Let’s Connect, Y’all: 10 Ways to Build Stronger Industry Relationships
🤝 10 Tips to Maximize Networking at Industry Events
In the travel and tourism industry, relationships matter. Whether you’re meeting with destination partners, travel media, or fellow marketers, every conversation can open the door to new collaborations and creative opportunities.
From Destination's International to STS Connections, industry events are the perfect setting to strengthen your professional network — if you approach them with purpose and authenticity.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you make the most of every handshake, conversation, and follow-up.
1. Set Clear Goals Before You Go
Ask yourself what success looks like at this event. Are you hoping to connect with travel writers? Share your destination’s latest campaign? Or simply build stronger relationships within your region? Clear goals will help you focus your time and energy where it counts.
2. Do Your Homework
Check the attendee list, review speaker bios, and identify key partners, media, or destinations you’d like to meet. A little preparation helps you start meaningful conversations — and shows genuine interest in others’ work.
3. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
When someone asks, “Tell me about your destination,” be ready with a clear, engaging answer. Highlight what makes your community unique, and share one or two standout stories that capture its personality. Authentic enthusiasm goes a long way.
4. Bring Business Cards (and Go Digital Too)
Yes, business cards still matter in tourism — but it’s smart to pair them with digital tools like LinkedIn QR codes or contact-sharing apps. Make it easy for people to remember you and stay connected long after the event.
5. Attend Networking Receptions and Social Events
Don’t skip the receptions or casual gatherings! Many of the best professional connections happen after the sessions end — over coffee, dinner, or shared laughter. Remember: everyone’s there to connect, not just exchange business cards.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Be curious. Ask others what projects they’re excited about, what trends they’re seeing in their market, or what they love most about their destination. People appreciate genuine interest — and you’ll learn insights you can apply back home.
7. Offer Value First
Networking in tourism is about collaboration, not competition. Share helpful contacts, creative ideas, or lessons learned from your own experiences. When you lead with generosity, you build trust that lasts well beyond the event.
8. Use Social Media to Stay Visible
Engage with event hashtags, tag your new connections, and share photos or takeaways from sessions. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram help you stay top of mind and show your active role in the industry community.
9. Follow Up Within a Few Days
Send a quick thank-you message after the event — ideally mentioning something specific you discussed. Reconnect on LinkedIn, and if appropriate, schedule a quick call or share an upcoming project that might interest them.
10. Keep the Connection Going
Networking doesn’t end when the conference does. Stay in touch by sharing success stories, tagging partners in social posts, or simply checking in from time to time. Relationships in tourism grow stronger with consistency and care.
Final Thought
In the Southeast, tourism thrives on collaboration. By approaching networking with authenticity, curiosity, and gratitude, you’ll do more than expand your contact list — you’ll strengthen the community that makes Southern travel shine.
🌟 Ready to put these tips to work? Join us at the next STS event and connect with tourism professionals who are shaping the future of travel in the Southeast. Visit SoutheastTourism.org for details.