How to Make the Most of Networking at The Event Planner Expo
Networking the right way (like, in a way that actually grows your event planning business) means knowing how to create lasting relationships that can actually make an impact. At The Event Planner Expo, the room is filled with industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and potential partners who can open new doors for you. You can make for strategic partnerships in this one event than others do all year. And with the right approach, every conversation can become an opportunity waiting to happen.
Take a look at the schedule for The Event Planner Expo 2025 and let’s get you prepared for lead and strategic partner success!
DAY 1 – Tuesday, October 14th
EVENT: Opening Party
Step into the brilliant atmosphere and prepare for high-energy networking and fun! We’re kicking off The Expo in style! This is your opportunity to connect with top event professionals, colleagues, and Fortune 500 companies.
WHERE: LAVAN Midtown 641 W 42nd St, NYC
WHEN: Tuesday, October 14th, 6:00pm – 9:30pm
DETAILS: Complimentary Cocktails & Gourmet Appetizers Desserts & Live Entertainment
DAY 2 – Wednesday, October 15th
EVENT: Educational Speaker Series
Learn strategies from Celebrity Keynote Speakers that will increase your business. Top business, marketing, and sales experts and panelists take the stage to share insights and business-boosting advice you won’t hear anywhere else!
WHERE: 92NY – 1395 Lexington Ave, NYC
WHEN: Wednesday, October 15th, 9am – 6pm
DETAILS: Panel Discussions and Keynote Speakers
Keynote Speakers will be announced shortly.
DAY 3 – Thursday, October 16th
EVENT: Exhibitor Floor
Explore the trade show floor with the best venues & services. This is where you’ll discover new ideas. Form strategic relationships, and generate leads for your business! Arm your business with all the connections you need to wow your clients!
WHERE: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St.
WHEN: Thursday, October 16th, 2pm – 8pm
DETAILS: 150 Booths, Fireside Chats & VIP Hospitality Lounge
EVENT: After Party
WHERE: NEBULA – 135 W 41st St, NYC
WHEN: Thursday, October 16th, 8:30pm – 11:30pm
DETAILS: Complimentary Cocktails, Appetizers, Desserts, Live Entertainment & DJ
Note: Please see your Ticket Type for Event Access
Pre-Expo Preparation: Laying the Foundation
Making the most of your experience at The Event Planner Expo starts before you actually attend this October. Start by researching the other attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. And trust us, there are some power players coming. By doing a little legwork in advance, you can feel prepared. Make a short list of companies and individuals you want to connect with. Follow The Expo’s social media accounts to ensure you stay current on the latest developments and news. As new speakers and exhibitors are announced, you can add them to your list.
Set clear goals for yourself as an attendee. This will help you focus on potential connections aligning with your goals. Are you looking to gain knowledge? Are you hoping to make more vendor partners? Do you want to gain new leads? Each goal is smart, but you will have a different short list of potential networking opportunities for each.
Once you know your goal and target connections, it’s time to develop an elevator pitch. This is a short, 30-second statement that clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for. Have a physical or digital business card ready with your contact information.
Finally, create a personalized schedule for how you will spend your time at the event. Map out the speakers’ sessions, discussion panels, VIP events, and exhibitor booths you want to visit. Build in buffer times to give yourself flexibility for networking and self-care.
Making Connections During The Event
Once you arrive, it’s time to implement your plan. When navigating the trade show floor, be strategic. Take advantage of light traffic times to approach the exhibitor booths you want to talk to the most. The lighter crowds make it easier for you and the exhibitor to focus on a more meaningful conversation. Have thoughtful or insightful questions to help spark conversation.
Quick Tip: Approach at least one exhibitor you wouldn’t normally seek out. Surprises lead to the best connections.
Don’t skip out on the VIP and social events. These create a more relaxed atmosphere for networking. You can make more personal connections with people. There is also less pressure, as the structured scheduled events are completed for the day. Introduce yourself early in these settings, approach people standing alone, and use open-ended questions to get conversations started. Maintain open body language, make eye contact, and smile. Wear something memorable but professional.
Be an active participant in the Speaker Series and breakout sessions. Ask questions that show you listened and understand the topic. Take the opportunity to meet other attendees. You have a foundation for connection with those who share similar interests in attending the same sessions.
Quick Tip: Share one standout insight from a speaker session on LinkedIn and tag the speaker; it’s an instant networking touchpoint.
Follow-Up: Turning Conversations into Relationships
Don’t let all of your effort fall flat after the event. Immediately after you make a connection, take a moment to jot down notes about who you spoke to, their contact information, and what you discussed. This will help you stay organized for follow-up later. In the days after the event, send a personalized follow-up email. Try to reference something specific and memorable that you discussed. Then, include what you want the next action to be, such as a phone call, meeting for coffee, or scheduling a demo.
Make the Most of Your Networking
Networking at The Event Planner Expo is something you prepare for, practice during the event, and follow up on after you leave. From setting clear goals and crafting your elevator pitch to being intentional on the trade show floor and following through with personalized outreach, every step helps you turn conversations into lasting business opportunities. With thousands of professionals and decision makers in one place, this is the most valuable networking event of the year.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of it. Get your tickets today and prepare to take your event business to the absolute next level next month.
