. Education, networking, content etc. ================================================= Here are some ideas on what you could do differently. 1) Recap the best sessions. Have someone attend the relevant sessions in your industry. Come up with summary of the best ideas/tactics highlights from those sessions and put into some kind of resource. Then reach out to your prospects offering it with NO ASK. "Hey Kim, Inbound - what a whirlwind! Looked like your RevOps team attended but if you were like most of us, there were too many great session and not enough time. We put together a summary and cheat sheet from every RevOps session including clips and highlights. Happy to pass along if you team would like" 2) Connect them and facilitate networking Figure out who the top thought leaders were in your space and reach out to co-create with them. Setup a virtual meetup or offer to make introductions. "Erin, Did you get a chance to catch Kelly Smith's session on [ICP topic] at Inbound? Holy s*$%... we thought it was so valuable that we asked her to do another virtual workshop with us to recap and dive deeper. Happy to invite you in if interested" -OR something like this on LinkedIn message: "Michelle - did you get a chance to meet Amy Johnston @ ABC. She's doing some pretty amazing things in [ICP topic]. Saw you and your GTM team were at Inbound - would be happy to connect you guys if interested." ============================================= See the difference? A conference ending is not a trigger for a prospect to be in a buying cycle. You need to engage with additional value off the back of the momentum of the event and why they attended in the first place. Add value with connections and content. We all have plenty of coffee mugs. PS: Has anyone actually received quality outbound after attending an event? Would love to hear examples....