The people making moves in this industry aren’t just online, they’re in the room at the right events. If you want to grow faster, land better clients, and expand your network, you need to show up where the industry gathers. Here’s why attending conferences and trade shows can be a game-changer: 1. Face-to-Face Relationships Move Faster Than Cold Emails. Trust is built over lunch, not through a LinkedIn connection request. 2. You See What’s Really Trending: What people are actually buying, using, booking, and investing in. 3. You Learn Directly From the Best in the Business. Tactical insights from top planners, hotel pros, designers, and tech leaders. 4. You Get Inspired by Real-World Examples. Case studies, event builds, and behind-the-scenes stories that fuel YOUR creativity. 5. You Grow Your Rolodex (Yes, That Still Matters). Vendors, venues, DMCs, partners, you’ll meet future collaborators. 6. You Step Outside the Day-to-Day Grind. Sometimes the big ideas don’t happen until you step out of your inbox. 7. You Build Credibility and Visibility. Attending and engaging in the industry puts your name in the mix and top of mind. I've just added a downloadable Event Planner Resource Directory in the group . It includes: - Top industry conferences - Media platforms you should follow - Tech tools used by pros Grab the doc, pick an event, and make 2026 the year you show up. Drop a comment: What event(s) are YOU thinking about attending?

You can be the most talented planner or the most stunning venue in your market, but if no one knows you, you’ll stay stuck. Networking isn’t about business cards or awkward handshakes, it’s about being seen, trusted, and remembered in a busy industry. Here are 7 reasons why strategic networking is the foundation of long-term growth in the events world: 1. Referrals Are the #1 Source of High-Value Clients. People hire people they trust. When a vendor or planner recommends you, you're already halfway to the sale. 2. Networking Keeps You Top-of-Mind. Event opportunities pop up fast. if you're not visible, you're not considered. Consistent presence = consistent opportunities. 3. It’s the Fastest Way to Find Vetted Vendors & Partners. Why waste time Googling when your network already knows who’s great (and who’s not)? Real referrals save time and protect your event. 4. It Opens Doors to Speaking, Sponsorships & Collaborations. Want to build authority? Get on a panel, podcast, or partner with a venue. That starts with building authentic connections. 5. Networking Helps You Stay Current on Industry Trends. Conversations reveal what’s really happening in the market. You’ll learn what other pros are charging, booking, and doing differently. 6. It Turns Competitors Into Collaborators. There’s more work than any one person can handle. Planners pass leads, vendors cross-promote, it’s how smart businesses grow. 7. The Stronger Your Network, The More Confident You Become. When you know you’ve got support, referrals, and insight at your fingertips, you lead better. Networking reduces isolation and burnout. Drop your best networking tip or event below!

Want to avoid wasted time, blown budgets, and mismatched venues? It all starts with one question: What’s the actual objective of this event? Here are 7 key elements to clarify before sourcing venues or building out your planning timeline: 1. Clarify the Event Type. Is this a training? A networking reception? An investor summit? A product launch? The format influences every decision from seating layout to venue style. 2. Get Clear on the Primary Objective. What’s the real goal? Education, celebration, deal-making, fundraising? All content, format, and flow should support this purpose. 3. Define What’s Included. Will you need meals? Breakouts? AV production? Room blocks? Offsite activities? Make a list of inclusions early as it directly impacts venue fit. 4. Understand the Agenda Flow. Do they need back-to-back sessions or lots of networking time? The agenda drives space needs, staffing, and energy flow. 5. Know the Attendee Profile. Executives, new hires, press, vendors, customers? Who’s attending affects your venue selection, location, dress code, even check-in style. 6. Set the Budget Parameters Early. Don't source venues or vendors without a number in mind. Knowing the budget avoids wasted time on options they can’t afford. 7. Know the Non-Negotiables. Is the date locked in? Do they require a certain city or hotel chain? Get deal-breakers on the table up front so you’re not forced into bad decisions later. What’s the first question you ask a client before you start planning? Drop it below—and let’s compare strategies.

Hello everyone! My events are a bit different. I create and execute my own events. Mainly festivals and craft shows. I am looking to expand into different events. I started out working at a non profit and working on their conferences and workshops. I would love to get back to that.

Pre-Cons and Post-Cons aren’t just corporate formality, they’re your chance to get ahead of problems and build long-term relationships. Here’s how they work and 7 ways to make them powerful tools in your event planning process: 1. What’s a Pre-Con? A Pre-Convention Meeting happens 1–2 days before the event, bringing together hotel staff, the planner, vendors, and client stakeholders. It’s the final alignment before doors open. 2. What’s a Post-Con?A Post-Convention Meeting is held right after the event (or within a week) to review what went well, what didn’t, and what should be improved next time. It’s your debrief + business development session rolled into one. 3. Use Pre-Cons to Review EVERYTHING: BEOs, rooming lists, special needs, signage, AV timing, load-in/out plans, dietary requirements and run-of-show. 4. Set the Tone With Your On-Site Partners. The Pre-Con is your chance to build rapport with the banquet captain, AV tech, hotel CSM, etc. Establish yourself as the point person and build goodwill. 5. Post-Cons Are for Retention & Reflection. Get client feedback while it’s still fresh. Document wins and issues for the next time. Thank the venue and ask for their feedback, too. 6. Always Capture Action Items. During both meetings, assign and confirm owners for each task. Follow up the post-event with a recap and thank-you note, this is how professionals stand out. 7. Use These Meetings to Build Your Event Playbook. Keep Pre-Con and Post-Con templates in your system. Document learnings to reuse for future events, venues, or clients. Do you run Pre-Cons and Post-Cons consistently? What’s worked best for you? Drop your checklist ideas or lessons learned in the comments.