How can you network with event planners in other cities?

Since the COVID-19, online networking has seen a significant increase, with people across the globe, becoming more adept at forming connections online. Focus your efforts and avoid overextending yourself in online networking. Choose a single platform to start. Learn it thoroughly. LinkedIn, for instance, is an great choice for establishing connections with professionals in your field from various cities. Begin by joining one or two groups, engage by posting content that highlights your expertise in event planning. When you make a new connection, it’s beneficial to occasionally share relevant articles or inspiring content with them. Once you are proficient with LinkedIn, you can then consider expanding to other platforms.

There really is no need to go any further than here on LinkedIn, it is a powerhouse tool for building your network. Try out these tips and tricks: - Search Event Manager in a specific city (or not) and begin to connect with them, ensuring you send them a note saying "Hey, fellow Event Manager here, would love to connect" - RSVP and attend Linkedin Live Events - Share and comment on other event pro's content to build connections further.

Pick the platform that is relevant to your business and don't spread yourself too thin by trying to post on every social channel imaginable. Find your tribe by going where your ICP goes.

Connect to connect. First reach out to your immediate network. If they don't know someone in that area, they'll know someone who does. Connecting person to person will always give you the most effective results.

Look for virtual events that are conversation-based if you want to network. Webinars are great for learning, but if the participants are just there to listen, you'll miss out on the networking that comes from great conversations.

Do not be afraid to reach out to someone to connect! Oftentimes the fear is that we will be ignored or perceived in a way that doesn’t feel great. The reality is if you’re reaching out with good intentions (not simply reaching out for a sale or with an alternative motive) the majority of connection requests are warmly welcomed. Remember connecting doesn’t end after that initial meeting - following up with a thank you note and to add value can be highly impactful. This may be sharing insights you’ve gleaned about a pain point your connection shared they are experiencing or connecting them with someone else who could be a resource for them.

Attend networking events specifically targeted at event planners, such as meetups, mixers, and cocktail hours. These gatherings offer informal settings ideal for fostering relationships and sharing insights/information. Personally, I've found events like Connect Marketplace, Site Texas, and MPI gatherings to be particularly beneficial for networking and professional growth. Additionally, I have met many of my long-time "planner" friends at such events!

Planners, even those who are more introverted, are naturals when it comes to connecting. The pandemic has forced us to get creative in how we connect and maintain relationships. You can consider creating a collaborative digital project, like an e-book or online course, inviting contributions from planners nationwide. Initiate a virtual 'event planning summit' bringing together experts from different regions for a series of webinars or panel discussions. Develop a mentorship program connecting novice and veteran planners across different cities. When you learn about an opportunity to meet with vendor partners or events, be sure to extend an invitation. Networking is great, but the real gem is staying connected!

Se puede hacer una carpeta por ciudad y pedir contactos a tus amigos de las grandes empresas donde se rentan los eventos más grandes

Reaching out to other event planners within your area can assist in growing each other's business. You never know when having someone else's back can make planning the event better than originally planned.

Collaboration is truly the key to a successful project. As individuals we may have expertise and knowledge, but collaborating with other experts can help us establish creativity, help us think outside of the box, foster team work and reach goals faster than if we face those challenges on our own. Projects encompass a spectrum of tasks and if each individual can add their talent and insight to complete the project, the effort of co-creation will result in a project far more complex and well-rounded than if that project was not a result of the collaboration.

The sheer range of different genres, industries, creative directions, resources, etc, makes the event space one of the most expansive fields you can tackle; and dictates working with others. Sure, collaboration can help get the work done. But building a sustained collaborative network helps you develop a team that you can rely upon again and again. And building the right kind of collaborative network produces ongoing rewards in the form of creative ideation, greater efficiency through learned delegation, ability to handle larger projects, and more opportunities through cross-referrals and a wider footprint in the market.

There are so many great events happening in person these days so do your research find the ones you think you'll get the most value from and start to plan how you can attend. Why not even offer to speak or volunteer- you may get a free ticket or help with travel costs.

There is no better way than to expand your network and form genuine connections than to meet with event planners in person and yes, that may include traveling. With the growing popularity of hybrid and remote working options, we forget that it is not the same thing to look at the screen in front of us and actually attend a workshop or meeting in real life. Though hybrid and remote working options have their perks, traveling to meet in person emphasizes your willingness to connect and shows you are determined, organized and proactive. Traveling can open many doors including benefiting your business and diversifying your regular working schedule while creating new connections with a personal touch.

In a world driven by ambition and desire to get ahead as fast as possible, sometimes we forget the simple power of connecting with each other genuinely. Any connection we establish should be based on mutual respect. Mutual respect will dictate the outcome of any networking we do, it can evoke politeness, enhance communication and eventually lead to trust and a potential future partnership, or at least a networking connection where you can both mutually contribute in one way or another.

JOIN COMMUNITIES!!!!!!!!!! Get involved in industry associations. Look for non-association communities like Club Ichi or the Eventpreneurs network. Participate in their forums and join their virtual events. Go to their in-person events. You have to give to receive. Start volunteering or sharing your expertise within those communities and you'll grow a network real quick!

If there was ever a time to love the internet, 2024 is that time. There are so many networking groups designed for people working in the same field from various parts of the world. Meetup, Internations, MPI, BIA, virtual events, online networking, in-person events (for those that can take the time off to travel). It's about building communities and relationships on platforms like LinkedIn and even FB and IG. You just need to be proactive and seek out like-minded people who are looking for the same thing.

Conferences bring professionals from various locations together, offering a prime opportunity to connect. Actively participate in sessions, engage in discussions, and don't shy away from networking events. Exchange contact information, connect on social media platforms, and consider joining relevant online groups or forums post-conference. By taking advantage of these events, you not only gain insights into industry trends but also expand your network with planners from different cities, fostering potential collaborations and a broader professional community.

Don't think that the networking is done once the networking event wraps up or coffee chat is over or the LinkedIn connection is accepted. Networking is about building relationships and it does require some intention. Personally, I find that having a spreadsheet with information about the people I connect with is supportive (name, email, phone, company, job title, and any additional details that can be supportive like something specific we chatted about, etc.) Then when I stumble across an article or podcast or something that makes me think of them I can share that resource. Another option that I haven't tried yet, but is on my list this year is to send a book (in their preferred format) to someone in my network who would benefit. T

It's important to engage, whether you are in person or online. If you join MPI or SITE, join a committee. If you attend a webinar, ask a question or make a comment. This is how you really get to know people in the entire community.