Networking – a natural talent or an acquired skill?

For some people, networking seems to come effortlessly. There’s something about their natural charisma and confidence that draws others in and gets conversations flowing with ease. They instinctively know what to say, how to maintain great eye contact, and how to make meaningful connections without it feeling forced and artificial.

For others (speaking from personal experience), networking can feel like one of the most daunting aspects of their professional life. Walking into a room full of strangers, starting conversations from scratch and sustaining them with purpose doesn’t always come naturally. Yet in many work situations, networking is unavoidable – and, let’s be honest, can be incredibly lucrative.

With Farnborough International Airshow 2026 approaching fast, now feels like the ideal time to hone those crucial soft skills. The Airshow offers an abundance of formal and informal networking opportunities, from organised receptions, meetings and conferences to chance encounters inside the chalets or inside the exhibition halls. Luckily, networking is a skill that can be learned, practiced and refined over time. <

Explore a few practical tips to make this exercise useful and enjoyable:

1. Listen carefully

One of the most underrated networking skills is listening. It can be very tempting to focus on what you’re going to say next, but it is even more important to pay genuine attention to the person in front of you. Ask open questions, show curiosity and let the conversation develop naturally. People are far more likely to remember how you made them feel than how much you spoke.

2. Practice your elevator pitch

Knowing how to introduce yourself clearly and confidently is key. Your elevator pitch should be short, focused and free of unnecessary detail. Who are you, what do you do, and how can it affect your listener? Practicing this in advance can help you avoid rambling and make a strong first impression.

3. Prepare a few conversation starters

In an unlikely scenario where conversation stalls, it can be incredibly useful to have a few simple conversation starters up your sleeve that can help break the ice and ease those initial nerves. Think topical, relevant and open-ended. For example, how many times they’ve attended FIA before? Do you prefer an aisle seat or the window seat? Or what is the one thing they always pack for business trips? A good conversation is like a game of tennis – don’t drop the ball, help the ideas bounce back and forth.

4. Find your croissant

In a busy room, it can be intimidating to approach a group mid-conversation. Look instead for clusters with a visible gap – they are often shaped like a croissant. These open spaces are usually more welcoming, making it easier to join without feeling intrusive.

5. Team up with a buddy

Networking doesn’t have to be a solo sport. Arriving with a colleague can help conversations flow more naturally and take the pressure off starting from scratch every time. You can introduce each other, pick up on cues and keep discussions moving smoothly.

6. Follow up

The real value of networking often comes after the event. A brief follow-up email, LinkedIn message or coffee invitation helps turn a brief encounter into a meaningful connection. Like any relationship, business relationships need to be nurtured thoughtfully over time.

In conclusion

At the end of the day, everyone in the room is there for the same reason: to make connections, explore potential future opportunities, and have a great time. Whether networking feels natural or challenging, approaching it with preparation, curiosity and authenticity can transform it from a challenging into a genuinely rewarding experience.

And remember – confidence grows with practice. By the time the next edition of Farnborough International Airshow arrives, you may find that networking feels a lot less intimidating, and a lot more natural.