While most attendees will agree that event networking is a critical component to attending any event , the real question becomes how can it be done effectively ?

1 . Do Your Homework

Research who is attending the event you ’ re going to prior to event day . If the event you ’ re attending is using an event networking platform , by all means download it and create an attendee profile . Once you ’ ve done that , you ’ ll be able to see who else is attending the event . You can reach out to people you find interesting to introduce yourself and to set up a time to meet in-person .

If the event you ’ re attending doesn ’ t have a networking platform , you can still research who ’ s attending the event .

Contact the event organizer or go the event website to find the event ’ s official hashtag . Then go on social media and search that hashtag . The accounts who are posting content using the event hashtag will likely be at the event . You

can research their profiles and reach out to people you find interesting to set up a time to meet in-person .

2 . Introduce People to One Another

It ’ s going to happen . You ’ ll be talking to a person you just met , when you notice someone standing nearby with no one to talk to . Rather than ignoring that person , incorporate them into the conversation too . Take one small step back , turn your body to face them and introduce yourself and your new connection .

By including more people in your conversation , you ’ re ensuring that both you and your new contact ’ s network will grow .

This is also an effective way of prolonging a conversation that might otherwise

flitter out once you and your new contact run out of things to talk about .

3 . Have an Exit Strategy

It ’ s more than ok to excuse yourself from a conversation . In fact , introverted event goers will find it comforting to have an exit strategy in mind even before they engage with a new contact .

One great way to politely end a conversation is to say something like , “ Hey , it was great to meet you . I ’ ve got to quickly check-in with my office but I ’ m sure I ’ ll see you later .”

Your new contact will understand that it ’ s important to stay in-touch with your colleagues , and you ’ ll have provided yourself with an acceptable out once your conversation has come to a natural conclusion .

4 . Participate in Post-Event Groups

After the event has concluded , it ’ s likely that either the event organizer or an event attendee will create a post-event networking group on a social media platform . LinkedIn is a popular platform for professional groups to exchange contact information and helpful , industry related articles .

If you ’ re invited to join one of these groups , don ’ t hesitate to sign up . They ’ re a great way to further expand your circle of contacts and to solidify the relationships you ’ ve made at the event .

5 . Offer Value to New Contacts

The best way to solidify a new business connection is to provide value - for free . If for example someone you just met was talking about difficulties they were having at work , emailing them an article you found online is a fantastic way to quickly establish yourself as a valuable connection .

These new contacts will feel obliged to do the same for you . By putting in a little effort to help a new connection , you ’ re helping to build a foundation for your newly established relationship .

Furthermore , by checking in with new contacts online , you ’ re ensuring that the person you just met will actually remember who you are , should you want to call on them in the future .