Last week, Co.next had the privilege of being the Official Welcome Sponsors at the Norfolk Women’s Marketing Network Awards. It was more than just a title – it was a chance to reflect on what “welcome” really means, and why it matters so deeply in the professional world.
Why Welcome Matters
Networking events, conferences, even team meetings – we know they can be daunting spaces. Walking into a room full of people you don’t yet know can trigger nerves, self-doubt, and even a little imposter syndrome.
That’s why a warm welcome is so powerful. It lowers the barriers, makes people feel seen, and helps us show up more authentically. When we feel welcome, we are more open to listening, sharing, and connecting. And those small shifts change the whole energy of a space.
For young professionals especially, welcome is everything. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re on the edge of the room, or part of the conversation at the heart of it.
The skills of welcome
Creating a culture of welcome doesn’t happen by accident — it’s a practice. It’s built in the everyday interactions we choose to have. Here are a few simple but powerful “skills of welcome”:
- Listening more than talking: Really hearing someone’s story is one of the warmest forms of welcome.
- Body language that says “open”: Smiles, uncrossed arms, leaning in — they send powerful signals of inclusion.
- Generosity in introductions: Offering to connect someone to another person, resource, or opportunity is a welcome that lasts long beyond the event.
- Inclusive language: Swapping out jargon for plain, open words makes spaces feel less exclusive and more human.
Welcome as a practice
“Welcome” isn’t just the role of event hosts or organisers — it’s a shared responsibility. Leaders model it, peers reinforce it, and communities thrive on it. A culture of welcome is built when everyone takes ownership of creating it.
At Co.next, we believe this mindset is essential for growth. When young professionals feel genuinely welcomed, they step into their potential faster, build confidence, and contribute more fully. It’s how future leaders are shaped.
Carrying the spirit of welcome forward
Being Welcome Sponsors gave us the chance to shine a light on something simple yet transformative: every one of us has the power to make a space more welcoming. Whether you’re a first-time attendee, a seasoned leader, or somewhere in between, the aura you bring can change how others experience the room.
So here’s our invitation: at your next networking event, meeting, or coffee catch-up, ask yourself – How can I create more welcome here? It might just be the spark that helps someone else thrive.
At Co.next, we’ll keep building spaces where welcome isn’t just a greeting – it’s a culture. And we can’t wait to see how our community carries that forward.
