I attended the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce Schmooza Palooza event last week at Conseco Fieldhouse. The social event featured entertainment, refreshments, networking opportunities – and lots of exhibitor booths.

The best booths were the ones that engaged the attendees. Offering a branded giveaway drew people in to talk with the organization’s representative. I received a coaster from a staffing company and microwave popcorn from a mortgage lender.

Some exhibitors engaged the crowd with games and activities. Cornhole or bean bag toss was popular with a few exhibitors. Ruth’s Chris featured a spinning wheel similar to Wheel of Fortune, and there was a line of people waiting to spin.

The exhibitors who offered food samples were a hit, too. I appreciated the restaurants that offered a treat and a coupon, like Paradise Bakery & Café. Offering a coupon is a great idea for two reasons. First, the recipient has an incentive to patronize the business. Second, the organization can monitor its marketing and advertising investment by marking the coupon and tracking when it is redeemed.

The number one “must have” for exhibitors: outgoing and knowledgeable representatives.  The giveaways, games and food can draw a crowd to the booth, but once people are there, the exhibitor must engage them with useful information.

Networking events can be productive – and profitable – when done right. I recently attended the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce HobNob event at the Indiana State Museum, and I observed good, bad, and yes even ugly networking techniques. To optimize your networking experience, I recommend the following tips.

Introduce yourself and wear a nametag if available
Never approach someone and ask, “Do you remember me?” That puts both parties in an awkward situation. Make others feel comfortable by introducing yourself and the organization you represent. After introductions, offer a conversation starter. For example, if you are familiar with the person or his or her work, mention that you have seen their new advertising or read about the company online or in the paper. If you are not familiar with the individual, simply ask more information about his or her company.

Have your business cards ready
Keep your business cards in a professional business card holder so they stay clean and crisp and to avoid rummaging through your purse or wallet to locate a card. I use a gold Colts business card holder because whether someone is a football fan or not, the NFL-branded holder creates another topic to initiate conversation. Something as universal as your favorite sports team or your alma mater provides an easy ice breaker. Plus, when you’re ready to end the conversation, requesting to exchange business cards is a polite way to wrap up your discussion.

Be conservative when consuming food and drinks
The event may feature refreshments, but that is not a free pass to over indulge on complimentary items. Appearing intoxicated or gluttonous in front of colleagues and potential business contacts is not professional and reflects poorly on your image and the organization you represent.

Follow up with the people you meet
Review the people you met, and follow up with the most appropriate communication. LinkedIn and Facebook are simple online ways to connect to new contacts. Note that LinkedIn is business-oriented, and Facebook is socially oriented; however, more organizations are using Facebook pages for professional events and networking. If it makes sense to send an e-mail and a link to a Web site or article you discussed, click send. If a hand-written note on your company’s stationery, along with collateral information about your organization is the best follow up, put a stamp on the envelope and drop it in the mailbox.

If you’re from Indianapolis and missed HobNob, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce hosts many valuable networking events. Coming up soon is “Schmooza Palooza,” the Chamber’s biggest party of the year, featuring food, drinks, interactive exhibits and live music. The event is scheduled from 5 – 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 24 at Conseco Fieldhouse. The event is free if you or your employer is a member of the Chamber and $10 for non-members. To check if your company is a member, go to www.indychamber.com and click on Member Center to search for your organization.