Networking Events: Are We Really Connecting or Just Collecting Numbers?

I’ve attended my fair share of networking events. You know the drill—exchange numbers, promise to follow up, and then... silence. You email, call, text, maybe even consider sending a carrier pigeon, only to be met with a void so quiet it’s like a dog whistle—except even the dog didn’t hear it.

Sound familiar?

Networking events are often billed as the ultimate way to build connections, but let’s be real: they can feel more like a competition of who can “floss” the hardest. It’s a parade of résumés, LinkedIn humblebrags, and “let’s grab coffee” promises that rarely turn into actual cups of coffee.

Why Does This Happen?

• Many attendees are focused on being seen rather than truly connecting.
• Conversations lean toward surface-level chit-chat instead of meaningful dialogue.
• Follow-through is often treated as optional—if it happens at all.

How Do We Fix It?
Let’s reimagine networking as less of a status contest and more of an opportunity to connect on a human level. Here’s what could make a difference:

1. Smaller, Intentional Gatherings
   Big events are great for visibility, but smaller, curated groups tend to encourage deeper, more genuine conversations.

2. Pre-event Icebreakers
   Platforms where attendees can introduce themselves and share what they’re looking for can break the ice before you even walk into the room.

3. Accountability Pairings
   Pair up with someone you meet and commit to following up with each other. It’s harder to flake when there’s accountability involved.

4. Follow-up Made Easy
   Event organizers could provide templates or prompts to help attendees follow through. A little structure goes a long way.

5. Story Over Stats
   Instead of leading with titles and accolades, why not share personal stories? Stories stick—stats don’t.

The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the best connections happen when people focus on being authentic, not impressive. Let’s ditch the posturing and focus on real relationships, because genuine connections are worth more than a stack of business cards collecting dust on your desk.

Your Turn
What’s been your best (or worst) networking experience? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it!