Top Tips to Get the Most Out of Networking Events
By: Wrenna
What is a Networking Event?
A networking event is a space where you can meet and connect with like-minded people. I consider anything that brings together others who share an interest in your field as a chance to network.
Many people imagine networking events as intimidating corporate gatherings, where everyone’s dressed in suits, holding glasses of bubbly, and only looking out for themselves. But one of the great things about being in the creative sector is that networking events are relaxed and fun. You have the freedom to express who you are, and your personal brand is part of what makes you stand out.
A networking event could be an event put on by a music organisation (such as Anthem), a casual meetup put together by another creative in your niche, or even a gig where you can connect with other creatives and even potential fans in the crowd.
Why are Networking Events So Important?
Nothing beats human connection. When you meet someone in person, they’re much more likely to remember you. It allows you to leave a personal impression and have more influence on how you’re perceived.
“Face-to-face requests are 34 times more successful than those made via email.” – Harvard Business Review
Think about it this way, is there someone you’ve been trying to reach over email or social media with no luck? When you're standing in front of someone, it's much harder to be ignored. You’re more likely to make a connection and get a genuine response.
Networking gives you the chance to build real relationships and friendships within your scene. Maybe you’ve connected with people online, and now you can finally put a face to the name.
It also shows that you’re turning up and supporting the scene. Being present matters. Supporting other creatives and building a sense of community is important as this industry thrives on mutual support and collaboration.
And it’s not just about connecting with other creatives. You might meet new fans too. If you’re at a concert for an artist with a similar sound, there’s a good chance people in the crowd would be into your music as well. Being friendly and sharing what you do can open doors and grow your audience.
Remember the six degrees of separation theory – you're just a few people away from connecting with anyone in the world.
How Can I Find Networking Events Near Me?
Eventbrite (and other event companies - Billetto, Skiddle, Ticket Tailor, TicketSource) – I scour these sites every month or so to see what pops up. You can niche down your searches to city, sector etc.
Google Search – Some companies advertise events through their website, so use the same filters as above on Google.
Facebook and Instagram – Click onto the search section and look up your key words e.g. Music networking events in Cardiff.
Music Organisations Websites – Scroll through event or opportunities pages and sign up to newsletters to get this information sent straight to you.
While collecting these events, create a database to store the information and update it monthly. I recommend using Excel or Google Sheets for easy organisation. Highlighting attended events in green helps you stay on top of your networking progress.
TIP: Put events into your calendar right away to help you stay organised.
How to Prepare for a Networking Event
The first few networking events can be a bit daunting, but these tips will make you a pro in no time.
Preparation tips:
Create go-to introduction/ice breaker questions. Here are some ideas:
- Do you work in the creative industry? What kind of work do you do?
- What kind of music do you enjoy?
- Are you based around here?
- Are you a fan of the band or artist performing tonight?
- What are you hoping to get out of this event?
- Do you have any exciting projects coming up?
Research the panel or speakers beforehand to find common ground and prepare relevant questions. Asking thoughtful questions is a great way to get noticed and start meaningful conversations.
Listen to some of the artists’ music before the event to understand their style and see how you connect with them and their audience. Sharing a genuine love for music makes it easier to build rapport.
Create business cards to make it simple for people to find and remember you after the event. Get as creative as you want with how they look.
Prepare a quick elevator pitch – A short, catchy sentence that sums up who you are and what you do. It can be tricky to think on the spot so having something ready in your mind makes it easy to introduce yourself confidently. Think about including your name, what you do, where you are from and maybe even who you sound like or what inspires you. Feel free to get creative and make it uniquely yours
E.g. “Hey, my name is Wrenna, I’m an indie, alt-pop singer songwriter from Caerphilly. My music’s kind of a mash up between Birdy’s vocals and the vibe of Florence and The Machine.”
Do whatever makes you feel confident before entering – You can try breathing exercises, power poses, and positive self-talk.
Remember, everyone is there for the same reason – to make connections, learn something new, and enjoy some great music. So right from the start, you already have things in common.
Anything can be a networking opportunity, and if you’ve followed these steps, you’ll be prepared and proactive whenever you enter a room.
You’ve got this!
Wrenna