SOCIAL SEASON: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT
As the year winds down, November marks the start of Mingle Season or Silly Season as others like to refer it to, a time filled with industry parties, conferences, informal meetups, and networking events. While it might feel overwhelming at first, attending these gatherings can be one of the most effective ways to uncover new opportunities, grow your professional network, and boost your career. Whether you’re looking to make new connections in property, construction, or corporate services, Mingle Season is your chance to shine.
Why Attend Industry Events?
Networking isn’t just about collecting LinkedIn connections, it’s about building meaningful relationships, learning from peers, and uncovering opportunities that might not appear on job boards. Attending industry events gives you the chance to:
Expand your professional network: Meet professionals outside your day-to-day circle who could become collaborators, mentors, or advocates.
Stay ahead of trends: Hear about market developments, new projects, and emerging skills firsthand.
Showcase your expertise: Share insights in conversations or presentations, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable professional in your field.
Unlock career opportunities: Informal chats can lead to mentorships, partnerships, or even unadvertised job opportunities.
Even casual gatherings, like after-work drinks or small meetups, can be just as valuable as large conferences. Often, these relaxed settings create space for authentic connections and meaningful conversations that can influence your career long after the event ends.
Curated Events to Watch This Season
Melbourne’s property, construction, and corporate services sectors offer a packed calendar this November. From formal panels to interactive industry expos, there are plenty of ways to connect with like-minded professionals.
Highlights include:
Women in Property events – empowering sessions and networking opportunities tailored to female professionals in the industry.
UDIA gatherings – including the UDIA Awards 2025 Ceremony & End of Year Lunch on Friday, 28 November at Crown Palladium, celebrating urban development excellence while connecting leaders, project teams, and professionals.
NAWIC networking sessions – targeted networking for women in construction and engineering.
The Property Council events – formal sessions, workshops, and networking lunches designed to keep you informed and connected.
The Urban Developer’s Long Lunch Melbourne – a relaxed afternoon connecting over 500 property professionals with insights and conversations in a social setting.
For smaller, niche events, check LinkedIn, Eventbrite, or Meetup. These intimate gatherings often allow for longer, deeper conversations, perfect for making a lasting impression.
How to Break the Ice
Starting conversations can feel intimidating, but a few simple strategies can help you ease in naturally:
Ask open-ended questions: Questions like “What projects are you excited about this season?” or “How did you get started in your role?” encourage detailed responses.
Share observations or insights: “I’ve noticed a rise in sustainable building projects across Melbourne, are you seeing the same trend?”
Find common ground: Comment on the event itself or a mutual connection, making your conversation feel more personal.
Avoid overly generic questions like “What do you do?” without context—it can feel impersonal and may not lead to a meaningful conversation.
Making Genuine Connections
Networking is not about the quantity of contacts; it’s about the quality of interactions. Focus on leaving a lasting impression:
Listen actively: People remember those who genuinely engage and show interest.
Follow up thoughtfully: After the event, connect on LinkedIn with a personalized note referencing your conversation.
Offer value: Share resources, introductions, or insights - networking is a two-way street.
Think of each conversation as a seed planted. You might not see immediate results, but over time, these connections can grow into valuable relationships and career opportunities.
Making the Most of Informal Events
Not all networking happens in formal settings. Casual meetups, industry happy hours, or even coffee chats can be just as valuable. Approach these with the same mindset as formal events: be genuine, curious, and prepared. You never know which conversation could lead to your next role or collaboration.
Mingle Season is about more than just attending events, it’s about actively cultivating your network, learning from your peers, and positioning yourself for growth. By showing up, engaging thoughtfully, and following up, you can turn casual conversations into meaningful career opportunities. Step out, start a conversation, and make genuine connections this November: your future self will thank you.
