Networking events can achieve a lot of things in a single setting when appropriately planned. These events are more than just a way for professionals to connect. They help facilitate future business relationships and teach participants valuable skills.
But before you go running off to start planning one, you should note that these events are quite different from hosting a conference, luncheon, lecture, or dinner. Rather than plan every minute of the day, yours is to create an environment that encourages conversation.
So, how do you create a successful networking event? Read on for tips on how to get started.
Step 1 – Define Your Purpose
Your first objective should be to identify the end goal. For example, you may want to create a network for small business owners, entrepreneurs, or professionals in a specific industry. You may also want to organize an event where attendees can interact with representatives from a headhunting firm.
No matter your motivation, it helps to define the kind of professionals you want to attend the event and what you would like them to get from it. The end goal you define is the one you’ll use to sell the event to the attendees.
Step 2 – Choose a Great Venue
Any venue you choose for the event must be easy to find, up-scale, and with enough parking for all attendees. Try to minimize the number of frustrations that anyone attending your event might encounter, as this may make a bad impression even before it begins.
Therefore, choose the venue wisely, and ensure it has enough space for people to move freely.
Step 3 – Simplify the On-Site Check-In Process
It’s always a great idea to have all participants check-in, even when you aren’t charging any attendance fees. Check-in enables you to track the number of people who have shown up, and when you have their contact information, you can always follow up on their experience.
As you strive to collect valuable participant data, try simplifying the entire process. For example, if an attendee doesn’t want to leave their email with you,
don’t try to force the issue. Let it slide. Also, ensure you have plenty of pens and name tags on site.
Step 4 – Establish a Networking Conducive Space
Not all events are focused on networking, more so corporate events. To ensure they succeed, establish networking-conducive spaces that will act as a complementary side event to the main event.
Some of the ideas you may want to consider include the following:
Big Idea Wall: A solutions wall, big idea wall, or freedom wall allows the event attendees to share their thoughts and ideas with other participants. It also leaves room for them to exchange contact information.
Pre-Event Kick-Off for First Timers: A pre-event kick-off comes in handy when you have events frequented by repeat attendees. It ensures that first-timers will not feel left out of what’s happening.
Networking Hubs: Transform the shared spaces around the event, e.g., snack bars, lounges, and coffee stands, into networking hubs.
Step 5 – Follow Up
Engaging in follow-up activities enables you to maximize the impact of the virtual or face-to-face networking event. Creating a Facebook or LinkedIn group will encourage the attendees to share their thoughts and resources and make it easy to plan future meet-ups.
Get Ready to Host
Networking continues to become more and more important for all professionals today. The five tips above will guide you on how to host a successful networking event that leaves a long-lasting impression on the minds of its attendees. Make use of them to help you get started!