New York City is an event planner’s playground. Events and celebrations are happening 365 days a year. Whatever your specialty is when it comes to event planning, there’s no shortage of events that need planning. From corporate events to milestone parties, there are opportunities around every corner.
In a city full of opportunity, it’s a guarantee that you’re not the only one chasing something. The event industry is especially competitive in NYC, and networking is imperative to growing a successful event planning business. Find ways to stand out while building meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial to you and your potential partners. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a short introduction and a handshake with the right person at the right time.
By putting yourself out there, whether in person or online, you open doors and opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise. We walk you through some strategic ways to network in order to create more event opportunities for your event-planning business.
1. Attend Event Industry Events
Sometimes, one of the easiest (and most important) things you can do in life and for your business is just to show up. Industry-specific events are a great way to meet event professionals looking to collaborate with people just like you. These types of events host vendors, potential clients, industry leaders, keynote speakers, and more. They all attend with a common goal that will usually align with yours.
For example, The Event Planner Expo is an annual event held in NYC that is a hub for all things event planning. It’s the perfect event to connect with professionals in your industry.
Go in with a plan and figure out who you want to connect with at each event. Have business cards ready so they can contact you. And follow up within the first couple days after the event to show you are invested in the partnership.
2. Join Local NYC Business Communities
Attending industry events is a great start, but don’t box yourself into just those events. Go outside of your bubble and check out some local business networks. These groups host a mix of people, like business owners, marketing executives, and team leaders. You never know which one could be a potential client.
You never know who you’ll meet in these spaces or gatherings. Maybe it’s a venue manager who gives you a heads-up before their new spot opens up or a photographer who connects you with multiple clients needing an event planner for their social celebrations. The more you put yourself in different circles, the more opportunities start to show up.
3. Strategically Use Social Media
Every event planner knows that social media is a highly effective tool to raise awareness about a specific event. But you can also use social media to network and showcase your event planning skills to more people than just those attending your event.
Instagram and Facebook are popular platforms for engaging with a large audience. Interact and share content with vendors, venues, industry leaders, and potential clients. Use local hashtags like #NYCEvents or #NYCEventplanner so you can be a part of a larger conversation.
4. Join Forces with NYC Vendors and Venues
You can’t be a lone wolf in the event planning industry. A successful event requires collaboration and partnerships. NYC is full of thriving event vendors and stunning venues that are ideal partners to help bring each event vision to life.
When you establish mutually beneficial partnerships with local DJs, caterers, florists, entertainment, venues, and photographers, it can open doors to future clients. And on the flip side, as an event planner, you can offer those vendors up recommendations of your own. Like the saying goes, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
5. Don’t Wait for an Invite: Host Your Own Networking Meetup
Sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands. And NYC event planners are go-getters. Consider planning your own networking meetup or event. Show off your event planning chops and position yourself as someone who connects people.
This can be something small and casual, like a happy hour with fellow event planners or a large social event with local businesses, venue partners, and creatives you’d love to work with down the line. The goal is to build relationships with people who want to help create successful events.
Mark Your Calendars for THE Networking Event of the Year
Take your networking game to a whole new level at The Event Planner Expo, NYC’s #1 networking event and trade show for the event industry. This three-day experience has a jam-packed schedule showcasing keynote speakers and discussion panels offering valuable insights into the industry. There will be exclusive networking opportunities for event professionals to learn, discuss, and collaborate on various topics to help grow their businesses. Whether you’re new to the event planning industry or a seasoned pro, there is something for everyone. Mark your event calendars for October 14th to 16th, 2025, and grab your tickets today!
