Are Paid Networking Events Worth the Cost?

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If you are a young professional with a Facebook or Myspace, a member of a professional networking organization, or just happened to sign up for email updates from your favorite Career website, chances are your inbox has been flooded with numerous invitations to professional networking parties and events. Most of these events promise you the chance to meet successful professionals and form meaningful networks. While a few are free to attend, many are not. Total costs can include things such as, the one time fee to buy a ticket to the event, membership dues – if the event is being sponsored by a member-based organization, travel costs to get to the event, and any money you decide to spend while there (food, drinks, etc.). In other words, forming professional networks through this medium is expensive.  But is it worth it?

Before you decide whether attending one of these events is a good way to spend your time (and more importantly, your money!), take a look at what entry level and established professionals had to say about professional networking events in terms of the cost of attending, the dynamic of the event itself, and the overall benefit.

How much did you pay to go, and was it worth it?

“I paid about $20 and it was indeed worth it”, says Sarah Protzman, a 27 year old copy editor living in NYC. Grateful that the event was sponsored by a professional networking organization, Protzman goes on to state,” Imagine the work we’d have to go through to hear five top editors’ tales of how they made it, or arrange informational interviews with them all individually”.  Clearly, the ability of professional organizations to tap into networks that would be otherwise unattainable is a clear positive to attending one of these events. Also, keep in mind that some companies will pay employees to go to events like this because it helps promote their image as well.  So, before you whip out your wallet, make sure to inquire about your company’s policy on networking events.  Even if a paid event seems worth it, why not go for free if you can?

The atmosphere: Fun, Fake, or just downright awkward?

The bottom line is everyone knows why they decided to attend a networking event: to land a job interview and/or establish professional networks, and many people will go above and beyond to realize these goals. The main challenge however, is doing this without making it seem as if you’re desperate for a job and/or only concerned with interacting with those you deem “important”.  Anthony Ramirez, an auditor at Ernst &Young, notes that during a networking event, “Most people there are looking out for themselves, and sometimes you might realize halfway into the conversation that neither of you really have anything to offer each other. In that case, the conversation will probably be forced or insincere. However, the more people you meet the greater probability you have of finding a good match. So really talk to a lot of people.” The level of sincerity of some attendees might be influenced by their rank in the industry. For instance as Protzman states, ” An editor who’s going to spend an evening talking to young professionals when they could be in a bubble bath or downing cocktails is undoubtedly the genuine type who wants to impart what he or she has learned”.

Do any real connections come from these events? Or is this just a $20 ticket to practicing your social skills?

Actually, it’s both. Attending a networking event which is hosted by a company, organization or a reputable professional networking site automatically increases your chances of running into people who are interested in the same fields as you.  As Protzman puts it ” in a room full of that many people, odds are someone is looking to fill a position.” This increased probability of making valuable networks, however, cannot work on its own and must be coupled by a strong sense of confidence.  Though sometimes it may be difficult to be outgoing and outspoken, it is important that, for these events especially, you leave all signs of timidity at home, since, as Ramirez says, ” the competition is definitely on”.

As far as perfecting your communication skills go, going to a professional networking event can be a great way to put yourself out there.  It’s different from a job interview in the sense that you are in full control of who you want to talk to, when you want to talk to them, and how much information you’re willing to give out. Going to these events can be a great way to hone in your communication and networking skills by practicing them with individuals from all professional walks.

But in terms of real benefits, success stories do exist.  The last networking event that Ramirez attended, everyone was wearing name tags so he struck up a conversation with a man who shared the same name. Before long, they were discussing  everything from work, to CPA licenses, and family — 20 minutes later he was offered an interview by the man, who happened to be a Senior Manager of one of the big 4 accounting firms.  “I had just been hired at Ernst & Young and I certainly wasn’t going to quit. But, imagine that, I could have had a job because of a little comment about a name.”

For both young and established professionals, networking events are a great place, outside of a formal interview, to showcase your skills and meet people who share your career goals and ambitions. As with all things career related, however, it is important that you use the time you have at the event in the most efficient manner possible and present yourself confidently to whomever you may encounter there. And maybe most importantly, despite the temptation, try not to spend all your time hanging around the open bar. Unless, of course, you’re hanging out with a Senior Manager.

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