Mix Business With Pleasure
at Our Networking Events
Elevate your West experience with our collection of engaging networking events designed to provide the perfect blend of business and leisure. After a productive day on the show floor, unwind and forge meaningful connections within our advanced manufacturing community. Enjoy complimentary food and refreshments while indulging in entertainment and games.
These events aren’t just about having fun. They give you a perfect opportunity to secure your leads in a relaxed environment that encourages genuine interactions. Join fellow engineers, colleagues, and potential partners and leverage these extra chances to seal your leads face-to-face and boost your business objectives. See our list of networking events below:
Beer Garden Happy Hour
One of the many things that Anaheim is known for is its beautiful sunsets. After the show on day 2, journey outside of the convention center and veer left to the Arena Plaza and bask in the southern California sunshine at our Beer Garden happy hour.
Enjoy refreshments, snacks, live music, and games as you celebrate another successful day at MD&M West with your colleagues and new friends made at the show. The palm trees are waiting!
Time & Location:
Arena Plaza
Wednesday, February 5, 5 – 7 p.m.
Booth Crawls
Looking for great conversations and cool beverages? Swing by any of the sponsored exhibitor booths for a beer with fellow attendees and a chance to chat with top-notch manufacturing suppliers eager to connect with you.
With sponsored booths sprinkled across the show floor, you can enjoy a variety of beers while exploring the latest in manufacturing innovations. It’s a fantastic way to network, discover new opportunities, and have some fun! Don’t forget to download the MD&M West Event app for updates on which exhibitors are part of the booth crawl and where to find them.
Cheers to making new connections and exploring exciting possibilities!
Time & Location:
Show Floor
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 4-5, 2025, 3:30-5 p.m.
Keynote Networking Breakfast
On Tuesday and Wednesday of the show, start your mornings off right with freshly brewed coffee, tea, and pastries while you and your colleagues await our highly anticipated keynote speakers and their groundbreaking presentations when you attend our Keynote Networking Breakfast.
Take a quick trip up the stairs or catch a ride in the elevator to the third floor, where you can ease into the morning with a relaxing breakfast and mingle with like-minded peers. It's the perfect way to jumpstart your connections before the show floor opens, or simply enjoy some complimentary caffeine and tasty treats to fuel up for all the exciting industry trends and discoveries ahead!
Time & Location:
Third Level Ballroom
Tuesday & Wednesday, February 4 & 5, 2025, 8-9 a.m.
Welcome Reception
Join us in the Grand Plaza outside of the convention center for a historic celebration of the manufacturing industry at our Welcome Reception. Join your peers, colleagues, and new connections for free drinks, catered bites, and live music as you unwind from a busy day on the show floor and prepare for your evening plans.
Time & Location:
Grand Plaza
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
Networking Tips That’ll Make You a Tradeshow Superstar!
Stepping into a networking event with hundreds of people can be a little daunting for anyone. Don’t worry, you can make your time at our (or any) networking event more comfortable and productive with these tips:
Tip #1:
Keep track of your connections from the day
Keeping track of your connections ensures that you don't forget valuable contacts you've made during the event. It's easy to meet many people at a busy conference, and without proper documentation, you might lose valuable leads.
Tip #2:
Connect through the Event App/Dashboard or in-person/phone
Utilizing the tools in your event app/dashboard makes it convenient to schedule meetings, exchange information, and stay updated on event-related activities.
Tip #3:
Meet with your connection, relax, and converse during the networking event
A relaxed atmosphere encourages open and authentic conversations, which can lead to a deeper understanding of each other's needs and potential business opportunities. It also makes you more memorable as someone who is approachable and enjoyable to interact with.
Tip #4:
Set a time for dinner in Anaheim before the event ends
Taking the initiative to plan a dinner or meet-up outside the event hours shows your commitment to building a strong business relationship. It also provides an opportunity for more in-depth discussions.
Tip #5:
Be professional, be yourself, and seal the deal
Being professional demonstrates your competence and reliability, while being yourself shows that you're a real person, not just a business representative. This combination builds trust, making it easier to move towards sealing a deal or collaboration.
Tip #6:
Reach out after the event and build a lasting relationship
Following up after the event reinforces your interest in the connection. It's an opportunity to discuss potential collaborations, provide more information, and solidify the foundation for future business dealings. Consistent communication and relationship-building efforts can lead to a fruitful and ongoing partnership.
Tip #7:
It’s a Party, Not a Pressure Cooker!
Our networking events are all about having a blast. Don’t stress about meeting everyone—just relax and enjoy the festivities. The connections will come naturally when you’re having fun!.
Tip #8:
Let the Event Features Be Your Icebreakers!
Stuck on how to start a conversation? Use the event’s cool features as your conversation starters! Challenge someone to a game of cornhole, chat about the awesome tunes playing, or share your favorite food from the buffet. These fun moments are perfect for sparking conversations!
Tip #9:
Find Common Ground!
We're all manufacturers here, so let's make networking easy! Pick up a badge ribbon showcasing your interests at the registration booth. Strike up a conversation by asking about someone’s ribbon and uncover new colleagues who share your passions. With a room full of fellow manufacturers, discovering common ground is just a conversation away!
Tip #10:
Team Up for Confidence!
Going solo can feel intimidating. Bring a buddy or connect with someone you’ve met on the show floor to navigate the networking scene together. It’s always easier to strike up conversations with a partner in crime!
Tip #11:
Smile and Put the Phone Down!
Ditch the phone and let your body language do the talking. Flash a bright smile and make eye contact. A friendly demeanor will invite others to chat with you and make networking a breeze!
Put these tips into action and you’ll be the life of the party at any event you attend. Now get out there, you networking savant!
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