we co-hosted a side event last week with @redstone_defi during @ETHWarsaw. no panels. no presentations. just networking. and it worked. don’t get us wrong, panels, keynotes, and workshops are useful. they give you frameworks, insights, and big-picture takes. but sometimes? the real alpha isn’t in the slides, it’s in the side convos. here’s why unstructured networking can be just as important (if not more) in crypto: → ideas move faster off-stage: the best product collabs, integrations, or partnerships often start as casual “what if we…” convos over drinks, not during Q&A. → higher signal, lower noise: events with 300+ attendees listening to a panel are great for reach. but 1:1 convos build the context you actually need to move something forward. → trust compounds: relationships built through face-to-face convos compound over time. so how to optimize your networking game at events? 👀 1. do your homework → know who’s attending, shortlist who you need to meet. 2. tight intro → one-liner on what you’re building, one-liner on what you’re looking for. 3. listen first → people remember how you make them feel more than your pitch. 4. follow up same-day → telegram > email. context fades quick. tl;dr: panels and structured events give you insights. networking gives you opportunities. the smartest play? balance both.