We all know the big three NACE, ISES and MES.  While I feel very strongly that you should become a regular with at least one of these, you should occasionally branch outside of your comfort zone and make fresh connections.

By attending an outside networking event you will meet a variety of event professionals you simply would never encounter at the big three. Below you will find 3 of my favorite event oriented networking groups, as well a general networking event for all industries. 

• AWP - Association of Wedding Professionals
  Small Intimate Group. Ability to make strong personal connections.  Focused on wedding industry. Non-members may attend for $45. Attendance ~ 30-40 
• AMPS - Association of Meeting Professionals
  Associations and Non-profit Professionals. Good age diversity. Non-Members $35. Attendance ~ 150+
• HIP - Hospitality Industry Professionals
  Highly meeting/association oriented.  Younger crowd. Free to attend for association/meeting planners. Vendors/Suppliers $35. Attendance ~ 200+
• The Original Third Tuesday (Top Choice)*
  The largest general networking event in the region.  FREE to attend.  All industries / local businesses. Diverse Crowd. Attendance ~ 300+

If you feel as though your seeing the same faces each month, try one of the groups listed above.  To really refresh your network, try a general networking event that serves all industries.  You’ll have less networking competition and often find you’re the only event professional in the crowd.  This makes working the room a breeze and helps to spotlight your unique service. 

What networking events have you found helpful (event related or otherwise)? Do you prefer a large crowd or more intimate group for networking? 

I’m guilty of this one myself.  Often times when we show up at an event, we have a tendancy to walk straight up to the first person we recognize in the room.  Before we know it we’re surrounded by 5 of our closest colleagues and may spend the entire event talking to the folks we already know.  While there is a ton of value in maintaining your current relationships and getting some face time with past clients, your ultimate goal at a networking event should be to make NEW contacts.  

The good news is, having a few folks you already know in the room can actually benefit you in a number of ways.  First off, it helps to make you more comfortable and ease any nerves about being in a room full of strangers.  Second, you now have a few networking partners you can team up with to really take over the room and maximize your number of new connections.  

Here’s what I do… After catching up with a few existing connections, make an agreement that your going to split up and work the room together. As your meeting new people, make it a point to introduce them to some of your colleagues you already know.  ”Hey Jan (new connection) have you met Pablo (existing connection)? He’s one of the best musicians in town!”  Pablo now has a warm introduction to Jan and doesnt have to sell himself (remember, you’ve just given him a rave review).  Rather than spending all your time selling yourself, sell your colleagues and make as many introductions as possible.  They’ll be sure to return the favor.

When you’re lucky enough to show up at an event where you already know a few people, capitalize on the situation by networking together and recommending one another; rather than spending the entire event standing in a circle talking to the folks you already know. 

You’ll leave the event feeling good about helping your fellow eventprof’s plus you’ll have a pocket full of business cards.  The only question is… What to do with all those cards…. We’ll cover that next month!  

So now Im curious… Have you ever fallen into the same trap? Have you tried this team approach to networking before? Any twists on the idea?