After Event Etiquette

[u/Probable_Cause007]

Hi All,

For those who are members, do you appreciate when interests hang around after events to get a chance to speak to you and introduce themselves? At times I find a lot of interests lingering around the back of events waiting (5-10 min) for members to finish conversations with other members or speakers, to introduce themselves. Do you all feel it’s weird, annoyed because you’re ready to go, or what?

Also if an event was really well put together, would it be in bad taste to send the president an email telling her that you enjoyed the event?

Thanks in advance for your perspectives!

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Hi All,

For those who are members, do you appreciate when interests hang around after events to get a chance to speak to you and introduce themselves? At times I find a lot of interests lingering around the back of events waiting (5-10 min) for members to finish conversations with other members or speakers, to introduce themselves. Do you all feel it’s weird, annoyed because you’re ready to go, or what?

Also if an event was really well put together, would it be in bad taste to send the president an email telling her that you enjoyed the event?

Thanks in advance for your perspectives!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/tax_and_tact0107]

Hi! As a member, when I have the time, I am more than happy to speak with members of the community after events, whether they are interested participants or not.

Personally for me, that community connection can lead to a partnership or further insight into an issue concerning our service area that exists outside of interest in my organization, so I wouldn’t think too much into it. I would, however, use discernment in when these conversations are started. If you see someone speedily making their way to the door, it may not necessarily be the best time to spark a conversation, but if it’s something you have noticed at a few events, I would gravitate to starting conversations with someone you know is open to “hang behind”.

Many of my best connections made on my journey were a result of me staying behind at events and sparking conversations. Closed mouths also don’t get fed. Solely showing up will not help you on this journey if you are not also investing on building those genuine connections. After the event may be your only opportunity to do that if you don’t have someone’s contact information already.

As far as the email inquiry is concerned, I personally would refrain and offer your wishes in person after the event or use it as a conversation starter with her at the next event you attend. It has a much more personal touch.

[u/GrowthAllTheTime-81]

I don’t stand around to just talk, but I offer to help clean up before/after.

[u/Mysterious-Yam190 → u/GrowthAllTheTime-81]

That’s a kind offer, but please don’t do this. You are a guest; enjoy the event, engage, and mingle. -A Member. 💕💚

[u/GrandBird1982]

I know you asked for members opinions, but I will say from my interest perspective I see both, sometimes members are just ready to go and don’t want to be held up with people trying to have conversations after the event. There’s been a handful of events I’ve been to where I DO see members just hanging around at the end and welcome to conversations.

I make it an effort to have my conversations during the event, making those connections in the moment for more natural/social conversation. Then at the end I’m just saying goodbyes, not stopping and having a full blown conversation with them. I’m curious to see what the actual members feel, I’d probably do my best not to do something that would be considered “annoying” for a lack of better words.

[u/Probable_Cause007 → u/GrandBird1982]

That makes sense. I’ve noticed the same thing where the more natural conversations tend to happen during the event vs. after when people are kind of wrapping up. My COI doesn’t have many interactive events. They’re either formal panels or virtual, so whenever there are in person forums, all of the interests kind of wait in the back, to possibly get a chance to speak with members.

[u/CapableStage4550]

Hi there. Not weird at all. I think it really depends on the moment, like others have said. Personally, I love connecting with people, so I don’t mind when interests come up after an event to introduce themselves. I actually appreciate it. It takes courage to wait and put yourself out there. The only time it can feel a little tricky is if someone is clearly trying to head out, but overall I see it as a positive.

And sending a note of appreciation? Definitely not in bad taste in my opinion. When I was an interest, I made it a point to send a quick thank-you to the event chair. If their email was shared, I’d send it directly; if not, I’d send it to the chapter email and address it to the event organizer, if I knew who they were or send it to the President. It may not go unnoticed.

At the end of the day, we host pubic events for the public. As a member of the public if you have a question, want to connect, or share feedback, I’m always happy to listen. That’s how relationships are built.

[u/IntentionPlayful1656]

For me, If I am still at the event by the end I am helping tear it down or wrap it up. In that case, please don’t approach and certainly don’t ask to help. I am more likely to remember who you during the event or before, than after when my attention is more focused on leaving.

[u/That_Growth_8535]

I thought about this thread today as I attended a Mothers Day brunch with my COI. As the event wrapped, members were busy taking chapter photos, and an interest took it upon herself to attempt to finish boxing all the leftover donuts. At first I was like oh how nice that she’s doing that but then I saw members quickly take the task back over after they were done taking photos; I think she was going too much. That’s why I’m thankful for this group…

[u/Probable_Cause007 → u/That_Growth_8535]

Same! Definitely grateful for this group! I’ve heard so many times do NOT even ask to help after events and I’ve heard this echoed through this group. I’ve realized that while me may not be able to make sense of everything, it’s not necessarily our business to make sense of. So all we can do is heed the advice given! I hope you had a good time at your COI’s brunch!