Five practical ways to make the most of networking opportunities

With both in-person and online events on offer, the West Midlands Business Festival is the perfect chance to grow your network, learn from industry leaders, and raise your business profile. Here are five practical tips to help you make the most of networking opportunities.

Networking can be one of the most valuable parts of any business event, but only if you approach it with purpose. Whether you are attending a large expo, a focused workshop or a webinar, a little preparation can make a big difference to the connections you make and the value you take away.

Here are five practical steps to help you get the most out of networking opportunities, before, during and after the event.

1. Do your homework

Before the event, take time to review the agenda, speakers and session themes. For larger events, plan your schedule in advance and prioritise the sessions you do not want to miss.

Think about a few conversation starters linked to the topics being discussed. This makes introductions feel more natural and helps you move quickly into meaningful conversations.

If the event is online, check whether there are breakout rooms, chat functions or attendee lists you can use to introduce yourself and start conversations.

2. Set clear goals

Arriving without a goal can make networking feel overwhelming. Before you attend, ask yourself what success looks like for you.

Are you hoping to meet potential clients, partners or suppliers? Are you looking to learn about a specific sector, technology or funding opportunity? Or are you simply aiming to raise your profile and build relationships for the future?

Having one or two clear objectives will help you focus your time and energy, and make it easier to decide which conversations and sessions are most valuable to you.

3. Prepare and practise your pitch

Networking is not about selling. It is about starting conversations that lead to relationships.

Prepare a short, clear introduction that explains who you are, what your business does and what you are interested in. Keep it natural and flexible so you can adapt it to different situations, whether that is a roundtable discussion, a workshop or a more informal networking session.

Top tip: Asking good questions is just as important as talking about yourself. Showing genuine interest in others is often what makes you most memorable.

4. Use social media to extend your reach

Social media can help you get more value from events before, during and after they take place.

Follow the event and its organisers, and use the official hashtag to join the conversation. Sharing key takeaways, insights or moments from sessions you attend can help raise your visibility and attract new connections who could not attend in person.

Top tip: Tagging speakers, partners or fellow attendees can be a simple way to start conversations and build rapport beyond the event itself.

5. Follow up while conversations are fresh

The real value of networking often comes after the event.

Take time to follow up with the people you meet, whether through LinkedIn, email or a short message. Referencing something specific from your conversation helps make your follow-up more personal and shows that you were genuinely engaged.

Even a brief message can be enough to keep the conversation going and open the door to future opportunities.

Build relationships, not just contacts

Events like the West Midlands Business Festival bring together thousands of businesses, ideas and opportunities. By preparing well, being clear about your goals and following up thoughtfully, you can turn brief conversations into valuable long-term relationships.

Above all, be yourself. Networking works best when you are open, curious and authentic. Small conversations often lead to big opportunities.

The 2026 festival takes place between 2 and 13 February - check out the schedule and get free tickets.