9 Ways to Make Networking Events Less Painfully Awkward
Networking sounds great on paper. Put a bunch of ambitious people in a room, add cocktails and name tags, and watch the business opportunities happen.
In reality, there’s usually at least one moment when you’re standing alone pretending to read an event sign you already read twice.
The good news is that networking doesn’t require becoming the most outgoing person in the room. A few small adjustments can make meeting people feel much more natural and, more importantly, lead to conversations you’ll actually want to continue.
1. Arrive Before the Room Gets Packed
Walking into a networking event at peak capacity can feel like showing up late to a party where everyone already knows each other. Arrive earlier, when conversations are just getting started. Smaller groups are easier to approach, and you can get comfortable before the room fills up.
2. Stop Looking for the “Right” Person
Scanning name tags for the biggest title in the room makes networking feel transactional fast. Talk to the person next to you. The venue manager, caterer, photographer, planner, marketer, and entertainment company may all have clients, colleagues, and opportunities worth knowing.
3. Ask Something Better Than “What Do You Do?”
You’ll hear that question plenty. Try one that gives the conversation somewhere to go. Ask what kinds of events they’ve been working on lately, what brought them to the event, or what they’re hoping to find while they’re there.
4. Give People Something to Work With
If someone asks what you do, don’t stop at your job title. “I own an event production company” gives them very little to grab onto. Add a detail about the clients you serve, the events you love producing, or the problem people usually hire you to solve.
5. Use the Event Around You
You already have something in common: you’re standing in the same place. Talk about a speaker, exhibitor, venue feature, session, or something interesting you just saw. Instant conversation starter. No clever opening line required.
6. Join Groups That Aren’t Closed Off
Two people standing face-to-face in deep conversation probably don’t need a third. A loose group of three or four with open body language? Much easier. Look for the physical invitation before jumping into a conversation.
7. Introduce People to Each Other
One of the easiest ways to become memorable is to make a useful introduction. If you meet someone who needs a photographer and you just spoke with one, connect them. Suddenly, networking isn’t about pitching yourself. You’re helping build the room.
8. Know How to Leave a Conversation
You’re allowed to move on. Try, “I’m going to make another lap, but I’m glad we met,” or suggest connecting after the event. A clean exit is considerably less awkward than slowly looking over someone’s shoulder until they get the hint.
9. Don’t Judge Success by How Many People You Meet
Twenty rushed introductions aren’t automatically better than three conversations that lead somewhere. Give yourself permission to have fewer, better interactions. Networking gets a lot easier when you stop treating the room like a quota.
Put These Networking Tips to Work at The Event Planner Expo
The Event Planner Expo brings event professionals, corporate decision-makers, venues, vendors, marketers, and industry leaders together in New York City for three days of connections and business opportunities.
Instead of dreading your next networking event, make it the room where your next great relationship begins.
Get your tickets to The Event Planner Expo 2026, October 27–29 in New York City, and start making connections that can move your business forward.
