Recently, Olga Bondareva, Founder of IBMA, and Ekaterina Altbregina, CMO at IBMA, led a workshop on event networking for a major system integrator.

They covered how to prepare, how to start conversations naturally, and how to follow up afterward. Attendees practiced real-life scenarios in small groups.

Practice matters. Even seasoned professionals can struggle with small talk and turning networking into business opportunities.

Here’s a simple three-step approach Olga and Ekaterina shared:

1️⃣ Before the event:

- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Check who’s attending and set meetings
- Prepare what you want to share (if relevant)
- Research your target audience and key trends

2️⃣ During the event:

- Start with an icebreaker → small talk → listen actively → exchange contacts → agree on follow-up
- Balance planned meetings with spontaneous chats
- Take breaks, recharge, and attend sessions

3️⃣ After the event:

- Follow up, stay helpful, and build relationships
- Offer your services only when the timing is right

Combining online and offline activities is the most effective approach. Don’t skip either.