Are you a wedding photographer, videographer, or planner looking to break into the luxury market and build lasting industry relationships? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, hosts Taylor Petrinovich and Kelly Gilster talk with Samantha, a top-tier #weddingplanner and networking expert, to discuss how in-person networking events can transform your business.
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If you’re a wedding photographer or videographer looking to elevate your business, networking is the game-changer you might be overlooking. Yes, your portfolio, branding, and marketing matter—but relationships are what truly unlock the doors to high-end bookings, planner referrals, and dream clients.
But here’s the problem: networking can feel awkward, overwhelming, or even pointless when you don’t have a clear strategy. That’s why we sat down with Samantha from Kinetic Experiences, a luxury wedding planner who built an entire business around fostering authentic industry connections. In this article, we’re breaking down why in-person networking is crucial, how to maximize these opportunities, and actionable tips to build real relationships that lead to bookings.
Why In-Person Networking Matters for Wedding Photographers & Videographers
In a world where so much of our industry runs on Instagram DMs and email pitches, face-to-face interactions are more powerful than ever. Here’s why:
✅ Wedding planners and vendors prefer working with people they know and trust. High-end planners aren’t just looking for talent; they’re looking for a seamless, stress-free vendor experience. If they’ve met you and know you’re professional, organized, and easy to work with, you’ll be at the top of their referral list.
✅ Luxury weddings are about relationships, not just services. Clients at the high-end level rely on referrals and curated vendor lists from trusted planners. Your ability to connect with the right people determines whether or not you even get considered for these events.
✅ Networking accelerates your visibility. It’s not just about who you meet—it’s about who they know. One planner connection can lead to multiple referrals, high-profile collaborations, and more aligned bookings.
How to Approach Networking Without Feeling “Salesy”
One of the biggest mindset shifts? Networking isn’t about selling—it’s about relationship-building. Here’s how to make it feel natural and productive:
🔹 Shift your focus from “getting” to “giving.” Instead of leading with “How can I get bookings from this planner?” ask, “How can I be valuable to this planner?” Maybe you offer behind-the-scenes content from an event, introduce them to a vendor they’ve been looking for, or simply show up as a reliable, professional presence.
🔹 Have a few go-to conversation starters. Walking into a room full of strangers can feel daunting, but having a few easy questions ready can help break the ice. Try:
- “What’s been the most exciting wedding you’ve worked on recently?”
- “What’s one wedding trend you’re loving (or hating) right now?”
- “How did you get started in the wedding industry?”
🔹 Listen more than you talk. People love to share their experiences. Be genuinely curious, ask follow-up questions, and focus on making connections, not just pitching yourself.
🔹 Follow up after the event. This is where most people drop the ball! Send a personalized DM or email referencing something specific from your conversation. Example: “Hey [Planner’s Name], it was so great meeting you at [Event Name]! Loved our convo about [topic]. Would love to grab coffee sometime and continue the chat!”
Where to Find the Best In-Person Networking Opportunities
Not all networking events are created equal. Here’s where wedding photographers and videographers should focus their time:
🎯 Industry Conferences & Retreats: Events like Engage! Summit, WPPI, and The Hybrid Co. attract top-tier professionals and create organic networking moments.
🎯 Luxury Wedding Workshops & Styled Shoots: Attending well-curated workshops (or even planning your own) puts you in the room with planners, designers, and vendors you want to work with.
🎯 Planner-Hosted Events (Like Kinetic Experiences!): Unlike massive conferences, intimate retreats allow for deeper connections, collaboration, and relationship-building in a more relaxed setting.
🎯 Local Industry Meetups & Venue Open Houses: Whether it’s a planner’s networking dinner or a venue’s vendor showcase, smaller-scale events offer meaningful face time with key players in your market.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of Networking Events
📌 Know your goal going in. Are you looking to connect with planners, find second shooting opportunities, or break into a new market? Have a clear objective so you can be intentional with your interactions.
📌 Have an easy way to exchange contact info. Digital business cards, Instagram QR codes, or a simple, well-designed card make it easy for people to stay in touch.
📌 Be prepared to document content. If you’re a photographer or videographer, bring lightweight gear to capture moments that position you in that space. Post event highlights, tag people you meet, and align your brand with that market.
📌 Don’t just network “up”—connect across. It’s tempting to focus on big-name planners, but relationships with fellow photographers, florists, and rental companies can be just as powerful.
📌 Remember: The fortune is in the follow-up. Networking doesn’t end when the event is over. Keep the momentum going with genuine follow-ups and continued engagement on social media.
Final Thoughts: Get in the Room & Watch Your Business Grow
If you’re serious about scaling your wedding business, getting in the right rooms is non-negotiable. Whether it’s an industry retreat like Kinetic Experiences, a styled shoot with the right vendors, or a planner dinner, in-person networking can change the trajectory of your brand.
✨ Challenge: Choose one event to attend in the next 6 months. Make a plan, show up with intention, and start building the connections that will take your business to the next level.
