Make Small Talk at Business Events – Introduction
Small talk at business events can feel intimidating – especially if English isn’t your first language. But it’s also one of the best ways to make useful connections, practise your communication skills and leave a good impression.
In this article, you’ll learn how to confidently start and keep conversations going at professional events, even if you’re feeling nervous.
If you’re new to small talk, you might want to start with Small Talk for Business: How to Start and Keep a Conversation Going, which covers the basics. Then come back here to explore more specific strategies for business events.
You can also connect with others and practise your conversation skills in our community for professionals who use English at work. It’s a friendly space to ask questions, share tips and get feedback.
Why Business Events Are Different
Business events – like conferences, trade shows and networking evenings – are different from everyday office small talk. Even though they’re professional, they have a social element. People expect to chat, meet new contacts and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting.
You often only have a few minutes to make an impression. That’s why it helps to know how to start a conversation quickly and confidently.
UK vs US Style
In the UK, small talk at events tends to be polite and reserved. People often start with neutral topics like the weather, travel or the event itself. In the US, it’s more common to jump straight in with energy and even a personal question.
UK example:
“Busy day today, isn’t it? Have you been to this event before?”
US example:
“Hi, I’m Sarah! What do you do?”
Neither approach is better – it just helps to know what’s expected based on your audience.
Getting Started: How to Approach Someone
Approaching a stranger (or even a group) at a business event can feel awkward. But people are usually open to conversation – it’s why they’re there!
Here are some friendly openers:
- “Mind if I join you?”
- “Hi, I’m Alex. What brought you to this event?”
- “I saw your name badge – do you work in tech too?”
If you’re nervous, use something about the situation or the setting as a starting point. You don’t need a clever or original opener. You just need to speak.
Safe and Natural Topics for Small Talk
Once the conversation has started, it’s helpful to have a few reliable topics in mind.
Here are some ideas that work well at business events:
🏛 The Event Itself
“That keynote was really inspiring. Did you enjoy it?”
“Is this your first time attending this conference?”
🍽 Food or Venue
“The coffee here is surprisingly good!”
“Nice venue, isn’t it? I like the layout.”
🌤 Travel or Weather
“Did you have far to travel to get here?”
“Classic British weather today – sunshine and rain within 10 minutes!”
These topics are light and universal. They’re great for warming up a conversation before moving on to deeper topics.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Once you’ve started chatting, you want to keep things flowing naturally.
Here are a few ways to do that:
1. Ask Follow-Up Questions
Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying.
“You mentioned you work in finance – what kind of projects do you usually manage?”
“How did you get involved in this industry?”
2. Share Short, Relevant Info About Yourself
Give just enough to keep the exchange balanced.
“I’ve only recently moved into marketing, so this event’s been great for learning.”
“I’m based in Leeds, but I travel down to London for events like this.”
3. React to What They Say
“That sounds like a huge project! How long did it take?”
“I’ve heard of that company – didn’t they win an innovation award last year?”
Tip: Avoid turning it into an interview. Keep the rhythm two-sided and friendly.
How to End a Conversation Politely
One of the hardest parts of networking is knowing how to end a chat. But at events, it’s expected that people will move between groups.
Use polite, positive phrases like:
- “It’s been lovely chatting – shall we exchange business cards?”
- “I’m going to grab a drink, but I hope we bump into each other again later.”
- “Thanks for the chat – enjoy the rest of the event!”
UK vs US Tip:
In the UK, people often use indirect language to leave a conversation. In the US, it’s more acceptable to say something direct like “I’ll let you mingle!”
Practise Before the Event
If you don’t use English every day, a little practice goes a long way.
You can:
- Rehearse your opener out loud in front of a mirror.
- Write down 3–4 questions you can ask.
- Role-play conversations in our English for Work community – a great way to test your confidence in a supportive environment.
The more you practise, the more natural small talk will become.
Make Small Talk at Business Events – Conclusion
Making small talk at business events doesn’t require perfect grammar or advanced vocabulary. It just takes a willingness to connect.
With a few simple phrases, an open attitude, and some practice, you can build meaningful professional relationships – one conversation at a time.
Next steps:
