The Ultimate Guide to Networking Events in Lagos

Lagos is the business capital of Nigeria, and arguably the most dynamic business city in West Africa. On any given week, there are dozens of networking events, meetups, conferences, and industry gatherings happening across the city.

But knowing where to go is only half the battle. This guide covers everything: where to find events, how to prepare, how to work the room, and how to turn brief encounters into real business relationships.

Where to Find Networking Events in Lagos

Tech & Startup Events

• Tech meetups at hubs like Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), Zone Tech Park, and Leadspace
• Startup pitch nights organized by incubators and accelerators
• Developer meetups like GDG Lagos, Laravel Nigeria, React Lagos
• Fintech events, since Lagos hosts Africa's largest concentration of fintech companies

Where to find them: Eventbrite, Meetup.com, Twitter/X (follow #LagosStartup, #TechInLagos), and tech community WhatsApp groups.

Business & Professional Events

• Lagos Chamber of Commerce events and breakfasts
• Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce networking sessions
• Industry association meetings (advertising, banking, oil & gas, etc.)

Creative Industry Events

• Fashion networking events and designer showcases
• Film industry screenings and Nollywood networking
• Photography and art gallery openings
• Music industry events and listening sessions

Real Estate & Property

• Property exhibitions at Eko Convention Centre and Landmark Event Centre
• Real estate investment seminars
• Developer showcase events

General Networking

• Co-working space events at Workstation, Roam, Venia Hub
• Business breakfast clubs
• LinkedIn Local Lagos events
• Alumni networking events

How to Prepare for a Networking Event

Before the Event

Research the event and attendees. If there's a speakers list or attendee directory, review it. Know who you want to meet.

Set a goal. "Have meaningful conversations with at least 5 new people" or "connect with someone in the fintech space."

Prepare your introduction. A clear 10-second pitch: who you are, what value you provide, what you're looking for.

Update your digital profile. If you use TagAlong, make sure your profile reflects your current role and goals. Use TagFlex to switch your device to the most relevant destination: full contact card for a business mixer, portfolio link for a creative event, booking page if you're seeking clients.

What to Bring

• Your TagAlong device (Card in your wallet or KeyTag on your bag)
• Your phone, charged
• Genuine curiosity about other people

How to Work the Room

Starting Conversations

The simplest openers work best:

• "Hi, I'm [name]. What brings you to this event?"
• "What line of work are you in?"
• "Have you been to this event before?"

People at networking events expect to be approached. That's why they're there.

The Art of Listening

The biggest mistake is talking too much about yourself. The best networkers are great listeners. Ask follow-up questions. Show genuine interest. Remember details.

People remember how you made them feel more than what you said.

The Graceful Exit and the Smooth Exchange

Not every conversation will be a match. To move on politely:

• "It was great meeting you. Let me share my details before I mingle."
• "I'd love to continue this. Tap your phone and you'll have everything."

This is where having a TagAlong device shines. The exchange becomes a natural conversation closer: tap or scan, share, move on. No fumbling with paper. No awkward phone swapping. And if you have lead capture enabled, they can leave their details for you right there.

After the Event: The Follow-Up

This is where 90% of people fail. They attend the event, share contacts, and then... nothing.

Within 24 Hours

• Send a personalized message to everyone you had a meaningful conversation with
• Use WhatsApp or LinkedIn, whichever fits the relationship
• Reference something specific from your conversation
• Suggest a next step if appropriate: coffee, a call, a collaboration

If you use TagAlong with lead capture, check your dashboard. Everyone who left their details is already listed with their message and contact info. Follow-up becomes effortless.

Within the First Week

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on relevant social media
• Share something valuable, like an article, a contact, or an insight

Check Your Analytics

Review your TagAlong dashboard. How many people viewed your profile from the event? Were there spikes in views at specific times? This helps you understand which events and interactions generate the most engagement.

Common Networking Mistakes

Being Too Salesy Too Fast

Nobody wants a pitch at a networking event. Build rapport first. The sale comes naturally if there's a fit.

Only Talking to People You Already Know

Challenge yourself to spend at least 60% of your time meeting new people.

Not Being Ready to Share Contacts Efficiently

Fumbling with your phone to type in someone's number is awkward and forgettable. With a TagAlong card or keytag, sharing takes 5 seconds. Tap or scan and done. It's fast, impressive, and professional.

Forgetting to Follow Up

The event is the beginning, not the end. Without follow-up, even great conversations fade within a week.

Networking Only When You Need Something

Build your network before you need it. Network consistently, not desperately.

Make Every Interaction Count

Lagos offers endless opportunities to connect with talented, ambitious people. The professionals who thrive are the ones who show up, make genuine connections, and follow through.

Combine authentic relationship-building with smart tools. A TagAlong device that makes sharing instant, captures leads automatically, and gives you real data on your networking activity will help you build a network that opens doors you didn't know existed.