Three ways to make a networking event kick ass

To my amazing powerhouse women looking expand their network,

Over the past few years, I’ve been holding networking events called Copper Connections.

I’m really proud that I’ve gotten amazing feedback on these events, especially because networking gatherings are so often…well, kind of a bummer.

I mean, be honest—when I say networking, do you feel excited? Or does the thought of attending make a night on the couch with sweatpants sound really damn good?

The fact that people leave Copper Connections events feeling lit up and energized is really affirming to me. I live to facilitate connections between amazing women!

In the process of hosting Copper Connections, I’ve learned a little bit about what makes a kickass networking event. Here are the top three things I incorporate every time:

1. An atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

At my last Copper Connections, three different women emailed me after the event and said how delightful it was to be in an environment that felt so welcoming, even as a complete stranger.

All three of these women showed up thanks to a recommendation from a colleague of mine, so they really took a chance in showing up to an event where they didn’t know people.

Look, I’m an Italian from New Jersey; making people feel welcome really matters to me (and making sure people are fed does too, lol). When people arrive at my events, I give them a big hug and let them know how excited I am to have them there. I also love to find out what brought them to Copper Connections.

Maybe the idea of cultivating a welcoming environment seems basic, but it’s not necessarily the norm for networking events. Often, the atmosphere is a little clinical and people are worried about being judged—are they important enough to be there?

I’ve felt that way too many times when networking, and it’s the last thing I want people to feel at my events. So I begin with a giant smile, a giant hug, and a genuine acknowledgement to each person that I am SO glad they’re here.

2. An event that’s not just networking.

Here's my trick: host a networking event that’s not JUST a networking event.

For instance, I’ve hosted events at Nordstrom that include bra fittings, mini facials, and personal shopping. Most recently, Copper Connections took place at a woman-owned glove factory, and attendees got a tour of the factory, including getting to try on different gloves.

I try really hard not to center the evening just around networking, bubbly, and light bites—because while those things are great, an activity gives people something to talk about. It creates a shared experience that makes it very easy to strike up conversations that feel natural.

At the glove factory, I noticed that conversation was really flowing as people tried on these incredible gloves. No surprise! People were excited to share the experience with each other, and having an activity really paved the way for transitioning from strangers to friends.

3. A cool, unique space.

People in my community are lifelong learners, and they love events where they can discover something new and explore a place within the city they might not even know exists.

For that reason, I tend to shy away from hosting events at bars or in conference rooms, and gravitate towards more interesting locations that will draw people in.

While a bar might fit the bill as a venue, there’s nothing particularly special about it. A glove factory, on the other hand, has a sense of novelty and intrigue. Setting is everything!

With that in mind, I’m thrilled to announce the next Copper Connections. It’s being held on Thursday, August 22nd from 12:30 to 2pm at the last remaining custom?flower factory in NYC (wow, right?). Click here?to sign up—this is sure to be a fun one!

No matter what, I hope reading this email has made you feel willing to dip your toe into networking events, especially if you’ve been reluctant or have had a bad experience in the past.

I promise, there are events out there where you’ll feel welcomed from the moment you walk in, and where you’ll forge meaningful connections that genuinely light you up.

And I think those are worth taking the chance on.