As a startup founder in the agrifoodtech ecosystem, networking events can be a game changer for the growth of your business. To help you make the most of any networking event, we’ve a created a practical, event strategy guide tailored to startups helping you to maximize your impact before, during and after.
As someone who has worked in a startup before, and now working closely with early-stage startups at StartLife, I know how powerful the right connection at the right moment can be. In the fast-moving world of agrifoodtech, networking events aren’t just nice to have, they’re a strategic growth tool.
With flagship events like F&A Next coming up, now’s the perfect time to sharpen your event game Whether you’re looking to boost your startup visibility, forge meaningful connections, or uncover potential partnerships, a thoughtful approach can make all the difference.
Let’s make your next event count.
Before the Event: Set the Stage for Success
🟢 1. Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Being a marketeer, it’s comes natural that online presence is equally important as your physical presence at the network. In fact, your online presence can amplify your networking impact long before you step into the venue. So, start by posting about your attendance on social media. I believe that LinkedIn is the best platform for agrifood startups attending networking events.
What to say? Share what excites you most about the event maybe it’s a specific topic, speaker, or the chance to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Include a call to action.
For example, a post like, the one below can spark interest and increase engagement.
“Heading to F&A Next to explore cutting-edge food and agritech innovations. Can’t wait to meet and learn from fellow startups pushing the boundaries!”
Hashtags (e.g. #FoodTech) to reach a broader audience. Tag the event organizers or friends who you know are also attending to potentially increase your visibility within their networks.
🟢 2. Reach Out to Participants
I wouldn’t wait until the event to start building connections. Most events, including F&A Next, provide access to attendee lists and speaker bios ahead of time. Dive into this goldmine and do your homework. Identify individuals or companies that align with your startup’s goals, potential mentors, investors, or collaborators and reach out proactively. A short, personalized message can make all the difference.
Example: “Hi [Name], I saw you’ll be at F&A Next. I’m with [Your Startup], and we’re working on [brief pitch]. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work with [their company/area of interest] Are you free during [the event] for a quick chat?”
The goal here isn’t to sell, it’s to start a conversation. Show genuine interest in the other person’s business; what are they doing, what are their challenges, what would help them? Say that you would like to explore how you can be of help.
This not only plants a seed but also makes your face familiar when you meet in person.
🟢 3. Refine Your Pitch
Before you go to the event, make sure to polish your elevator pitch. Keep it concise (30 seconds max), compelling, and tailored to your audience. Highlight what makes your startup unique and what you’re seeking, like visibility, feedback, or partnerships. Practice it until it feels natural, so you’re ready to seize any opportunity.
At the Event: Make Your Mark
Once you’re there, it’s all about being present, approachable, and strategic. Here’s how to shine:
🟢 1. Boost Your Visibility
First impressions matter. Wear something that subtly reflects your brand maybe a logo pin or a color scheme tied to your startup. Or go bold, and wear something that stands out and people will remember you by. Like golden Nike’s under a business suit.
Arrive early to mingle during less crowded moments, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to organizers or speakers.
Ask thoughtful questions during panels or Q&A sessions to get noticed. This positions you as engaged and knowledgeable, drawing attention from peers and potential partners.
For example, at an event like F&A Next, you might ask, “As a startup working on [briefly: e.g. sustainable protein alternatives], we often face [specific challenge, e.g. scaling while staying cost-competitive]. Based on your experience, what do you see as the key success factor for startups to bridge that gap and gain traction with major food corporates?”
Why this works:
- It highlights your startup’s area of focus.
- It frames a shared industry challenge.
- It invites expert insight, while subtly promoting your brand.
- It shows you’re serious, strategic, and worth connecting with
🟢 2. Forge Meaningful Connections
For me networking isn’t about collecting business cards or ticking off Linkedin connections, it’s about building real, meaningful relationships. Especially at events, where time is limited and everyone is busy, quality always beats quantity.
One way to spark more authentic conversations is by using the F.O.R.D. technique Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams Instead of jumping straight into “What do you do?”, ask about their background, what excites them outside of work, or what goals they’re passionate about. These types of questions help you connect on a human level and stand out from the crowd.
Listen actively and show curiosity about others’ work. If you meet someone from a complementary startup or an investor, don’t pitch right away. Ask about their challenges or goals first. Authenticity fosters trust, which is the foundation of lasting connections.
Because in the end, people remember people—not just pitches.
🟢 3. Scout Potential Partnership
I always keep my eyes open for synergy. Maybe you meet a tech provider who could enhance your product, or a startup with a shared mission. During breaks or informal sessions, propose a quick coffee chat to explore ideas. Be clear about what you bring to the table, whether it’s expertise, resources, or a fresh perspective. At F&A Next, for instance, connecting with agritech innovators could lead to co-development opportunities. Don’t force it, let partnerships emerge naturally from mutual interest.
After the Event: Keep the Momentum Going
The real magic happens post-event. Here’s how to nurture what you’ve started:
🟢 1. Amplify on Social Media
Share your experience online to maintain visibility. Post a recap on LinkedIn: “Had an inspiring time at F&A Next connecting with innovators in food and agritech. Excited to follow up with [tag people/companies] on some promising ideas!”
Tag individuals you met and the event itself to keep the conversation alive. Include a photo or two maybe you snapped a shot at a panel or with a new contact to make it personal and engaging. This not only reinforces your presence but also invites others to reach out.
🟢 2. Follow Up Thoughtfully
Within 24-48 hours, send personalized follow-ups to your new connections. Reference something specific from your chat:
“Hi [Name], loved hearing about your work on [topic] at F&A Next. I’d like to explore how [Your Startup] could collaborate on [idea]. Are you free for a call next week?”
Keep it short, friendly, and value-focused offer something (e.g., a resource or intro) if you can. This builds trust and keeps your startup top of mind.
🟢 3. Evaluate and Plan Ahead
Reflect on what worked. Did you meet your goals for visibility, connections, or partnerships? Jot down lessons learned and adjust your approach for the next event. Maybe you’ll tweak your pitch or target different attendees. Continuous improvement is key for startups navigating the networking landscape.
Don’ts: Avoid These Pitfalls
To ensure a smooth experience, steer clear of these common missteps:
- Don’t Over-Pitch: Bombarding people with your startup story can turn them off. Let conversations flow naturally before diving into your ask.
- Don’t Neglect Follow-Up: Collecting contacts without following up is a missed opportunity. Strike while the iron’s hot!
- Don’t Be Inauthentic: Pretending to be someone you’re not will backfire. Be genuine people connect with realness, not facades.
- Don’t Overshare on Social Media: Tagging everyone you met without permission or posting vague “Great event!” updates lacks impact. Be intentional and respectful.
- Don’t Ignore Introverts: Not everyone thrives in loud group settings. Seek out quieter moments to connect one-on-one.
Final Thoughts
Networking events are a launchpad for startups to gain traction, and with the right approach, you can turn a single day into a springboard for growth. Whether you’re heading to F&A Next soon or another industry gathering, these tips rooted in preparation, presence, and follow-through will help you maximize visibility, connections, and potential partnerships. It’s about showing up authentically and seizing opportunities with purpose. So, get out there, and make your mark!
-Best. Ioannis Trantas, Impact Marketeer at StartLife.