The Vendor Glow-Up: How to Show Up & Stand Out at Industry Events

If you’re a vendor in the wedding or event industry, you know that attending industry events isn’t just about collecting free snacks and swag (though those are nice perks). It’s about showing up as your best self, making meaningful connections, and leaving a lasting impression. So, how do you get that vendor glow-up and truly stand out? Here is how we went from background to the forefront!

When we were first established and networking, we would attend networking events with our bags full of marketing materials and business cards, a walking marketing prep team, ready for anything. We had gone to enough seminars on networking that we had mastered the cookie-cutter “Hi, my name is Cecilia and I’m the co-owner of Elegant Evening Events. We do everything from coordinating to planning your weddings and events.” People would smile, introduce themselves the same way, and we would all exchange business cards. The merry-go-round of equally prepared, we-all-took-the-same-seminar, all-smiling vendors with tons of business cards. We would go home feeling so accomplished, with a handful of potential connections, only to never hear from most of them. If we did, it was usually to refer their cousin Jason, who was starting in the DJ business or something similar. Where were the genuine connections?

Then, about three years into the business, we went to a presentation by Dr. Carlos Garcia called the Psychology of an Entrepreneur. And boy, did that change how we viewed networking! We began being intentional about the events we would be going to and how we would approach potential partners. Out went the dry elevator pitch, along with the bulk of the marketing materials, and in came the genuine conversations about who we were meeting and how we could help each other. “Quality before Quantity” became the motto for networking.

A personal goal when going to events became having three good conversations with potential vendors and or clients per networking event and setting follow-ups, whether they were coffee dates or meetings at their locations. The doors began to open to more amazing opportunities because we changed our approach. No longer packed with tons of cards and marketing materials that we knew would end up in the recycling bin, and actual relationships with vendors whom we’ve enjoyed working with for many years now.

With wedding and event season right around the corner, fresh opportunities to showcase your business and expand your network are on the horizon. Bring your business cards, physical or virtual, and be ready to share your story, not just a quick one-liner. Take a moment to read the room and position yourself where conversation can happen naturally. If that’s not possible, make sure to follow up within 24 hours with those you genuinely want to connect with and set up a coffee date. Want a chance to practice? Keep an eye out for Events Unveiled: Backstage Pass, details coming soon!