Top tips for going to events on your own

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, many of us can feel a bit nervous or unsure about going to events on our own. They may be events where ten other people are going or maybe hundreds will be there. What I call event anxiety is a very normal feeling. If you haven’t already seen it, don’t forget to check out my blog on top tips on networking. I’ve had to attend events on my own for lots of different reasons. Through my own experience of attending a variety of events in my media, corporate or freelance careers I’ve picked up a few tricks about going to events over the past 20 years. So here seven top tips about going to events on your own…

What do you need to know before the event? Research is queen! What would really you love to know about this event? What kind of things do you like to know about an event? What’s the venue like? What time will it finish? Who else is going? Is there an agenda? Is there feedback on previous events? So, work out what info and will make you more comfortable about going to an event. Don’t be afraid to ask the event organiser questions about the event and before you decide to buy a ticket.

Think about your event intentions…What is it that you want to get out of this event? It’s OK to have your own intentions. We rarely just go to events to hang about. Is it that you want to learn something, maybe be inspired, meet people, network, talk about what you do or just be social? If you keep reminding yourself why you’re going to an event and how you’ll benefit from it, this distracts you from any pre-event nerves and event anxiety on the day.

Connect online beforehand…These days, many events or conferences have email bulletins or Facebook groups to prepare people for different events. Join in online as it’s a way to get to know other attendees. Events may also have Twitter or Instagram pages. Check them out as they may help to boost your event confidence a bit.

Ask others who go to events on their own about their top tips…Do you know someone who often goes to events and seems to enjoy them? Ask them about what they might feel nervous about? What do they least enjoy and how do they get through it? What do they really enjoy about going to events on their own? How do they interact with people? I never underestimate how people feel when they come to the Lucky Things Meet Ups. Lots of people come to these events on their own. Even if people have been to one before, they may still have a bit of event anxiety.

Think of your conversation starter…This doesn’t have to be a cliche. Think of a question you can ask people when you first speak to them. Open questions are fab like “What interested you in this event?”. Closed ones are helpful too – “Have you been to an event like this before?”. Asking gentle questions shows an interest in others. Or perhaps it’s just a simple “hello, I’m…” and let the other person lead the conversation.

Enjoy your own space…Remember that not all events are about full-on networking, constant chatting or swapping business cards. Again, come back to your event intentions. If you’d prefer to keep a low profile that’s fine too. Just remember that people may come up and speak to you so be ready for that interaction. If there’s a talk in a room, sit in a space where you feel most comfortable.

Everyone suffers from event anxiety…Yes, even the most outwardly confident-looking people suffer from some level of what I call event anxiety. Will anyone speak to me? Will I see anyone I know? Will it be easy to mingle? Will there be a break? You can guarantee there will be many others at the event with similar questions or worries. Oh and what to wear? Talking of what to wear, always make sure you wear something you’re comfortable in or maybe something that makes you feel a bit more confident. My last tip is to think about what will make you feel better about walking through the door or into the room at an event? You might be able to arrange to meet someone else who’s going so you can literally meet at the entrance and stroll in together. These little things all make a difference.

What are your top tips for going to events? Are you going to any events over the coming months? What do you enjoy about going to events, meet ups, workshops or conferences? Let me know what you think too and leave a comment below. 

IF YOU LIKE WHAT LUCKY THINGS®️ IS ALL ABOUT…

Sunita is a trained Business, Career and Confidence Coach and CIPD qualified HR professional with over 20 years in her field. To find out more about her recommended coaching services click here or you can browse forthcoming online meet ups and masterclasses right here. Need some expert advice on your CV or LinkedIn profile? Check out the options here. 

The free online Lucky Things®️ Meet Ups are running fortnightly on Thursday lunchtimes 1pm-2pm UK time. You can book your free space for the next one here. The feedback on these online events and talks has been wonderful and are known for being a much needed space to connect and feel inspired during our unusual year.

