Branding and marketing events offer a great opportunity to connect with current and previous clients and connections, and to forge new relationships.
They can be a wonderful opportunity to learn from your peers, through the workshops and panel discussions, as well as talking to exhibitors and delegates. They’re also a good time to launch your own product or service, or take an exhibitor space to build brand awareness for your company.
As well as sharing some of the branding and marketing events that we’ve got on our radar for 2025 (let us know if you’re also planning to be there @visionone) we’re also sharing some top tips for those of us who don’t particularly enjoy networking at business events, or those who are new to the industry!
BrightonSEO
Scheduled for April 10–11, 2025, in Brighton, this conference is essential for SEO professionals, offering deep dives into the latest SEO trends and practices.
https://brightonseo.com
Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo™ 2025
Scheduled for May 12–13, 2025, in London, this conference offers CMOs and marketing leaders insights into modern marketing strategies, including brand value demonstration and safeguarding brand health.
https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/emea/marketing-symposium-uk
ATOMICON 2025
Set for June 10, 2025, in Newcastle, ATOMICON is a high-energy marketing conference for small businesses, covering digital tactics and growth strategies.
https://atomic.site/atomicon/
YMS London
The world’s largest youth marketing festival is set to return this June and you’ll find Vision One will be sponsoring the event. I’m also very excited to say that I hope to be presenting to 500 top marketers about brand momentum and our latest insights about how this undiscovered metric can transform the way you think of brand building.
https://www.wearepion.com/event/yms-ldn
Festival of Marketing
Typically held in October in London, this event explores the latest in marketing strategies, consumer engagement, and brand development.
https://www.marketingweek.com/festival-of-marketing/
The MarTech Summit London
Taking place on November 18–19, 2025, this summit brings together marketing and technology leaders to discuss the convergence of marketing and technology for future success.
https://themartechsummit.com/
Ten Top Tips For Networking At Branding & Marketing Events
1. Prepare in Advance
- Set Clear Goals: Know why you’re attending—whether it’s to meet specific people, learn something new, or find opportunities. Having a goal gives you purpose.
- Research Who’s Going: Many events share attendee and exhibitor lists or hashtags beforehand. Identify key speakers or participants you’d like to connect with and prepare a few conversation starters or questions.
- Fine-Tune Your Elevator Pitch: Be ready to introduce yourself succinctly and not too formally—your name, company, and what your role is in branding/marketing.
2. Start Small and Build Confidence
- Arrive Early: Fewer people equate to less pressure. Early arrivals often include other nervous networkers, so it’s easier to start conversations.
- Look to Smaller Groups: Approach individuals or duos rather than larger groups—they’re often more approachable and easier to engage with.
- Practice at Low-Stakes Events: Start with smaller meetups, workshops, or local events to ease into larger conferences. Virtual / online events can also be a lot less daunting than in-person ones.
3. Lean on Tech Tools
- Use Event Apps: Many conferences now have apps for connecting with attendees virtually before or after the event. Engage online first to make in-person introductions smoother.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Post about attending the event and comment on posts using the event hashtag. It’s a quick way to initiate connections before meeting face-to-face.
- Follow Up Digitally: If in-person conversation feels rushed, follow up via email or LinkedIn soon after to continue the discussion.
4. Have Conversation Starters Ready
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of “What do you do?” try, “What brought you to this event?” or “What’s been your favourite session so far?”
- Focus on Others: Most people love talking about themselves! Show genuine curiosity about their work, interests, or challenges.
- Current Topics: Mention something relevant to the event, like a keynote you’ve just attended, or an exhibitor who was interesting to you.
5. Use Body Language to Your Advantage
- Smile: It shows you’re approachable and interested, even if you’re feeling nervous.
- Stay Open: Avoid crossing your arms or looking at your phone too much—it can signal disinterest.
6. Take Breaks
- Recharge When Required: Networking can be tiring, especially for introverts. Step outside, find a quiet corner, or regroup during breaks.
- Skip the Pressure: It’s okay to step back if a conversation isn’t flowing. Politely excuse yourself and move on.
7. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
- Don’t Collect Business Cards, Collect Connections: Aim for meaningful conversations rather than a stack of cards.
- Follow Up with Value: After the event, send personalised follow-ups. Reference your conversation and, if possible, share something useful (an article, a resource, or a relevant connection).
8. Use a Wingperson
- Tag-Team Networking: Attend with a colleague or friend if you can. You can introduce each other to people and ease into conversations.
- Group Workshops: Many events have breakout sessions or workshops. These organically facilitate smaller, less intimidating discussions.
9. Embrace Your Nerves
- Own Your Feelings: It’s okay to admit you’re not a fan of networking—it can even make you relatable! Try saying, “I always find these events a bit overwhelming. How about you?”
- Find Fellow Nervous Networkers: You’re not alone—seek out others who look like they’re possibly feeling the same as you.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
- Reflect Post-Event: Note down who you connected with and what went well. This reinforces confidence for next time.
- Set Manageable Goals: If you’re new to networking, aim to have three meaningful conversations or meet one specific person—and call it a success. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not talking to people all day long – that’s not the goal!
Bonus Tips: Make It Fun!
- Reframe Networking as Learning: Instead of thinking of it as “selling yourself,” view it as a chance to learn from others.
- Reward Yourself: Plan a treat for after the event—whether it’s a coffee at your favourite place or some downtime to decompress alone or with people outside of your work!
So now you’re armed with some useful tips – why not book yourself a day out to discover what’s next in marketing.
