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Networking In The Wild: How To Become The Apex Predator
Wander | May ’25
Showing up counts
We all know online marketing reigns supreme, but it isn’t the be-all and end-all for getting your brand out there. One space still gives you power to cut through the noise… I.R.L.
We’re talking industry events, conferences, pop-ups, panels… the spaces where people are actually paying attention, having conversations and most importantly, remembering the brands that show up and do something different.
But where does event marketing fit into a digital-first world? Think of it as your offline launchpad for online virality. The best event activations are sticky. They generate buzz, spark FOMO and get people posting before they’ve even left the venue
Ready to SMASH those IRL events? Let’s break down the secrets to impressing in real life.
Genuine diverse marketing vs token campaigns
Think of an event like a LinkedIn DM in real life (except this time you can’t just click delete and move on…) It’s so much more than networking, it’s getting your brand known by real people with real influence in real life (For real.)
Whether it’s a panel talk or an exhibition stand, events let you connect with future clients, collaborators and creators who actually get what you’re about. Showing up is the first step, but you have to be remembered.
We saw it first-hand at SXSW this year. Brands went ALL OUT at the Austin event, bringing their A-game to a setting they knew some of the biggest creative peeps would be at. From Blumhouse’s soundproof ‘ScreamBox’ to JBL’s Sound Bodega of up-and-coming artists, brands saw their opportunity and they took it.
Leaving Your Mark
So now you’ve been seen at an event, now it’s time to be shared. Yep, it all comes back to the online spaces, the world where attendees are saying, “Did you see that?!”
The potential to go viral at an event is massive if you find the right concept. A brand that’s nailed this is Glossier. The beauty brand takes it a step further than just being present, they transform spaces into a visual showcase of their brand. From vibrant monocolour sets to floors flooded with flower petals, they get that audiences want experiences.
The lesson? Every event is the backdrop for your own story. Make it weird, wonderful and worth whipping out the phone for.
Survival Kit (AKA the secret to making the most of every event)
So you get the importance, but how do you make the most of any event?! We’ve got you, here’s our cheat sheet for acing any gathering:
- Stand out: In a room of 1000 people, you don’t want to be exactly the same as the guy next to you. Whether you’re exhibiting or attending, being bold and pushing boundaries will get you noticed. Don’t be scared to think outside the box and turn a few heads.
- Keep it real: It can be hard to spot a fake online, but in person you can see it a mile off. If you go into an event being your own authentic self, people can tell. Real human connection is when the magic truly happens.
- Know. Your. Sh*t: The secret to walking into an event with confidence is knowing exactly what to expect. Research who’s gonna be there, understand the purpose, be the most in-the-know person in the room (even if it means stalking a few people on LinkedIn beforehand…)
- Be picky: You don’t need to attend every single event. Sure, the Olney Pancake Race is probably a great time, but is your target audience hanging out there? Will the World Conker Championships give you the crucial connections to boost your brand? (If the answer is yes, we’re jealous.) You can’t attend everything, so pick the events that fit your niche and open doors.
- Have fun: Look, we know it’s cliché. We KNOW it’s not always easy to have fun in a massive social setting, especially when you wanna impress people. But at the end of the day, you’ve gotta find the joy in what you do. Passion shines through, and even if nothing comes from it, finding the fun in an event will only make the next one feel more natural.
What next?!
We’ll be using our event strategy @ SXSW London next week! Want to chat personal brand, content strategy or how to blow up online without losing your soul? Hit us up.
You’ll also find us at a TON of other events this year exhibiting, speaking and hanging out. Get in touch to link up or come to Wanderland for a coffee. ☕
Wanna take that extra step to stand out in a crowd?! Let’s talk → welovewander.com/contact
