Networking gets a bad reputation. When most people hear the word, they picture awkward name-tag events with lukewarm coffee and forced small talk. But the right networking events — attended with the right strategy — can genuinely accelerate your career.

I’ve been attending professional events across Australia for over a decade, and I’ve found that the best ones share a common trait: they give you something to take away beyond a stack of business cards. Here’s my guide to making the most of networking in 2026.

Types of Events Worth Your Time

Not all networking is created equal. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and where the real value lies:

Industry conferences. These are the big ones — multi-day events with keynotes, panels, and exhibition halls. In Australia, every major industry has at least one flagship conference. They’re expensive but offer concentrated access to industry leaders, potential clients, and hiring managers.

Key ones to consider:

• CeBIT/Tech23 for technology professionals
• AHRI National Convention for HR and people leaders
• Pause Fest in Melbourne for creative and digital professionals
• EduTECH for education professionals
• SXSW Sydney for cross-industry innovation and creativity

Meetups and community events. These are smaller, often free, and held monthly. They’re less intimidating than conferences and better for building genuine relationships. General Assembly, local chambers of commerce, and industry-specific groups run events in every major Australian city.

Professional association events. If you belong to a professional body (Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, Australian Computer Society, etc.), their events are goldmines. The audience is pre-qualified, and the content is directly relevant.

Workshops and masterclasses. Hands-on learning events double as networking opportunities. You meet people who share your interests while also gaining new skills. The collaboration during group exercises creates more natural connections than any cocktail hour.

Online events and webinars. Post-pandemic, online events have matured significantly. They’re especially valuable if you’re in regional Australia or have limited time for travel. The networking is different — chat-based and asynchronous — but still effective for making initial connections.

How to Network Without Being Awkward

Most networking advice is terrible. “Work the room!” “Always have your elevator pitch ready!” These tips make networking feel performative and exhausting.

Here’s what actually works:

Ask questions, don’t pitch. The best networkers are curious, not salesy. Ask people what they’re working on, what challenges they’re facing, what they thought of the last speaker. People love talking about themselves, and you’ll learn something useful.

Have your portfolio ready to share. Not as a sales tool — as a conversation piece. When someone asks what you do, being able to pull up a specific project on your phone is infinitely more engaging than a verbal summary. “Actually, let me show you what I mean” is a natural and compelling move.

Follow up within 48 hours. The connection you made at the event has a half-life. Within two days, send a brief LinkedIn connection request or email that references something specific you discussed. “Great chatting about the future of aged care technology — here’s that article I mentioned” is perfect.

Go alone. This sounds counterintuitive, but attending events alone forces you to talk to new people. When you go with colleagues, you inevitably cluster together and miss the point entirely.

Set a goal. Before each event, decide what you want to achieve. “Have three meaningful conversations” is a good goal. “Meet someone who works at [target company]” is even better. A goal gives you direction without making you feel like you’re performing.

Building Your Portfolio Through Events

Events aren’t just networking opportunities — they’re portfolio-building opportunities:

Speak at events. Start small with lightning talks at meetups, then work up to conference presentations. Every talk you give is a portfolio piece: the topic, the slides, the feedback, the video if it’s recorded.

Write event recaps. Attend a conference and write up your key takeaways on LinkedIn or your blog. This positions you as a thought leader and creates searchable content tied to your professional identity.

Volunteer at events. Offer to help organise or facilitate. You’ll meet the organisers and speakers, and you’ll have a behind-the-scenes experience that makes for interesting portfolio content.

Photograph and document. Take notes at sessions. Photograph interesting moments (with permission). Share your observations on social media in real-time. This activity builds your professional visibility and creates content for your portfolio.

The Regional Networking Challenge

If you’re outside Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, in-person networking options are thinner. But they’re not non-existent:

• Regional chambers of commerce run regular events
• University alumni networks host events in regional centres
• Industry associations often run roadshows beyond the capital cities
• Online communities and virtual events bridge the geography gap

Don’t wait for the perfect event to come to your town. Start with what’s available and supplement with online connections. Some of my strongest professional relationships started in Zoom breakout rooms.

Make It a Habit

The professionals who get the most from networking are the ones who do it consistently, not intensively. One event per month is enough to maintain momentum and keep your network growing. Mark it in your calendar, show up prepared, and follow up promptly.

Your portfolio and your network feed each other. Events give you content, connections, and credibility. Your portfolio gives you something meaningful to share with the people you meet. Build both, and opportunities will follow.