Networking at formal dinners

Dinners often accompany conferences, exhibitions and awards ceremonies – and, of course, they are often held in their own right.

Sometimes you might use the occasion to entertain guests; sometimes there is a table plan and place settings. In these cases you will be constrained as to who you sit with.

However, there will be many occasions when you will be able to choose for yourself where to sit. Use this opportunity to sit with people you don’t know. You could have two hours informal contact in a relaxed environment. Don’t waste it with friends or colleagues.

Introduce yourself to the group at the table and encourage the others to do the same. Once you have sat down, then your focus will be on those next to you.

Often, there will be breaks between courses when it is acceptable to circulate, to see and be seen. Use these for short contact conversations, you can always follow up afterwards or at the bar.

After the event

The same applies to all networking events:

• Thank the host as appropriate
• Make notes on who you engaged with. File any business cards, preferably with a CRM system.
• Remember to take business cards and follow up relevant contacts