The US corporate events market is expected to be worth a staggering $510.9 billion by 2030. There is clearly a strong demand for these types of events among professionals seeking to network with others in their industry.
But what makes corporate events the perfect networking opportunity? After all, in the modern world, many people now seem to connect mostly over the internet using tools such as email or video calls.
While there is nothing wrong with these options, there are many reasons why meeting other professionals face-to-face at corporate events can be a much more powerful method for growing your business.
Keep reading to learn more.
Meet With Like-Minded Professionals
When you go to a corporate event, you will be able to meet with a large number of professionals who are involved in your industry. Rather than having to research where to find suppliers or potential buyers, they will be in the same room as you and be eager to learn about your business.
Not only can this help you find the right people to boost your company, but it can also be a cost-effective way of meeting new industry contacts.
Shows Interest and Determination
When you take the time to attend a corporate event, it shows others in your sector that you are putting effort into meeting new customers. Many business people will be used to receiving countless emails that are impersonal and fail to make an impression. But, if you have spent money and taken time out of your day to meet with a company owner, this could impress them and be a good way to gain their trust.
Get Warm Introductions
You may already know some of the people at a corporate event, and they could introduce you to their contacts. You can then spend a few minutes chatting with a possible new client, building rapport, and finding out what they might want from your business. By giving them your business card and following up after the event, you also stand a much better chance of developing a relationship that could lead to future sales.
Chat With Industry Thought Leaders
There may be industry thought leaders speaking at a corporate event, and this is a great chance to learn from these experts. However, you could also have the opportunity to talk with a speaker when they have finished their presentation and are mingling in the crowd.
By networking with renowned figures in your sector, you could pick up invaluable tips and also establish relationships with these high-profile professionals.
Meet in a Relaxed Environment
There are stunning corporate event venues that are a treat to visit, and being in these gorgeous settings can help attendees to relax. You could spend time talking to other business people while enjoying fine food and unwinding with a cool beverage. This can be much more informal than meeting in an office.
The features of the venue can also be an interesting talking point to help you start conversations. As many attendees probably also won’t have been there before, you can bond while you discuss the views and quality of service. This can be a great way to get to know people in your sector in a more casual environment.
More Likely to Get Positive Responses
It’s easy for a company owner to ignore an email, or to say no over the phone. But, when you meet someone at a corporate conference, you can talk to them face-to-face. They may then be more open to having a conversation rather than simply ignoring a request for a meeting.
As they are also there to make new contacts, a business owner may actually encourage your approach and want to hear more about your company. This can increase your success rate when pitching your goods or services.
Impress Others With Your Knowledge
Being at a corporate event isn’t only about making contacts that could help your business. It’s also a chance to assist others. For example, an attendee could tell you about problems they have with a delivery partner. If you can recommend a reliable delivery business that you work with, this could help them solve their problem.
By being useful to other businesses, you could find people are eager to return the favor and buy from your company or introduce you to important contacts.
Continue Talking With Professionals After the Event
You never know who you might meet at a corporate event, and you might hit it off with other business owners. If they are based in locations that are far away from where you work, you could suggest continuing your conversation in a nearby cafe or restaurant. You can then discuss how you could work together before you both head back to your respective hometowns.
Network at Corporate Events to Grow Your Business
Networking at corporate events offers many advantages compared to other less personal ways of talking to potential clients. Attending an event can give you the chance to meet a large number of your industry peers in a relaxed setting. You can also benefit from getting warm introductions to other professionals in your sector.
In addition, when chatting face-to-face at a corporate event, people may be more likely to agree to a further meeting, and you could also meet with prominent figures in your industry to grow your network. Going to corporate events could soon be one of your most lucrative marketing techniques!
