7 Smart Questions to Ask at a Networking Event in 2025

Sep 22, 2025

Picture this: Sarah is at a tech conference with 2,000 people. She wants to meet marketing directors. But she feels lost. She asks small-talk questions and grabs cards she never uses. Maria collected 47 cards at last month’s trade show. She forgets who each person is. David spent $50,000 on his annual event. Later, attendees say they made no real connections.

This hurts. It wastes time and money. Missed connections mean fewer clients and ideas. Event organizers struggle to prove success.

But here's the surprising part: You might be wondering, "What if there was an easier way?" The secret that most event organizers don't know is Event Butler. It works through WhatsApp—a tool you already use. It matches you with the right people, sets meetings, and even gives icebreakers. No new apps. Just WhatsApp. That simple method drives a 94% meeting show-up rate.

You can turn small talk into real chances. Keep reading to learn questions to ask at a networking event that unlock real outcomes with Event Butler.

1. What brings you to this event?

Imagine you see someone at a big industry show. You want to start a talk. This question is your opener. It is simple. It gets to their goal fast.

It asks:

  • What are they looking for here?

  • What do they hope to learn or find?

What brings you to this event?

Why this works:

  • You skip small talk.

  • You find common ground.

  • You see if they are a client or a partner.

Event Butler tip:

  • Use WhatsApp to send this question.

  • The AI finds people with similar goals.

  • Meetings get auto scheduled on your calendar.

For more tips, check these ideas on making networking events work for you.

2. What's the most exciting project you're working on right now?

You need a deeper chat. This question sparks passion. It moves talk from titles to real work.

It asks:

  • What drives them now?

  • What challenge or victory they face?

What's the most exciting project you're working on right now?

Why this works:

  • It reveals skills and needs.

  • It shows where you can help.

Event Butler tip:

  • WhatsApp messages share project tags.

  • AI matches you to people who care.

  • It auto adds icebreakers tied to that project.

3. What trends are you seeing in your industry?

Ask this question at a trade show to talk big-picture. It shows you are curious and smart.

It asks:

  • What big changes they notice?

  • What new tech or ideas excite them?

What trends are you seeing in your industry?

Why this works:

  • You learn about challenges and opportunities.

  • You show you know the market.

Event Butler tip:

  • It pre-loads trending topics in WhatsApp.

  • AI nudges you to meet experts in those trends.

  • You see real-time analytics of trend chats.

To learn more, see enhancing networking experiences at your event.

4. How did you get started in your field?

People love their own story. Ask about beginnings to build a bond.

It asks:

  • What was their first job?

  • What big step helped them grow?

How did you get started in your field?

Why this works:

  • It sparks personal stories.

  • You learn their passion and skills.

Event Butler tip:

  • WhatsApp threads keep notes on stories.

  • AI reminds you of key details before follow-up.

  • You never forget a name or story.

For career insights, check how to get into event planning.

5. What challenges is your company/industry facing right now?

Go deeper. Talk about real pain points. This shows you care.

It asks:

  • What stress points they face?

  • Where they need the most help?

Why this works:

  • You uncover real needs.

  • You position yourself as a helper.

Event Butler tip:

  • AI matches you with problem-solvers.

  • It auto schedules follow-up chats.

  • You get a 94% meet rate by focusing on real needs.

6. Who would be your ideal client or customer?

Meet the right people. This question focuses on goals.

It asks:

  • Who do they want to reach?

  • Which audience brings the most value?

Why this works:

  • You learn their target market.

  • You spot referral chances fast.

Event Butler tip:

  • WhatsApp polls list ideal client profiles.

  • AI finds matches in attendee list.

  • You get introductions in minutes.

7. What's the best business advice you've ever received?

This question taps into wisdom and values. It builds respect fast.

It asks:

  • What lesson changed their work?

  • Who guided them early on?

Why this works:

  • You learn core values.

  • You spark a mentor-like bond.

Event Butler tip:

  • AI highlights key advice in chat.

  • It suggests other attendees who share that advice.

  • You build a network of wise voices.

To see more on AI in events, read how AI chatbots are being used at events.

Key Questions Comparison for Networking Events

Here’s a quick look at each question and how Event Butler helps:

  • What brings you to this event?

    • Easy start.

    • AI matches based on goals.

    • Auto schedule in WhatsApp.

  • What's the most exciting project you're working on right now?

    • Sparks passion.

    • AI links to project tags.

    • Gives icebreakers.

  • What trends are you seeing in your industry?

    • Shows market smarts.

    • AI loads trend topics.

    • Real-time insights.

  • How did you get started in your field?

    • Builds personal bond.

    • AI notes your stories.

    • Reminds you later.

  • What challenges is your company/industry facing right now?

    • Uncovers needs.

    • AI connects you to solvers.

    • Boosts meeting rate.

  • Who would be your ideal client or customer?

    • Focuses goals.

    • AI polls ideal profiles.

    • Fast intro.

  • What's the best business advice you've ever received?

    • Shares wisdom.

    • AI highlights advice.

    • Connects you to mentors.

Ready to Stop Asking Questions and Start Getting Answers?

You have seven questions that spark real talk. Each moves you closer to deals. Remember Maria, who lost 47 cards? Now you can follow up with names and notes.

Key Takeaways

  • Pick the question that fits the moment.

  • Use names and details to show you listen.

  • Let them share a short story.

  • Use WhatsApp to save details automatically.

  • Track which questions lead to meetings.

You might be wondering: how can one tool fix this? The secret is Event Butler’s AI matching and WhatsApp chat.

Actionable Next Steps

  • Choose three favorite questions.

  • Practice them before your next event.

  • Turn on Event Butler’s WhatsApp feature.

  • Let AI match you with the best people.

  • Watch your meeting rate jump to 94%.

Why It Matters

Networking is not just small talk. It is about:

  • Building real trust.

  • Proving event ROI with clear stats.

  • Saving time by focusing on quality.

Every question now leads to a scheduled meeting. No more lost cards or missed chances. You have what you need to succeed. All you need is to try Event Butler by SyncLab.

Ready to transform your next event? Discover how Event Butler by SyncLab uses your top questions to match you with ideal contacts and schedule meetings automatically. Try it today and see how asking the right questions can lead to real connections. Event Butler by SyncLab