This might sound obvious but make sure you attend as many events of the consulting firms you're interested in as possible. Most of the events will be centered around certain themes – for example a case workshop or a workshop on top-down communication. After all these events there is usually time set aside to network with the consultants that were hosting the workshop. You should take advantage of this opportunity as it will give you the chance to get some more personal insights into consulting and you can also ask the questions that you wouldn't ask in a plenum. 

Also, you get the chance to mingle with the other attendants. Networking with them is never a bad idea as they might be a future colleague. And it's quite likely that some of the participants are already preparing for case interviews. If you click with one of them, you might just have found yourself a sparring partner for your own preparation. That's actually how some of our colleagues found case partners.

On a high-level, there are usually two different types of events:

The events to a wider audience (>50 people) are easier to get into. You can just apply by submitting your CV and if the event is not oversubscribed you'll likely be invited if your CV meets the minimum criteria. These events are usually much more focused on getting to know the consulting firm and giving insights into how they work and why you should apply. Afterwards, there'll be time for networking, but it's likely that large clusters of people will form around one of the consultants. A proper conversation can be difficult and it's not so easy to get your questions in. Nonetheless, those events are a great chance to familiarize yourself with a consulting firm and you will also get an impression of the people who work there. Also, there are usually free snacks and drinks – so it's the ideal environment for a student who wants to manage his or her budget. 

The events to a smaller audience (<50 people) are usually harder to get into as your CV is properly screened before you get an invite. These events are usually more tailored to specific topics. You'll also hear a presentation of the consulting firm on what they do and why you should apply, but you may also get the chance to work in groups and learn something. Usually, half of the event centers around one skill that is critical for consultants. Some exemplary themes of such events are case workshops (i.e., you solve a case in small groups and the consultants provide guidance) and communication workshop (i.e., you focus on one specific aspect of communication, like top-down communication). Some of the more high-end events can even include exotic retreats, like spending a weekend on a golf course in Florida or skiing in Colorado (firms can get quite creative here). Although recent spending cuts and public scrutiny have made such lavish events more rare, they still exist. Definitely try and take part in these events if you have the chance. But don't be discouraged if you don't get invited to the very high-end events. They are popular, and as a result, extremely selective. It's actually harder to get into one of those than securing an interview for a full-time position. Also, such events can be geared more towards students without a business background. Business majors know the consulting firms anyways and will apply regardless. Talented people from other backgrounds may require a little nudge and some stroking of their ego. 

As there's much much less of a crowd at those events you'll get the chance to talk to consultants in small groups or 1:1. This allows you to ask more personal questions and get a deeper insight into how the consulting firm really ticks. Before the networking part of these events, you may even think of a few interesting questions that you keep in the back of your mind. Maybe you can get past the standard questions like "How is the consulting lifestyle?" or "How fast can you make it to partner?". There's plenty of information on this online. Instead, maybe ask a personal questions that allows the consultant to share his or her experience. For example "What was the most difficult client interaction you ever had?" or "What was the most exotic project that you ever did?". That'll get them talking and is a nice changeup to the standard question he or she has heard a thousand times. 

The short answer is: YES!

You don't have to worry about the large events. They are to get to know the firm and you will not be evaluated. How could they even evaluate you if you just sit in a plenum and listen to a presentation with some chit-chat afterwards. 

However, at the smaller events with a more rigorous CV screening it's very likely that you will be evaluated. The attending consultants will probably say that the event is just informal and to get to know each other but this is probably not the full truth. Before the event, the consultants get a list of the attendants including the CV they submitted. So if they take the time to skim through them, they probably already have a good idea about your profile. Afterwards, the hosting consultants will also be asked to fill out a sheet with insights about each participant they were interacting with. These insights could then decide whether you're invited to the talent programs at the leading consulting firms. Think about McKinsey Firsthand and BCG Emeralds. So obviously, you should try and do your best at these events to ideally get a jumpstart for your later application. You will of course not get preferential treatment at the interview but the talent programs may host exclusive case workshops or interview training that can support your preparation.

So how do you make a case for yourself at these events? Well, it's actually quite simple as the hosting consultants are looking for the same skills and capabilities that are required for the interview (and thus for a career in consulting). We've described this in our sections on case interviews and on personal fit. At these events you'll usually work in groups. We know that you want to stand out, but don't just try and take the lead on everything without involving your team members. You may think you're highlighting how great you are, but the consultants will quickly notice if someone is dominating team members (and take negative notice of that). Instead, try and be active while also involving team members that might be more passive. Summarize and structure the information your team members share. Step forward and take a fair share of the presentation (there is most likely one). And of course, don't embarrass yourself in the networking session (e.g., getting extremely drunk, getting inappropriate).

When you're active, structured, professional and likeable, you don't have to worry about being evaluated at those events. The consultants will not try to find a flaw in your performance and you'll benefit from attending the event.