Not long ago, I found myself contemplating the lack of networking I had done on a professional level and thinking about what I can do to increase my event-planning network. My professional environment has me flying solo much of the time with not one single soul to share my ideas like "Are mashed potato bars really passé?" or "I think I can do 84 in a classroom-style floorplan."

Within the event industry, we spend countless hours creating, detailing and executing memorable event experiences for our clients — it's our job to do it right. If you're anything like me, before long you may start to realize your personal networking wants and needs have been placed on the backburner.

Here are three simple steps I have taken to challenge my event planner singleton status and connect with interesting, unique and passionate event peers to form my own event network.

1. Form a peer-to-peer community

My adventure began when one of my CMP classmates reached out for a coffee date after she noticed we were two (of a handful) event professionals in our organization that received our Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) designation in 2014. Our first coffee date led to an insightful conversation around the formation of an event network that could align colleagues at our institution and provide a platform for learning in a formalized manner.

Fast-forward two short years, and we now have an event professionals network, which is growing momentum by the month. Our network now boasts a mailing list of 150 employees who plan or organize events/meetings in some capacity.

We host bi-monthly educational sessions geared toward different skill sets and twice-yearly socials, where local venues are provided with the opportunity to showcase food and beverage. Our group has a growing wiki page, lunch-and-learn sessions and a whole lot of enthusiasm for the event industry.

Best of all, I have my met my event people. So go ahead and make that coffee meeting, you never know what can happen.

2. Mentor a student

From my experience, surrounding yourself with others who are passionate, enthusiastic and eager to learn about your area of expertise brings a whole other level of energy.

Mentoring students is my niche. Not only have I had the opportunity to meet amazing people, but I have also formed friendships, offered career advice, provided guidance and brainstormed with incredibly bright students who each have stellar futures as event professionals.

Many post-secondary institutions have event management programs seeking mentors. Some professional associations have mentorship matching, and good old-fashioned word of mouth can provide matches.

3. Read, research and reach out

Reading about event trends and hot topics fresh off the press keeps me in the know globally and was especially comforting when I was flying solo without a network. I read my association briefs, flagging interesting topics for further research. When I come across something wonderful, I pass it along to my peers.

Sharing information is such an incredibly powerful connection tool, and we are fortunate to have this luxury. Many interesting conversations have been sparked by the forward of an interesting fact. A knowledge network needs information fuel to build momentum and to keep ideas flowing and fresh.

I have now found my network, now get out and find yours!