Elevate Event Networking: Unconventional Strategies That Work
Seth Dechtman - Expert Keynote Curator
Master Curator Event Pros rely on me to book the most impactful keynote speakers | Event Strategist | Tennis Enthusiast | Pizzaterian | Globe Hopper
The Secret to Successful Events? Next-Level Networking.
For event professionals, networking isn’t just a benefit—it’s a business imperative. Studies show that over 75% of professionals consider networking essential to career success, and 95% of attendees say face-to-face meetings are key to building lasting business relationships. But in a world where digital interactions dominate, how do you create in-person networking moments that truly stand out?
Leading conferences and high-profile events are redefining networking by moving beyond traditional cocktail hours. Consider these game-changing strategies:
Networking is no longer a side benefit of events—it’s a driving force behind why people attend in the first place. As an event professional, your job is to design environments where people don’t just exchange business cards but build real, lasting relationships.
Why Networking Matters Now More Than Ever
So how can we move beyond stale meet-and-greets and create intentional, dynamic networking opportunities that truly resonate?
Networking That Works: From the Main Stage to the Breakout Room
The best networking doesn’t just happen during happy hour—it’s embedded into the DNA of your event. That’s where top keynote speakers and facilitators shine. They don’t just speak to your audience; they ignite conversations within your audience. Here are a few of the best in the business:
?? Ben Nemtin – Helps audiences connect over shared bucket-list goals, fostering authentic, purpose-driven networking.
?? Kyle Scheele – Known for interactive experiences that break down barriers and engage attendees in fresh, unexpected ways.
zz?? SongDivision & Freestyle+ – These music-fueled experiences turn strangers into teammates, crafting unforgettable, collaborative moments.
?? Shane Feldman – A leading expert in community-building, helping audiences forge more profound, meaningful professional relationships.
?? Shasta Nelson – A leading voice on workplace friendships and connection, helping audiences cultivate deeper, more meaningful professional relationships.
?? Amy Herman – Teaches audiences how to sharpen observation skills and build stronger connections through the power of visual intelligence.
?? Eliz Greene – Explores the link between stress and networking, helping audiences build high-value relationships without burnout.
?? Traci Brown – A body language expert who reveals how to decode nonverbal cues, leading to more impactful and authentic networking interactions
Networking That Works: Insights from Top Event Professionals
Great networking doesn’t happen by chance—it’s carefully designed. The most successful events embed networking opportunities into every touchpoint, from the main stage to the coffee break. That’s where industry-leading event professionals excel. They don’t just plan events; they architect experiences that forge meaningful connections. Here are some of the best in the business who have shared their insights on our podcast:
?? Liz Lathan, CMP & Julius Solaris – Event strategy pros who know how to engineer networking that feels organic, not forced. Check out their appearances on our podcast!
?? Tavar James , Cheryl J. Trinidad, CMP & Courtney Mesmer, CMP, DES, CED – Trailblazers in attendee engagement, sharing innovative ways to create real event connections. You guessed it. Also guests on our podcast!
?? Michelle Allgauer, CAE, CMM, CMP Fellow , Victoria Matey & Janice Cardinale VEMM – Experts on event experience and human connection, designing networking formats that go beyond the traditional. Don't miss their insights on our podcast!
Take Your Networking to the Next Level
If you want to turn passive attendees into active participants, we can help. At The Keynote Curators, we connect you with speakers and facilitators who build networking opportunities right into their sessions, ensuring your audience leaves with valuable connections—not just a stack of business cards.
?? Want to hear expert insights on creating unforgettable event experiences? Listen to The Keynote Curators Podcast—designed exclusively for event professionals like you.
?? Ready to bring a networking-driven keynote to your next event? Let’s talk! We’ll help you curate the perfect speaker to make your event one to remember.
? Want to arrange a meeting? Let's set a time! Schedule now.
?? Email me for more details: [email protected]
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Creating intentional spaces for connection ensures attendees leave with valuable relationships, not just business cards.
Keynote Speaker
2 天前Building relationships is the foundation for any industry. I'd like to share a quote related to this topic. "People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care". Great post, thank you for sharing.
Friendship Expert | Speaker | Chief Friendship Officer, U.S. Chamber of Connection | Author
3 天前Thank you for continuing to raise awareness how important our relationships are and we can’t just “hope” it happens and that everyone knows how to create the community they crave. (And now I want to go hear all the other speakers you tagged! Maybe we can have one big connection event where we’re all brought in? ??)
Leadership Keynote Speaker | Travel Researcher | Serial-Entrepreneur | Corporate Relationship Trainer
3 天前Love these highlights Seth! You nailed it: relationship building doesn’t happen by default…it happens by design. Honoured to be included in this high-impact roundup!
Forbes Woman, Top 100 Most Influential People in Events 23/24, Top 20 Most influential Canada 24, Smart Meetings Entrepreneur & Hall of Fame, BizBash 15 over 50, Gather Voices Top 50 2024. Founder Event Minds Matter.
3 天前Seth Dechtman - Expert Keynote Curator I love the fact that you always tag me in your posts. I feel welcomed by you, and this is what can connect people on a higher level. I do have to mention that there is only one woman in my humble opinion in this industry that has truly inspired us all with her ability to prioritize people, education, mental health, marketing, creativity, and laughter. Liz Lathan, CMP has taken our industry by storm and has proven that when you care about people, magic happens. Liz and Nicole Osibodu, XOXO have cleverly constructed a space within their community that makes everyone feel like they belong and with membership, they give you all the education, events and more for the price of admission so to speak. This industry needs more of this, because this is not a time for politics, (no pun intended) but rather a time for everyone to come together and lose their ego's for the future of this industry.