What are some ways to build relationships with event production professionals?

I have made my most meaningful connections in my event community by attending in person events. IMEX, MPI and Connect have provided me with education and networking opportunities that I hold near and dear to me. If it is your first time attending these events they can be overwhelming due to the size of the event. I try to set myself up with bite-sized goals like make at least one meaningful connection in X area (AV, Event Planner, Catering, Venue). I make sure to follow up with contacts on a personal level post-event reinforces connections. While virtual events have their merits, nothing beats the value of face-to-face interactions in building lasting professional relationships.

You should be sociable, not timid. It is always more effective to make one-to-one contact at smaller events instead of the leading fairs in the sector such as IMEX, IAAPA, etc. It will definitely be more effective for the person you are communicating with not to forget you, a word, a note that will remind them of you. People's biggest handicap in this regard is that they are hesitant to communicate and do not speak English well. To put your mind at ease, remember that everyone is a newcomer just like you and many people speak as much English as you do. Therefore, it is to your advantage to be sociable, not shy.

Building relationships with event production professionals takes time and effort, but the rewards are significant. Here are some strategies to foster strong connections: **Networking:** * **Industry events:** Attend conferences, trade shows, and workshops related to event production. Actively participate in discussions, introduce yourself to professionals, and exchange business cards.

I think some ways to build relationships with event production professionals include attending industry events and networking sessions, engaging in online communities and forums specific to event production, volunteering to help out with events or projects, offering to collaborate on shared interests or initiatives, and consistently demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills.

Attend an MPI (Meeting Planners International) meeting for starters. Get to know as many people as possible and set up times to meet them 1:1. Learn their favorite types of events, whether corporate or social and see if you have a synergy with them.

* **Online communities:** Join online forums, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn groups dedicated to event production. Share your expertise, answer questions, and engage with ongoing discussions.

Online communities are the best way to build relationships with peers. A community’s purpose is to help with sustained relationships. Attending industry events also help build relationships

Online communities offer another great opportunity to make connections. Try to actively participate in discussions within specialized groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. Engaging in these platforms allows you to share your expertise, learn from peers, and stay updated on industry trends. By contributing valuable insights and showing genuine interest in others' contributions, you can build meaningful relationships that may lead to collaborative projects or valuable advice for your work. It's about putting yourself out there and being a part of the conversation, which can significantly expand your professional network in the event planning sector.

Showing up! One way to meet and network with event professionals is to show up and serve. You can’t beat a serving heart. Be there to help set tables, be there to help move chairs, be there to greet, handout programs. Serving with an authentic heart doesn’t make it all about you, but it says hey “I believe in your event”. Then when the time is right, ask to exchange contacts.

Taking care of the people who refer you business is key. Whether it’s incentives, reciprocity, even team building. Showing your appreciation is one sure way to keep those relationships.

Create an exclusive VIP club for your top referrers, offering them special perks such as priority access to event tickets, VIP seating at events, behind-the-scenes tours, and invitations to exclusive networking events or parties. Hold a monthly or quarterly referral raffle where referrers are entered into a drawing for exciting prizes or experiences. Each qualified referral earns them one entry into the raffle, increasing their chances of winning.

Working together with other events is an amazing way to learn new ideas. Never forget that if you have a "free" weekend, volunteering at a local race is a great way to give back, and see new events!

I found the most fruitful relationships with other professionals during joint events. Often, events are organized by several individuals or companies. The main idea is to establish good contact with them during the event and strive to keep in touch. It's common that with good relationships, you might be invited to co-organize future projects. This approach not only expands your network but also opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations, enriching your experience and portfolio in the industry.

The team is very important, the good professionals. I have a dedicated team of event professionals. In addition, where I go to events I try to get to know the organisers and keep in touch. I believe in win-win situations.

**Collaboration:** * **Pitch ideas:** Approach professionals with collaborative project ideas that showcase your combined strengths and value. This could involve joint ventures, event partnerships, or creative proposals. * **Offer expertise:** Share your knowledge and resources with others. Offer to help with specific tasks or provide insights on areas where you have expertise. * **Seek advice:** Don't hesitate to ask for advice or mentorship from experienced professionals. Show your openness to learning and genuine interest in their expertise.

Establishing relationships with event production professionals is best achieved through collaborative projects that highlight mutual skills and value. Propose ideas, extend invitations to join your team, or suggest joint ventures to demonstrate your willingness to collaborate. Engage them in all stages of event planning, execution, and evaluation, actively seeking their feedback and input. Through collaboration, both parties can benefit from shared resources, expertise, and exposure, creating a win-win scenario.

Feedback is an interesting topic. Particularly in sales. Often sales people don't ask for feedback from clients because there is a fear the feedback will be negative. The truth is that asking for feedback is a sign of confidence. And you know what, if you don't ask for feedback the negative is still there, you just don't know it! It`s hard to solve a problem if you do not know what it is.

Join a committee and pledge membership to your local chapters of MPI, PCMA, and other event industry-focused organizations. Create a regular check-in with some or all of your contacts. Get a feel for what a qualified referral looks like for each of your members and work together to achieve goals on big projects!

Connect with event production specialists by attending industry events, engaging on social media, and joining online forums. Collaborate on projects, offer value through insights or connections, and seek advice to initiate conversations. Volunteer for opportunities, attend after-work gatherings, and consider hosting networking mixers. Regular check-ins and genuine interest in their work help maintain relationships. Building connections is about authenticity and mutual benefit, so approach interactions with a down-to-earth attitude.

Engage! Don't just be another familiar face during an event. Lend a hand when needed, partner with them through execution, and simply make them want to work with you again. A familiar face goes a long way however, make sure they know they are an asset. Refer ongoing clients to them, ask for assistance, and partner when possible.