Networking with Intention: How to Build Relationships That Bring You Business Next Year

by Danielle Andrews, President of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.

From Busy Season to Building Season

As Wedding Season winds down (May–October in the Northern Hemisphere), most professionals breathe a sigh of relief, and rightly so. You’ve been in full execution mode for months: timelines, travel, ceremonies, and celebrations.

But as your final fall weddings wrap up, something else begins: Conference Season. From October through early December, the wedding and event industry’s biggest summits, retreats, and educational events are in full swing. This is when the best planners, designers, photographers, and venues are out there connecting, learning, and positioning themselves for next year’s success.

With Engagement Season (Christmas through Valentine’s Day) fast approaching, this is your opportunity to prepare for growth by strengthening your network, sharpening your skills, and showing up where it counts.

Let’s talk about how to network with intention, so your connections lead to real business, not just business cards.

---

1. Shift from “Collecting Contacts” to “Building Connections”

Networking isn’t about handing out cards or racking up followers. It’s about forming genuine relationships. Before attending any conference or mixer, set a goal:

• Do you want to meet destination wedding partners?
• Connect with media or editors for publication opportunities?
• Find mentors or business collaborators?

When you know who you’re trying to connect with and why, every introduction has purpose.

---

2. Choose Conferences Strategically

Not all networking opportunities are created equal. Look for events that align with your goals and brand level.

For example:

• Business growth & education: The Wedding MBA, The Book More Weddings Summit, State of the Wedding Industry
• Destination networking: World Romance Travel Conference, Passport, Destination Wedding Planners Congress, EWPC
• Creative development: Catersource + The Special Event, ENGAGE! Summits, Table Design Exhibition and Creativity Conference

These conferences gather serious professionals — the ones who can inspire you, refer you, or collaborate with you on your next opportunity. (See a list of Conferences for Wedding Pros here.)

---

3. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

When someone asks, “What do you do?”, your answer should make them remember you. Craft a short, confident introduction that highlights your niche and your why.

Example:

“I’m a destination wedding planner who specializes in designing culturally rich celebrations in the Caribbean. I help couples create experiences that reflect their heritage while feeling like a vacation for their guests.”

That one sentence tells people who you are, what you do, and what makes you stand out.

---

4. Show Up as Your Brand

Before you walk into that conference, review your digital presence. People you meet will look you up immediately.

• Update your website and Instagram bio
• Ensure your branding, tone, and photos are consistent
• Have a clear link in bio or contact form ready

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, especially online.

---

5. Be a Giver First

The best networkers give before they ask.

• Share a compliment or shoutout to a speaker or vendor on social media
• Offer to collaborate or refer someone
• Share a resource or helpful insight

Generosity builds trust, and trust builds business.

---

6. Take Notes and Follow Up

After each event or conference day, jot down who you met and what you discussed. Then, follow up within a week:

• Send a thank-you message or email
• Reference your conversation
• Add them on LinkedIn or Instagram with a personal note

Most people don’t follow up. Doing so instantly sets you apart.

---

7. Diversify Your Network

Don’t just stick to planners or your comfort zone. Some of your best business opportunities will come from outside your direct niche, think: photographers, travel advisors, venue managers, and floral designers.

A well-rounded network expands your reach and makes you a more valuable collaborator.

---

8. Create Visibility Beyond Conferences

Networking doesn’t stop when the event ends. Stay visible by:

• Commenting on posts from your new connections
• Tagging them in content where relevant
• Joining professional associations and Facebook groups
• Submitting your work for publication

Consistency keeps relationships alive long after the conference lights dim.

---

9. Nurture Relationships Year-Round

Schedule time each month to connect with your network, not to sell, but to stay connected.
Send a quick “thinking of you” message, share a lead, or check in on someone’s new venture. The goal is to be memorable and top of mind before they need your service.

---

10. Turn Your Connections into Collaborations

Finally, take those new relationships and do something with them.

• Plan a styled shoot together
• Host a local networking brunch
• Guest speak at each other’s events or webinars
• Swap features or cross-promote content

When you collaborate intentionally, everyone wins, and so does your visibility.

---

Final Thought

This time between wedding season and engagement season isn’t downtime. It’s your growth time! Conferences, workshops, and networking events aren’t just educational opportunities; they’re your chance to plant seeds that will grow your business all year long.

So show up, connect with purpose, and follow through. Because the relationships you build now could become your biggest bookings next year.