Industry events can be exciting. Free samples, familiar faces, and insider insights, but if you’re shy or introverted, they can also feel overwhelming. The idea of striking up conversations with strangers might fill you with dread. But here’s the good news, networking isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about making genuine connections, and that’s something anyone can do with the right approach.
Whether you’re heading to your first whisky tasting, drinks expo, or professional meetup, here’s how to network like a pro, even if you’d rather be hiding by the water cooler.
Networking isn’t about pitching yourself like a product. It’s about people. Instead of thinking “What can I get from this?” ask, “Who can I learn from?” or “Whose story can I hear today?” This subtle mindset shift can take the pressure off and make the whole experience feel more human.
Before the event, take a few minutes to:
Check the attendee list or speaker lineup (if available). Make a mental note of a few people you’d love to meet.
Research the event theme or hot topics. Having a few talking points ready will make small talk easier.
Prepare your intro. Think of a simple way to introduce yourself, who you are, what you do, and why you’re there. Keep it short and natural.
For Example: “I work in brand marketing for a distillery, and I’m always curious to see what’s new in the sustainability space.”
You don’t need to “work the room” like a politician. Just aim to have a few meaningful conversations.
Try standing near the coffee or drinks station. It’s a natural spot to bump into people.
Joining a small group. Look for open body language or gaps in the circle, then politely join and listen before jumping in.
Asking simple questions:
“What brings you here today?”
“Have you been to this event before?”
“What’s been the highlight of your week so far?”
People usually love to talk about themselves, so ask, listen, and let the conversation flow.
Shy or introverted people often make excellent listeners, and that’s a superpower in networking. While others might dominate a conversation, you can offer thoughtful engagement, ask insightful questions, and genuinely make people feel heard.
If a conversation fizzles out (and some will!), that’s okay.
Try these graceful exits:
“It was so nice chatting, I’m going to grab another drink before the next session.”
“Great to meet you, do you have a card or LinkedIn? I’d love to keep in touch.”
“I’m going to mingle a bit more, enjoy the rest of the event!”
Many people meet at events. Fewer people actually follow up. Be one of the few!
Send a quick LinkedIn request or message within a day or two.
Mention something specific you talked about so they remember you.
Keep the tone warm and casual, like:
“Lovely to meet you at the [event name], I really enjoyed our chat about whisky tourism. Hope we can stay in touch!”
You don’t have to collect 20 business cards or impress the room. If you had one great conversation, made one new contact, or simply showed up and smiled at someone, you’ve done well.
Networking is a skill, not a personality trait. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Even if you’re shy, you can absolutely network like a pro. Focus on being curious, kind, and real. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how many people you talk to, it’s about the quality of the connections you make.
Now go enjoy that next event (and maybe sneak a few whisky samples while you’re at it).
