How to Meet People at Pro-Animal Events

It's not always the easiest thing to meet people at events, especially if it's a new space where we don't know anyone. (And for some of us, the thought of going and meeting strangers is positively terrifying.)

But for people who want to get more involved in animal advocacy, it can be really useful to get connected with other people. Many current advocates got started by going to veg events or animal activism events, meeting people, getting started with volunteering or other projects, and eventually getting more deeply involved in the movement to end factory farming.

Sometimes, a person who you meet at an event can tell you about a job, or teach you something new, or become a collaborator on a future project. In the long term, our connections can open doors to volunteering opportunities, collaborations, mentorship, and even job leads, greatly enriching your advocacy journey.

So here are some quick, practical tips to help you have meaningful, useful conversations:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Start conversations easily by asking questions that invite sharing:

• "What made you decide to come to this event?"
• "How did you get involved in animal advocacy?"

These questions help create genuine, engaging dialogue rather than brief, one-word responses.

2. Find Common Ground
Quickly establish connection:

• "I've also been exploring ways to help animals—what areas interest you the most?"

Finding common ground makes people feel comfortable and understood, encouraging deeper conversation.

3. Share Stories and Experiences
People remember stories best:

• Briefly share your journey into advocacy, and ask about theirs.
• "What’s been your favorite experience volunteering or advocating so far?"

Stories can build emotional connections and leave a lasting impression.

4. Go Beyond Small Talk
Move into meaningful territory:

• "Have you come across any new ideas in animal advocacy lately?"
• "Where do you think advocates could have the biggest impact right now?"

Meaningful discussions foster deeper relationships and prompt valuable insights, which you can then take and turn into impact for animals.

5. Listen and Show Interest
People connect with those who truly listen:

• Nod, smile, summarize key points, and follow up with genuine curiosity.
• "That's a great perspective—can you tell me a bit more?"

Active listening builds trust and demonstrates that you value their thoughts and experiences.

6. Virtual vs. In-Person Events

• Virtual: Introduce yourself in the chat or breakout rooms. Exchange contact info or LinkedIn profiles to continue your conversations after the event.
• In-Person: Wear a friendly smile, bring simple business cards or QR codes linked to your social media or Connect For Animals profile, and set a small goal (e.g., meeting 3 new people).

7. Follow Up After the Event
Relationships grow when you reconnect:

• Send a quick message or email after the event, referencing something specific from your conversation. This small step makes future collaborations more likely.

Meeting people in animal advocacy can lead to friendships, new opportunities, and real action. Use these tips at the next event you go to, and you'll find that connecting with others becomes easier with time, and more rewarding!

PS—If you want to find a pro-animal event to go to, check out our Connect For Animals Events page. We have hundreds of upcoming in-person events, virtual events, and large conferences.