The art of “event networking”: How to bag a free meal, build connections, and make it count

Event networking is a bit like going on a blind date. You’re walking into a room of strangers, hoping to leave with something worthwhile. And hey, worst-case scenario? You get a free cup of coffee and maybe even a little snack – a muffin. At the very least, you’re walking away with a free meal, which, considering some networking events, can sometimes be the only win of the event. 

If you are like me, you know this feeling.

So what is the number one thing to do? PREPARE – but don’t just prepare on who and what (everybody does that sometimes). No, prepare your communication skills (no one does this!). 

Tip #1: Ditch the elevator pitch. Become a walking hook instead.

Here’s the truth: elevator pitches are dead. Nobody remembers them and they are awkward. You stand there, smiling like you’re on a TV ad. It’s like painting yourself as just another face in the crowd, only more boring.

Instead, try this: become a walking hook. Find one sentence that intrigues, teases, or downright confuses people – something that makes them ask for more. For example, instead of saying, “I’m in digital marketing,” say, “I help companies hack the mind to make people want to click.” Now they’re curious. They want to know more.

Why this works: You’re not giving away the whole story right out of the gate. You’re leaving space for a conversation, and conversations are what people remember. The mystery is the hook. A little mystery leaves a lasting impression.

Tip #2: Give a compliment… But make it genuine and unexpected

This isn’t your average “Nice tie” or “Love your watch.” No, no. We’re going beyond the obvious. Imagine telling someone, “I can tell you’ve got a great sense of humor just by the way you put things.” Or- “The way you just explained that concept tells me you’ve really mastered it.”

Notice something unique, something other people might not pick up on, and call it out. It’s got to be genuine, though, because if you’re just tossing compliments around, people can sense it – and they’ll know it’s fluff.

Why this works: People crave recognition, and when you recognize something specific, they feel seen, even admired. It’s a shortcut to trust and likeability. Plus, they’ll remember you for making them feel like a star in that one unique way.

Tip #3: Do your homework and drop it casually

This is a true pro move. Before any networking event, pick out one or two people you’d really like to talk to. Then, research something about them that’s not obvious. Maybe it’s a niche article they wrote, or a recent podcast they were on, or a project they just completed. Memorize a quick tidbit, and when the moment’s right, bring it up… casually.

Imagine someone saying to you, “I read that article you wrote on LinkedIn about the role of AI in customer service. Really thought-provoking!” That’s how you turn a stranger into an instant friend.

Why this works: Research is rare. People don’t take the time, and when you do, it’s flattering – it shows you value them. It’s also unexpected, and that’s what makes it memorable. Just don’t go too deep – this isn’t supposed to sound like you went through their entire browser history.

Tip #4: Tell a personal story with just a dash of vulnerability

People remember personal stories. And if you can throw in a bit of genuine vulnerability, you’re golden, and you build trust. This doesn’t mean oversharing; it means sharing something that makes you human. If you’re in finance, maybe it’s about the time you made a risky call on an investment and learned the hard way. If you’re in sales, talk about your first cold call disaster.

Why does this work? Human connection. A little vulnerability makes you relatable and makes your story stick. People tend to remember folks who made them feel something, and that emotional connection is worth more than any business card.

Tip #5: Send the follow-up they don’t expect

Everyone sends a “Nice to meet you” email or LinkedIn message. It’s nice, sure, but it’s also forgettable. If you really want to stick out, craft a follow-up that gives something of value. Maybe you recommend a great book, send an article they’d find interesting, or offer to make an introduction they’d benefit from.

Or, if you shared a personal story during your conversation, follow up with a quick anecdote or update related to that topic. Like, “I was thinking about what you said about… [reference a specific part of your conversation], and I read this article that reminded me of it.”

Why this works: The follow-up isn’t about you – it’s about them. People are inherently self-interested (aren’t we all?), and giving something valuable shows you’re not just after a transactional connection. You’re showing genuine interest in their world, which keeps you top-of-mind.

I promise you, if you just do even one of these 5 tips, you will get results. It’s all about being that one person who didn’t follow the “common networking script.” You know, the person who made people actually laugh, who asked them about that time they almost got fired for mixing up the conference call lines, and who wasn’t afraid to admit that yeah, you’re kind of making it up as you go. Because aren’t we all?