Networking events can be powerful opportunities to meet like-minded professionals, build relationships, and expand your business or personal network. However, the challenge often lies in making connections that go beyond a simple exchange of business cards. In today’s fast-paced world, making lasting connections at events is about more than just meeting new people—it’s about building meaningful relationships that add value to both parties. If you’re wondering how to make genuine, lasting connections, here are some strategies to help you stand out and build long-term professional relationships at events.

1. Be Prepared and Set Clear Goals

Before attending any event, take some time to set clear objectives for what you want to achieve. Are you looking to connect with specific individuals, learn more about a certain topic, or expand your network within a particular industry? Having clear goals will give you a sense of direction and help you stay focused during the event.

It’s also important to research the event and its attendees. If you have access to an attendee list or speaker roster, review it to identify people you’d like to connect with. Knowing who will be there allows you to tailor your approach, making your interactions more meaningful and intentional.

2. Be Genuine and Authentic

One of the most effective ways to build lasting connections is by being authentic. People can sense when someone is being disingenuous or only interested in what they can get out of the interaction. Instead, focus on being genuinely interested in others, asking thoughtful questions, and listening actively.

When you approach someone at an event, start with a friendly greeting and show genuine curiosity about their background and experiences. Instead of diving straight into business, take the time to establish rapport by discussing mutual interests or simply asking how they’ve found the event. Authenticity creates a sense of trust, which is essential for building long-term connections.

3. Make a Lasting First Impression

Your first impression sets the tone for the relationship you’ll build, so it’s important to make it count. A warm smile, confident body language, and a firm handshake can all contribute to a positive initial interaction. When introducing yourself, be clear and concise about who you are, what you do, and why you’re attending the event. Avoid sounding rehearsed, but make sure to highlight what sets you apart.

Another great way to make a lasting impression is by having a unique or memorable elevator pitch. Instead of focusing solely on your job title or company, mention something distinctive about your work or an interesting project you’re involved in. This can spark curiosity and create more engaging conversations.

4. Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Once you’ve started a conversation, make sure it’s a meaningful one. Avoid simply talking about surface-level topics like the weather or general pleasantries. Instead, steer the conversation towards subjects that matter to both of you, such as industry trends, challenges, or shared interests.

Be a good listener, and let the other person speak about their experiences and expertise. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to share more, and give them the space to express their thoughts. When you engage in conversations that are relevant and interesting, you’ll naturally create deeper, more meaningful connections.

5. Follow Up After the Event

Making a connection at an event is just the beginning. To turn that interaction into a lasting relationship, it’s essential to follow up afterward. Reach out via email or LinkedIn with a personalised message that references something you discussed during the event. Acknowledge the conversation, express your appreciation for their time, and suggest ways to stay in touch.

For example, you might mention something specific you talked about and offer a helpful resource or suggestion related to that topic. By taking the initiative to follow up in a thoughtful way, you show that you value the relationship and are interested in continuing the conversation.

6. Offer Value to Others

One of the most effective ways to build lasting connections is by offering value to others. Instead of approaching every interaction with the mindset of “What can I get from this?” try thinking about “What can I offer this person?” Whether it’s sharing knowledge, providing a helpful introduction, or offering advice based on your own experiences, people appreciate connections that are mutually beneficial.

If you can help someone solve a problem or offer insights that are valuable to them, they’re more likely to remember you and want to stay in touch. By offering value first, you build goodwill and create a foundation for a lasting relationship.

7. Stay Consistent in Your Engagement

Networking is about building long-term relationships, not just one-off interactions. Stay consistent in your engagement by reaching out periodically to check in or share something that may be relevant to the connection. This could be an article they might find interesting, an event that aligns with their interests, or simply a friendly message to catch up.

Consistency helps to strengthen the connection over time and prevents relationships from fizzling out after the initial interaction. By nurturing relationships and staying in touch regularly, you show that you are genuinely invested in building a lasting connection.

8. Attend Regularly and Be Active in the Community

If you want to build lasting connections at events, it’s helpful to attend them regularly. Whether it’s industry conferences, local networking meetups, or professional association events, frequent participation will help you stay visible and top-of-mind for others. Over time, people will begin to recognise you and associate you with the value you provide at these events.

In addition to attending, be active in the event community. This could mean volunteering at events, participating in panel discussions, or helping to facilitate connections between other attendees. Being an active participant not only helps you make more meaningful connections but also boosts your credibility and reputation within the community.

9. Leverage Social Media for Ongoing Connection

Social media is a powerful tool for maintaining relationships beyond the event. After meeting someone, connect with them on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other relevant platforms. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, or sharing insights that are related to their work. This allows you to stay in their professional circle and continue the conversation.

Social media is also an excellent way to keep up with the latest news, achievements, and professional milestones of your connections. If they publish an article or achieve something noteworthy, take the time to congratulate them or start a conversation about it. This shows that you are paying attention and reinforces your interest in maintaining the relationship.

10. Be Patient and Build Relationships Gradually

Lastly, it’s important to remember that lasting connections take time to develop. Don’t expect instant results from networking. Building meaningful relationships is a gradual process, and it requires patience, consistency, and genuine effort.

Focus on quality over quantity—building a strong network of trusted relationships is far more valuable than collecting a large number of superficial connections. Over time, as you continue to engage with your network, you’ll find that the connections you’ve nurtured will open doors, offer support, and provide opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Making lasting connections at events isn’t just about exchanging business cards or meeting a lot of people. It’s about building meaningful, authentic relationships that add value to both you and the people you meet. By being prepared, engaging in meaningful conversations, offering value, and following up after the event, you can turn short interactions into long-lasting professional connections. Remember that networking is an ongoing process—consistency, patience, and authenticity are key to cultivating relationships that stand the test of time.