5 Benefits of Networking at Business Events

Beyond the keynotes and learning sessions in business events, it’s the conversations, connections, and unexpected encounters that can sometimes have the biggest impact.

We reached out to a few Nordic Business Forum attendees who are great at networking. CEOs, founders, authors, advisors—people who don’t just talk to others at events, but actually build meaningful relationships to grow their business and to open opportunities they didn’t see coming.

We asked them what are the most significant advantages of networking, and here’s what they said:

1. Connect Efficiently

Aki Koikkalainen, Founder & CEO at Deviam:

Networking at a business event isn’t just about swapping business cards. It’s about having multiple good touch points with new people to connect efficiently. At NBF for example, I’ve stumbled into chats that sparked ideas and partnerships I didn’t see coming.

I’d say the real value of networking in events (compared to other ways) is the serendipity: one good conversation can shift your perspective or open a door you didn’t know existed.

Amy Carroll, Communication Expert and Coach:

In business events, you have a concentrated group of people who are there for similar reasons. People will likely be open and approachable. This makes finding connections even easier!

2. Build Meaningful Relationships

Laura Lindsberg, Author of Verkostoitumisen Taito (The Art of Networking):

A business event, such as the Nordic Business Forum, brings together amazing people and so much knowledge. The potential of these encounters is enormous. Meeting in person is always so much more effective, as you can truly sense the energy and presence.

People step out of their everyday work life in a business event and find themselves in a creative mindset after being inspired by great keynotes. This is a wonderful opportunity to generate new ideas and innovations while already feeling motivated. For leaders, networking isn’t about simply collecting contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can create long-term value.

3. Find the Right Partners and Customers

Mari Railo, CEO at East:

For me, as a CEO of East, networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about finding the right strategic clients and partners to bridge Nordic businesses with top outsourced Eastern European IT experts.

Events like Nordic Business Forum are perfect for meeting old and potential new clients, gaining market insights, learning about new businesses, and understanding what’s actually happening in the Nordics and the IT industry. Networking is a great way to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, which is key in international business. At East, we don’t just help Nordic businesses find outsourced IT experts from Eastern Europe—we ensure they are a great cultural match as well. In the same way, networking isn’t just about exchanging contact info—it’s about finding the people you connect with, the ones you can build something great with.

4. Grow Your Expertise

Valdar Liive, Business Advisor at Business Helsinki, City of Helsinki:

In general, at events your expertise grows, you see what’s happening around you, and you gain new contacts. Talking with new people helps you learn new things and understand the world and your own operating environment better.

Often, you’re also there with your own colleagues, and that’s really valuable too. It can be a lot easier to go over certain things, and it also creates new shared experiences.

Finally, I feel that through networking at events, you also get to test your own ideas.

5. Get the Real ROI of Business Events

André Noël Chaker, Chairman of the Board at MySpeaker:

Honestly, networking is the biggest reason to attend. Content, you can get online—read a book, watch a video. But you can’t replicate the value of in-person conversations, the kind that lead to real opportunities. Events bring together a high concentration of interesting people: potential hires, partners, investors, mentors. You get access to background info, trends, and insider tips that you’d never find Googling. It’s not insider trading—let’s be clear—but it is insider knowledge. Someone you meet might introduce you to your next big client or open a door that changes your business.

Human connection is the ultimate shortcut, and events give you that platform. The learning is great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the people who make it powerful. That’s the real ROI.

Want to Get More Out of Your Next Business Event?

Beyond the benefits, the same experts shared a number of tips and tricks on how to excel at networking in business events. We compiled their answers into a PDF guide that is now available for free.

From the guide, you’ll find practical advice on how to prepare, connect, and follow up. Learn how to make meaningful connections, avoid common mistakes, and turn small talk into real opportunities. Download the PDF and get ready to level up your networking game—before, during, and after the event!