Is it appropriate to spend time with friends at a networking event?

Is it appropriate to spend time with friends at a networking event?

Phyllis Davis (Business Etiquette Consultant) gives expert video advice on: When are the best times to talk to people at networking events?; What is a good way to meet people in networking situations?; What is the best way to be introduced to people I want to meet at a networking event? and more...

It is all right to talk to and spend time with your friends at banquets and networking events, but you're just not going to learn anything or meet anyone new. You've sort of wasted your time at that networking event, unless you just want to have a good time and you're not there to create business. Indeed there are a lot of networking events that are strictly enjoyable, but even if I go to a networking event with my husband, who I adore being with, we split up, and I'll see him in an hour. This is because we want to meet new people at this networking event. We got dressed up, we drove all that way, we're going to be there for an hour, let's make the best use of our time at this networking event.