Oh and if you like podcasts, the Lucky Things®️ is available to listen on iTunes, Spotify, Anchor and Google Podcasts. Remember to leave a quick rating as Sunita loves hearing what people think about her work and resources.

Sunita runs the Lucky Things®️ Meet Ups and Masterclasses – inclusive spaces all about looking after our confidence, careers (whatever we do in our week!) and wellbeing. Sunita’s colourful career kicked off in fashion and media, working with brands like Liberty, The Body Shop, Nike and Italian Vogue. Her coaching and professional development career now focused on helping others to feel confident so they move forward with their businesses.

Enjoy being social online?

Instagram: @luckythingsblog   Facebook: @luckythingsblog  Twitter: @luckythingsblog

The Pramshed
Please follow and like us:

13 thoughts on “Top tips for going to events on your own

    • Sunita says:

      Thanks Hayley. That’s great you liked the top tips. That’s why it’s fab when we have hand massages at the Lucky Things Meet Ups – people can just enjoy their own time and space if they want. Also there isn’t the pressure to start networking etc. #fortheloveofBLOG

  1. The Pramshed says:

    Oh I loved reading this, and it’s so true about event anxiety, but when you realise that everyone is in the same boat as you it’s so much easier. Completely agree about networking before hand that makes it so much easier, and also finding out who’s going too. I really love getting your emails with the full list of people attending the Lucky Things Meet Up. Thanks so much for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x

    • Sunita says:

      Thanks so much Claire. Going to events can feel hard however many you go to. I love networking beforehand. That’s fab you like the emails I send out to Lucky a Things attendees – it’s great to know they’re helpful. #fortheloveofBLOG

    • Sunita says:

      Thanks so much Claire. Great to hear what works for you too. All helpful tips. Fab to know how much you love the Lucky Things Meet Ups. The July one is going to be so lovely!!! #fortheloveofBLOG

  2. Joanne - The Ealing Mummy says:

    Hi! you have written some great tips here. Last year I went to my first blogging PR event and I spent the whole time running to the toilet as I was getting all hot and bothered! Then I went to Blogfest and found it all a bit too much. Since then I have been to a lot of things and I am getting use to it. Thanks for this so helpful!

    • Sunita says:

      That’s great to hear you’re finding the events that work for you. You’re right it takes practice. You should check out the Lucky Things Meet Ups. I purposely keep them to max 50 people so it doesn’t feel too big. Thanks for stopping by Joanne.

  3. kevin durant shoes says:

    An attention-grabbing discussion is value comment. I feel that you should write extra on this matter, it might not be a taboo topic but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  4. balenciaga says:

    I’m usually to running a blog and i really respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and maintain checking for brand new information.

  5. moncler jackets says:

    Thanks a lot for providing individuals with a very superb possiblity to read articles and blog posts from this web site. It is usually so superb and as well , full of a lot of fun for me and my office co-workers to search your web site more than three times in one week to study the newest items you have got. Not to mention, I am just always satisfied for the wonderful principles you give. Some 2 facts in this post are basically the most beneficial I have ever had.

  6. supreme says:

    I in addition to my guys happened to be following the excellent secrets on your web page and so instantly developed a horrible suspicion I never thanked the web site owner for those strategies. Most of the people had been passionate to study them and now have simply been tapping into them. I appreciate you for turning out to be very considerate and then for selecting this kind of impressive resources millions of individuals are really desirous to be informed on. Our own honest regret for not expressing appreciation to you sooner.

  7. balenciaga says:

    My wife and i were so peaceful Emmanuel could deal with his survey because of the precious recommendations he received in your weblog. It’s not at all simplistic to simply possibly be freely giving methods that others have been trying to sell. Therefore we understand we’ve got the website owner to give thanks to for this. Most of the explanations you’ve made, the straightforward site menu, the relationships you assist to create – it’s got mostly incredible, and it’s really letting our son and us recognize that this subject is excellent, which is certainly truly fundamental. Thanks for everything!

Leave a Reply to Sunita Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *