6 Not-boring conversation starters for any networking event

Networking isn’t draining when you have these fulfilling conversation starters.

Hi y’all,

Welcome back to Busy Season, your guide to the hot takes, pro tips, and real stories sweeping the events industry.

This week, I’m gearing up to attend a couple of trade shows. So I wanted to share some not-boring conversation starters that will help you meet like-minded people and grow your network — without draining your energy. Let’s get right to it.

Every event professional knows the value of networking — but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to prioritize when your busy season is in full swing. Yet, these moments of connection are essential for the long-term success of any business.

The time you spend connecting with other professionals directly impacts your business’s future — through referrals, partnerships, or simply learning from others’ experiences.

As Jenna Porter of Jenna Noelle Creative puts it, “The grass grows where you water it.” Regularly engaging with industry peers isn’t just about saying hello at an event; it’s about building lasting connections. 

I sometimes hesitate to attend networking events during busy seasons because my energy — both mental and emotional — feels stretched thin. The typical small talk, like “What do you do?” or “Where are you from?” can feel more draining than connecting, and I find myself craving more meaningful interactions.

Some of my favorite questions that evoke a more emotional response and open up the conversation to go deeper are:

Starting pretty low-stakes

• “What’s been the highlight of your day so far?”

• “What are you hoping to get out of the conference?”

Industry-specific topics

• “What’s your favorite part about working in this industry?”

• “What’s something in the industry you’re keeping an eye on?” 

• “What’s your favorite event you’ve been a part of this year?”

Good topics for folks you already know

You can skip over the niceties for this group and jump straight into the juicy stuff.

• “What are you working on that excites you right now?”

• “What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in the past year?”

As someone who thrives on connecting with fellow event professionals, I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones at the ARA Women in Rental conference and MATRA Tent Show. 

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, share insights, or simply say hello, I’d love to meet up! 

See you next Tuesday,

Mallory Mullen

Le remue-ménage