Networking at food shows without the awkward
Networking has a bad name because most of it is forced. Two people trading business cards with no reason to care. At food shows it doesn't have to be that way, because you already share a topic: the food sitting right in front of you.
Talk about the product, not yourself
The easiest opener is the snack on the table. Asking how long it took to get that texture right beats the old so, what do you do every time. You're already talking about the thing you both care about, and the awkward part disappears.
Be the useful one
The best networkers at a show are the ones who share. Telling someone to try the sour gummies two aisles over is worth more than a hundred cards. Give before you ask, and people remember you.
Follow up with a reason
The follow up is where networking either works or dies. Never send a plain great to meet you. Send something like: you mentioned you export to the Netherlands, here's the distributor we use. A specific, useful message beats charm.
If this sounds like a skill worth building, we wrote more about the supplier side in our sourcing guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a conversation?
Comment on the product in front of you.
Do business cards still matter?
Yes, especially at food shows. Bring plenty.
What's the best follow up?
Something specific and useful, within a day or two.
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