A networking event enables small business owners to establish connections, form partnerships, secure investors, and expand their brand. For freelancers, they present a unique opportunity to find reliable clients and source relevant advice. However, not all events are worth attending.
5 Networking Events Worth Your Time
Before attending a networking event, you need to know which ones are worth your time.
1. Industry-Specific Seminars
In an industry-specific seminar, you learn about relevant and valuable topics, such as financing a small business, reaching clients through social media, or managing your cash flow. After listening to industry experts, you can meet with other attendees to review the content, discuss trends, and exchange information.
2. Career Fairs
Whether you are a freelancer or a business owner, career fairs can help you establish meaningful connections with industry professionals. You can meet with representatives from multiple companies to develop a direct connection with potential employers. Alternatively, you can set up a booth to attract your region’s top talent.
Even if you do not get hired or see an influx of applications, you can make many great connections. The next time the topic of hiring comes up, your name will be front of mind.
3. Conferences
In the State of In-Person B2B Conferences report, 78% of respondents agreed in-person business-to-business (B2B) conferences provide the best networking opportunities. They enable you to showcase your products or services through a sponsored booth at an expo center. Large events typically have supplementary networking activities.
4. Online Networking Events
You can connect with investors, vendors, or other industry professionals through platforms like LinkedIn and Zoom. Forming an online community enables you to exchange information and ideas without incurring expenses for travel or lodging.
A local workshop offers a unique opportunity for skill development, focusing on a specific topic or skill, such as problem-solving or lead generation. In addition to receiving guidance from a subject matter expert, you can mingle with other attendees.
5. Local Workshops
One-on-one sessions may be challenging to find, depending on your location. They may be more beneficial than a conventional workshop because you receive personalized instruction. Research shows mentored businesses are approximately 70% more likely to survive beyond five years, nearly double the timespan of those without mentorship.
6 Types of Networking Events to Avoid
Not all networking events are made equal. Truthfully, some are a waste of time, money, and company resources.
1. Networking Lunch
A luncheon is a formal meal attended by a large group of people. In addition to preparing lunch, the organizer may also schedule a speaker. It can be challenging to make connections when the focus of the occasion is on the speaker. There is also a chance the event is a hidden sales pitch led by a multilevel marketing representative or a noncertified coach.
Even if there is enough time to mingle, you are stuck talking to whoever is closest to you. If the seating chart was prepared poorly, you may have little in common with those at your table.
2. Member-Only Events
In theory, a members-only seminar is a great idea. However, these “exclusive” networking events often charge high fees while offering little of value in return. Artificially excluding people limits the number of valuable connections you can make.
3. Virtual Networking Groups
Unmoderated virtual networking groups are unstructured, so many become inactive quickly. You may see a long list of members only to discover upon joining that the last post was made months ago. Alternatively, it may be full of self-promotion without any real conversation. It is better to be an active participant in one high-quality group than join many substandard ones.
4. Massive, Unfocused Conferences
A major, multiday conference is a considerable investment. You will likely spend thousands on tickets, flights, hotels, and meals. If the attendees and exhibits are not a perfect match for your professional goals, you may not get the return on investment you hope for. At best, it feels impersonal. At worst, it becomes more of a trade show than a networking event.
5. Introductory Training Sessions
An introductory training session is a mixed bag. It can be beneficial if you are genuinely new to the industry, but it is often designed as lead generation disguised as a workshop. Even though you feel like you are learning, you walk away with no fundamental new skills.
The instructor may spend the last portion of the event selling a high-priced course or coaching package. They may be underqualified. Recognized career coaching certifications cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the program, so many individuals opt not to pursue certification.
If they cannot produce qualifications or quantifiable returns, you are likely wasting your time and money.
6. Purely Social Gatherings
A Happy Hour is casual, which can make pitching your business challenging. It is best suited for closing a sale with a large client or impressing investors, rather than exchanging ideas with your peers. Conversations can easily go off-topic. Also, if alcoholic beverages are served, you may make a social faux pas, which has the opposite of the desired effect.
Upcoming Networking Events to Attend
Now that you know which types of networking events to attend and which to avoid, you can plan accordingly for the future. Here are some you should consider going to in 2026:
The Small Business Conference
This year’s Small Business Conference will take place in San Francisco, California, at the South San Francisco Conference Center. The set date is July 25, 2026. You can meet with B2B vendors, learn from business leaders, and mingle with industry professionals. The color-coded badges will help you identify those in your industry among the thousands of people who attend.
Adobe MAX
In 2026, Adobe MAX will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center from November 11 to 12. You will get to connect with Adobe staff and other creative professionals. Other notable activities include multimedia training, product announcements, and presentations. There will be over 150 sessions and multiple keynotes.
TypeCon
TypeCon will take place at the Revolution Hall in Chicago, Illinois. This three-day conference will host 35 speakers whose presentations focus on type and lettering. It is presented by the Society of Typographic Aficionados, an international not-for-profit organization.
The United States Business Show
The United States Business Show will be held in Miami, Florida. On April 29 and 30, thousands of small business owners will converge on the Miami Beach Convention Center. On average, those with exhibits will generate over 100 leads — a significant return on investment. The gathering is free to attend, but booking a booth costs money.
Creative Pro Week
This conference is for those who use Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or Acrobat, regardless of their skill level. This includes production artists, small publishers, creative managers, and graphic designers. More than 35 speakers will present over 70 sessions. Tickets are expensive, but they cover admission, meals, and a curated collection of templates.
The National Small Business Conference
The National Small Business Conference is one of the best networking events for those seeking government contracts. It welcomes over 2,500 attendees and 250 federal representatives. There will be educational seminars, a dedicated exhibit hall, and professional matchmaking opportunities. There are even opportunities for one-on-one meetings.
What You Should Know Before You Go
You must have a clear idea of what you want to get out of attending. Once you establish quantifiable objectives, prepare an elevator pitch — a concise, compelling summary of who you are and what you sell. When done right, it leaves a lasting impression that can help you make connections and generate leads.
You can make a good first impression by dressing the part. What you wear and how you present yourself reflect on your personal brand. While some conferences have dress codes, business casual is generally a reliable option.
Ensure your online presence is polished, and your company accounts are easily discoverable. A complete LinkedIn profile receives 30% more views each week than an incomplete one. To maximize visibility, consider placing a QR code on your lanyard or next to your name tag. This way, people can look you up even if they don’t speak to you directly.
You’re Ready to Attend Networking Events
Major networking events can last days. If you only make a few superficial connections, you will see a low return on your time investment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid the forums that are centered around selling — your goal is to build professional relationships. When registering for gatherings and making connections, remember to prioritize quality over quantity.
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