One of the greatest benefits of attending events, conferences, and retreats is the chance to build meaningful connections. At The Chic Experience, we focus on creating environments where you can network with like-minded individuals, learn from one another, and grow together. Whether you’re attending for professional or personal growth, fostering relationships in these settings can bring lasting impact.
Here are a few tips on how to maximize the power of connection at events:
1. Show Up with Intent
Before arriving at the event space, have a sense of what you hope to achieve. Whether it’s finding a mentor, collaborating with others, or learning something new, having a clear goal will help you engage meaningfully. Take a moment to reflect on what kind of connections will best support your growth—do you want to meet industry leaders, potential clients, or like-minded peers? Set an intention to introduce yourself to at least three new people, and be open to unexpected opportunities that may arise. Have you been to connect + collab business mixers? Check them out, here: Connect + Collab
2. Engage Early
Don’t wait until the end of the event to introduce yourself. From the moment you walk in, take the opportunity to start conversations. Ask people about their experiences and what brought them to the event—it’s a great icebreaker!
For example, if you’re at a networking dinner, instead of waiting for assigned seating or structured introductions, strike up a conversation with the person next to you in the check-in line. A simple, “What made you excited to attend this event?” can open the door to a valuable connection before the event even begins. We did a dinner party post-event after The Summit, with our keynote speaker, and the room was buzzing with great conversation starters. Stay tuned to more of these VIP experiences.
3. Active Listening
In networking situations, it’s easy to focus on what you’ll say next or how to impress the person you’re speaking with. However, the most impactful conversations come from truly listening. Active listening helps you understand the other person’s perspective, builds trust, and makes them feel valued—leading to deeper, more meaningful connections.
For example, imagine you’re at a retreat and meet someone discussing their challenges in scaling their business. Instead of immediately offering advice, ask thoughtful follow-up questions like, “What strategies have you tried so far?” or “What’s been your biggest learning experience?” By showing genuine interest, you create a conversation that feels natural and engaging rather than transactional. People remember how you make them feel, and when they feel heard, they’re more likely to continue the connection beyond the event.
4. Be Open to Collaboration
Conferences and retreats are full of passionate individuals—collaboration is one of the best ways to grow your network. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, sharing expertise, or working on joint projects, being open to new partnerships can elevate your journey in unexpected ways.
Here are two ways to collaborate effectively:
- Host a Workshop Together: If you meet someone with complementary skills, consider teaming up for a webinar, Instagram Live, or in-person workshop to share insights with both of your audiences.
- Co-Create Content: Partner on a blog post, podcast episode, or social media collaboration to expand your reach and provide valuable content to a larger community.
Collaboration isn’t just about growing your brand—it’s about amplifying your impact, creating opportunities, and building a community where everyone rises together.
5. Follow Up
The connection doesn’t end when the evening or event concludes. Make sure to follow up with people you meet by sending a message, inviting them to coffee, or staying connected on social media. This will help solidify the relationship and open doors for future opportunities. Now, let’s connect https://www.instagram.com/the_chic_experience/
By intentionally building connections at events, you open yourself up to new opportunities, collaborations, and a powerful support system. So, take advantage of the next opportunity to immerse yourself in a community where growth and connection thrive!
Ready to connect? Learn more about The Chic Experience and our upcoming events that focus on building supportive networks for entrepreneurs: https://thechicexperience.ca/experiences/