5 Conversation Openers That Actually Work at Business Events
Let’s be honest.
Most people don’t hate networking.
They hate the awkward first 30 seconds.
Standing there. Name tag on. Drink in hand.
Scanning the room like you’re looking for a lost relative.
But here’s the truth:
The Chamber doesn’t exist just to run events.
It exists to make those rooms valuable.
The right conversation can lead to:
- A referral
- A collaboration
- A new supplier
- A solution to a problem you didn’t know someone else had already solved
So here are five conversation starters that actually work — especially in regional business communities like ours.
1. “What’s been keeping you busy lately?”
Simple. Open. Non-threatening.
It invites story, not a rehearsed elevator pitch.
And it tells you immediately what matters to them right now.
2. “How did you get into your industry?”
People light up when they talk about their origin story.
And stories build connection faster than job titles ever will.
3. “What’s one challenge businesses are facing right now in your space?”
This shifts the conversation from small talk to insight.
You’ll learn something useful — and you’ll stand out as someone who thinks commercially.
4. “Who’s your ideal client?”
Now you’re in referral territory.
If you know who they’re trying to reach, you can:
- Introduce them to someone in the room
- Keep them in mind later
- Become a connector
That’s how business ecosystems grow.
5. “What events do you usually attend around here?”
This opens doors to:
- Shared communities
- Industry overlaps
- Future collaboration
And it subtly reinforces that being visible matters.
Why This Matters
Networking isn’t about collecting business cards.
It’s about building familiarity.
Familiarity builds trust.
Trust builds referrals.
Referrals build local business.
That’s why the Chamber exists.
To create the room — and the relationships inside it.
Want to Get Better at Networking?
Then show up. Because the magic only happens if you’re in the room.