A Practical Guide to Networking with Intention

There’s something magnetic about gala season in Orlando: the energy, the elegance and the important causes we love to celebrate.

But if we’re honest, large-scale events like these can be overwhelming.

The lights are brighter, the music is louder, the rooms are bigger and the social dynamic is more layered than your average networking mixer.

But here’s the truth: galas are golden opportunities. When approached with intentionality, they can be some of the most meaningful and high-impact environments for building relationships.

So, here are some ideas on how to navigate the noise and win during gala season with a little more authenticity, clarity and purpose.

Start With Your “Why”: Clarify Your Intent Before You Arrive

Before you step foot into the event, get grounded.

• Why do you want to be in this room?
• What about the mission matters to you personally?
• Who are you hoping to support, encourage, or learn from?

Walking into a room with purpose gives you presence. People can feel when you’re there to serve, not just to sell or be seen.

Preparation Brings Peace (and Presence)

When you prepare, you quiet the internal chaos that can come with big spaces and big crowds.

Show up knowing:

• When the event starts
• Where to park and enter the facility
• The dress code and formality
• Whether you have an assigned seat
• The schedule or program agenda

This peace of mind creates space for authentic engagement with others. You’re not distracted. You’re present, relaxed and ready to truly connect with people.

Don’t Go Alone; Bring a Plus One

Even the most extroverted people feel moments of awkwardness in big rooms. If you tend toward introversion or just want to go deeper, bring someone who complements your energy.

Having a friend or colleague with you can:

• Help break the ice in new conversations
• Keep you grounded and confident
• Multiply your networking reach by covering more ground

(Bonus: your plus one might know someone you don’t = instant warm intros).

Always Be Introducing Yourself: In the parking lot, on the elevators, in the registration lines and at the bars.

Some of the most genuine conversations happen in these moments.

• If you make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself.
• Ask people what brings them to the event.
• Find out who they’re here to support or how they’re connected to the cause.

These “in-between” moments are often the most human. No pressure, no performance, just people connecting with other people.

Honor the Hosts & Sponsors

If you want to move with grace and influence, start with exercising a little gratitude.

Seek out:

• The hosts
• Event coordinators
• Major sponsors or table captains

Thank them. Appreciate their effort. And if the timing feels right, you could ask them: “Is there anyone you think I should meet tonight?”

But be mindful, because this is their night. Don’t be a leech; if their attention is somewhere else, respect the energy.

Walk the Room With Intention

Don’t cling to one corner of the room. Move with curiosity. Scan the room, take in the energy and be seen; not for ego, but for openness.

Be approachable. Make it easy for others to invite you into their space.

Leverage the Power of Photos (With Purpose)

Photos are powerful connection tools.

• Offer to take pictures for others when you have the chance, then introduce yourself.
• Ask to take photos with people you’ve just met.

And here’s the key: text them the photo with a thoughtful message. This turns a moment into a memory and can turn a connection into a relationship.

Be a Connector, Not Just a Collector

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards, it’s about connecting people and building others up.

• Introduce new contacts to people in the room you already know.
• Think of who might benefit from knowing whom, then facilitate the introduction with intention.

This is how trust is built. When you prioritize the success of others, people remember.

Circle Back; Stay Present to the People You Know

Throughout the night, check in on the people you came with or those you already know.

See who they’re talking to, and ask for warm introductions. Relationships deepen when they’re reinforced multiple times throughout a night, not just a 5-second interaction

Final Thought: Lead With Honor, Exit With Impact

At the heart of any meaningful networking is honor. Honoring the mission, the people and the moments. If you enter a gala with that posture, everything shifts.

Beyond being a guest, you become a contributor to the culture of the room. And that kind of presence leaves a lasting impact.

But don’t let your last impression be an afterthought.

Before you leave:

• Circle back to the key people you connected with.
• Express gratitude for the conversation or the connection.
• If it feels right, reaffirm your intention to follow up.
• Find and thank the event host, honor them with your exit.

These small gestures close the loop with class. They let people know they were a meaningful part of your evening.