by Jaci Schreckengost | Writer & Marketer, Schreckengost Creative
Walking into your first business event can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming.
Will you meet the right people? Will you know what to say? Will you walk away with connections that actually matter?
With the right preparation, events can be one of the most powerful growth engines for your business — especially as a first-time attendee. Instead of feeling like you’re “winging it,” you can walk in with clarity, confidence, and a plan to maximize every moment.
Why Preparation Matters for Female Entrepreneurs
Here’s the thing: events are noisy. Between keynotes, breakout sessions, networking breaks, and the endless scroll of social media, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. For female founders, the stakes feel even higher — you want to make sure your investment of time and money leads to real results.
Studies show that 80% of professionals consider in-person networking essential to their career success. Yet many attendees don’t prepare at all. The result? Missed connections, forgotten follow-ups, and wasted opportunities.
That’s why I believe preparation isn’t optional — it’s your ticket to making events work for you.
Tip #1: Understand (and Use) the Networking Features
Most events have built-in networking features: apps, attendee directories, or even pre-event meetups. As a first-timer, this can be gold.
Before my first event, I dove into the event app, bookmarked attendees I wanted to meet, and even reached out with a quick, warm message: “Excited to meet you at Power Table Live!” By the time I arrived, I already had familiar faces waiting.
Action Step: Log into the event app or group chat as soon as it’s available. Connect with at least 3 people ahead of time.
Tip #2: Tell People You’re Going
It sounds simple, but this one is often overlooked. When you post about attending, your network lights up with opportunities. Colleagues may introduce you to others, and you may even find travel buddies or session partners before you arrive.
At my first big event, I posted on LinkedIn that I’d be attending. Within 24 hours, I had messages from people offering to grab coffee and connect.
Action Step: Make a quick LinkedIn or Instagram post: “I’m so excited to be attending [Event Name] this month! Who else will be there?”
Tip #3: Plan Your Schedule — But Leave Flexibility
It’s tempting to block every minute with sessions. But the real magic often happens in the hallways, at lunch tables, or during those spontaneous coffee chats.
At one event, I left a half-hour open between sessions. That turned into a deep, career-changing conversation with another attendee who later became a collaborator.
Action Step: Highlight 2–3 must-attend sessions each day, but leave room for serendipity.
Real Results
I’ve gone to events completely underprepared — and left feeling like I barely scratched the surface. But when I started preparing intentionally, everything changed.
At Power Table Live, my preparation led me to connect with two women who later became long-term collaborators on client projects. Without prep, I might have missed them entirely.
Quick Start Guide
Headed to your first event? Here’s your checklist:
- Download the event app or join the group chat and connect with 3 people.
- Post online that you’re attending and invite others to connect.
- Plan 2–3 must-attend sessions per day, but keep space for networking.
- Bring a simple follow-up system (like a notes app or voice memo) so you don’t lose connections.
Remember: events are opportunities to build the kind of connections that fuel your next season of growth. A little prep now pays off in big ways later.
About Jaci Schreckengost
Jaci Schreckengost is a writer, marketer, and creator who helps businesses tell their stories with clarity and authenticity. Through her work at Schreckengost Creative, she empowers entrepreneurs to prepare, connect, and thrive at in-person and online events. Learn more at jacischreckengost.com
