50 Questions To Ask At Networking Event

Learn 50 essential questions to ask at networking event that spark genuine conversations, backed by real stats and expert tips from Fellow Founder.

Introduction

Walking into a room full of professionals can feel a bit like stepping onto a stage—your palms sweat, your mind races, and you wonder how to kick things off. But here’s the good news: asking the right questions to ask at networking event can turn those jitters into genuine connections. In fact, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and 78% of professionals say face-to-face conversations remain their most effective way to build trust. So let’s dive in—no awkward icebreakers required.

Why the Right Questions Matter

Small talk is fine, but memorable conversations happen when you dig a little deeper. By opening with a thoughtful prompt, you show you’re truly interested—not just hunting for your next lead. According to Eventbrite, 62% of attendees list networking as their primary reason for showing up.

With a friendly, open-ended question, you’ll stand out—and you’ll remember names and topics far better, too.

Unique Networking Questions

These questions help you stand apart and spark richer dialogue:

1. What inspired you to attend today’s event?

2. Which session or speaker are you most excited about?

3. Have you spotted any surprising industry shifts lately?

4. What’s one thing you wish more people in this room knew?

5. How do you unwind after a jam-packed day of sessions?

6. What’s the best piece of advice someone’s ever given you?

7. Which milestone are you most proud of this year?

8. What book or podcast has reshaped your thinking recently?

9. If you could invite any thought leader here, who would it be?

10. What new tool or trend has you buzzing with excitement?

11. How do you define success when you’re off the clock?

12. What challenge are you hoping to solve next?

13. How do you measure a “win” at events like this?

Good Connection Questions

Once you’ve broken the ice, dig into specifics that truly connect:

14. Which team or project are you representing here? 

15. What’s been your biggest win this quarter? 

16. How did you first get started in your field? 

17. What keeps you motivated when things get tough? 

18. What’s your top networking hack? 

19. Can you share a recent success you’re celebrating? 

20. Which skills are on your “to-learn” list? 

21. How do you prefer to follow up after an event? 

22. Are there any communities you swear by? 

23. What drew you to your current company? 

24. How do you juggle growth with work-life balance? 

25. Who else in this room should I be chatting with?

Insightful Questions for Deeper Dialogue

Ready to go beyond the usual? Try these:

26. What’s the biggest industry shake-up you foresee? 

27. How has your role evolved in the last year? 

28. Which metrics matter most when you evaluate partnerships? 

29. What’s a common myth about what you do? 

30. How do you keep up with breaking news in your sector? 

31. If you could change one thing about event networking, what would it be? 

32. How do you decide which contacts to prioritize? 

33. What’s the most innovative idea you’ve encountered today? 

34. What advice would you give a networking newbie? 

35. How do you craft a follow-up message that actually gets read? 

36. Which types of collaborations energize you most? 

37. What gap in the market keeps you awake at night? 

38. How do you know when a contact is “the real deal”?

How to Talk at a Networking Event

To close on a high note, use these conversational closers:

39. What’s the one goal you hope to achieve before you leave? 

40. How can I support your current initiatives? 

41. What keeps you coming back to events like this? 

42. Which challenge have you just knocked out of the park? 

43. What’s the story behind your organization’s name? 

44. How do you maintain your energy during packed schedules? 

45. What’s the next big project on your roadmap? 

46. How do you ensure your work leaves a lasting impact? 

47. Which partnership has been a game-changer for you? 

48. What cause or community drives your passion? 

49. How could technology make your workflow smoother? 

50. What’s the best way for us to stay in touch?

Networking doesn’t have to feel like a series of rehearsed lines. With these questions to ask at networking event, you’ll spark real conversations, forge authentic bonds, and—who knows—maybe land your next big opportunity. 

A Harvard Business Review study found that people forget 50% of a conversation within five minutes if names and details aren’t repeated. Thats why converting your networking meetings into long lasting connection is equally important, and the fellow founder App is the best and right solution for it. 

Fellow Founder is a networking platform empowering entrepreneurs, founders, freelancers, and investors to build genuine connections. Its smart NFC-enabled digital business cards, in-app contact management, and automated follow-up tools streamline relationship building. With Fellow Founder, professionals can craft impactful pitches, prioritize high-value leads, and nurture collaborations for career growth.

Now that you’ve got a shortlist of powerful questions, it’s time to layer in proven networking strategies that leave a lasting impression. By combining active listening, personalized follow-ups, and value-driven outreach, you’ll move beyond small talk to forge memorable connections that endure far longer than standard networking impacts.

To Conclude

Networking doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking exercise; with a well-crafted list of questions to ask at networking event, you’re already halfway to meaningful dialogue. Pair these prompts with genuine curiosity, active listening, and timely follow-ups to transform brief encounters into lasting partnerships.

And when you’re ready to take your post-event outreach to the next level, the Fellow Founder app—with its NFC business cards and automated follow-up workflows—ensures no connection goes cold. Now, go make your next networking event the one where every conversation counts!

FAQs About 50 Questions To Ask At Networking Event

1. What are the unique networking questions? 

These are open questions that spark real stories, like “What inspired you to come today?” or “Which goal are you most proud of this year?” They help you stand out by showing genuine interest.

2. What are good connection questions? 

These dive into someone’s work or preferences, for example, “What projects are you working on now?” or “How do you like to follow up after events?” They build a quick bond by focusing on shared interests.

3. What are insightful questions for networking? 

These look at bigger ideas, such as “What change do you see coming in our field?” or “How do you choose which contacts to prioritize?” They lead to deeper talks and possible partnerships.

4. How do you talk at a networking event?

Start with a question, share a bit about yourself, then listen more than you talk. End by asking how to stay in touch—like “What’s the best way to connect after this?”—so the conversation keeps going.