Are you excited for the most prestigious architecture event of the year?

The National Architecture Awards 2018 will be held next week on 1st November and is always a fun-filled night. It's a great opportunity to meet some of the most influential leaders in the industry, as well as other like-minded people with a shared passion for architecture. Not to mention the delicious culinary delights (and drinks!).

For business owners, such a significant networking event has paved the way to joint ventures and business partnerships causing their turnover to skyrocket. Many graduates and budding architects have been able to secure employment, simply by sparking up a conversation that led to a follow up call, then an interview, ultimately leading to their dream job.

Whether you are a novice or C-suite expert, networking is a valuable way to expand your knowledge, build relationships and learn from the success of others. For business owners, this event has paved the way to joint ventures that have caused their turnover to skyrocket. Many budding architects have secured employment simply by sparking up a conversation, which led to a follow up call and ultimately their dream job.

Here are my tips to get the most out of the National Architect Awards next week…

Prepare Yourself 

Think about your mission; the key purpose of why you're attending. Do you want to secure a meeting to discuss an upcoming project? Or maybe you've always wanted to work for the boutique that's conveniently round the corner from your house.

Do your homework and read up on the attendance list, then take note of who you want to meet. Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch so you can be a clear on who you are and what you do. Keep it concise – first impressions are made within the first seven seconds of meeting!

Be Proactive

 Talk to people and make connections. “Oh, you know Tony!” “Yes, Tony and I go way back, we did CAD training together.” You get the picture. Networking provides a huge source of contacts and gives you access to highly influential people that you wouldn't otherwise meet.

It's not just about the person you are talking to directly, either. Remember they already have a network that you can tap in to, so ask the right questions and find out if they know who you want to know! 

Be Present

It's great to have goals and a list of key people you want to speak to. But there's nothing worse than talking to someone who's rushing through the conversation, scanning the room for their next target. Or even worse, seeing someone texting or scrolling through Facebook. Not a great look.

Be present, actively listen and respond politely. Conversation is a two-way street! If you need to take an important phone call, leave the room and come back when you're finished.

Receive Cards (more than you offer)

How many times have you been given a card and then thrown it away or lost it? You know what it's like. Everyone comes strategically armed with a stack of them. Just be careful you don't start handing them out like candy for Halloween. No one wants a card that they didn't ask for.

Besides, by accepting someone else's card, it puts you in control of the follow-up. Speaking of which…

Follow up

This is probably the most crucial step that's easily forgotten. You get home from a great night out after meeting some inspiring people. The next day comes along with a new to do list and a pile of emails in your inbox – following up from the night before just fell to the bottom of your priorities.

Instead, invest in your follow up by sending a personalised email or LinkedIn message, and the quicker you do it the better. Ideally, the day after, when the event is still front of mind. Perhaps you want to meet them for a working lunch or coffee? This is your opportunity to ask!

The National Architecture Awards 2018 will be held at Melbourne MAIÀ, Central Pier, Docklands, on Thursday 1st November, kicking off at 6pm for arrival drinks followed by the awards presentation at 7pm.

You can purchase your tickets here, and take a look at the awards shortlist here.

I hope to see you there next Thursday. Be sure to come over and say hello!

In the meantime, if you need advice on career progression or building your team, give me a call on 03 8606 0396

Zoe Posner is a Senior Consultant at Morgan Consulting specialising in Architecture and Interior Design.