8 Ways to Stay Notable at an Event

The cottage and patio-filled days of summer are a thing of the past. And that only means one thing.

Event season has arrived in full force.

This means the start of charity balls for a mixed bag of causes, large-scale art events and – before too long – upcoming holiday parties.

There’s no point in putting the cash, time and effort into an outfit if you don’t know how to make the most out of the event in the first place. Here are eight ways to stay notable at an event.

1. Don’t tackle the caterers like a glutton

Sure, you forgot to eat dinner and events are usually full of bite-size goodness. And by all means, have a few nibbles. But that doesn’t mean you should be that shameless person (or group of people) luring around near the caterers’ door ready to pounce as soon one emerges with a full tray in hand. Nor do you want to be that guy or girl standing around the food station all night like the reject at the school dance. Either eat before or grab some late-night grub after.

2. Keep the drinks out of professional pictures

As a general rule, try to keep the drinks out of professional photographs, especially if they are going to end up on a media site. Either put them on a nearby cocktail table or hide them behind the backs of others in the photo. Don’t question it; just trust us.

3. Venture outside of your group of friends

One of the best things about events is the opportunity they foster for both personal and professional networking. That’s why we typically like to show up with no more than one or two trusted wing people. If you arrive with a group of friends and use the event for “catch-up time,” you’ll be blissfully unaware of the happenings around you that could potentially lead to great things (not to mention the all of the event elements). You may as well be amongst yourselves at a pub.

4. Don’t use the open bar as an excuse to get belligerent  

Just because the booze is flowing freely from the open bars doesn’t mean you should get university-style drunk. It’s just not that cool to do so in public anymore. Save it for a house party when you’re among close friends if you still need to do it at all. There’s no point in making those valuable connections if you’re not going to remember the conversation or whose business card belongs to whom the next morning.

5. Don’t forget your business cards

Speaking of business cards, don’t forget to bring your own. The obvious reason is that you’re going to be in the company of fellow like-minded young professionals who could become valuable professional connections.

6. Don’t ask the photographers to take multiple shots

A photographer is usually cool with showing a shot or two and snapping another. But he or she will become quickly annoyed if you ask for repeated shots, and if you rush to the camera to check them out. It isn’t a photoshoot and he or she isn’t your personal photographer. Consider yourself lucky that they want your picture in the first place.

7. Be aware of your surroundings

It sounds like a simple concept, doesn’t it? Well, so does driving, and we all know how that works out for some people. Being aware of your surroundings means awareness of your personal space and that of others around you. Don’t stand chatting right in the middle of a high traffic route and expect your drink not to get spilled.

8. Don’t be the last to leave

Though we’ve been so caught up in certain moments and conversations that we’ve been there before, it’s not a good look to be one of the last to leave. Plus, you may miss out on a gift bag. Try not to be within the last 20 percent of party guests remaining at the event. Take the conversation elsewhere before the lights come on.

#NOTABLE  

Cover picture from: Great Gatsby by The Warner Brothers

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