Networking events – done well – can be a great way to build up a community. But how can you ensure that they do what they say on the tin? One thing hosting a networking event doesn’t mean is getting people together and hoping they’ll make a few new contacts. True networking requires interaction, exchange of information, and the development of meaningful connections with other people – all of which you, as an event creator, can facilitate.

Far too often, networking events fall short of what they’re hoping to achieve. Issues like time constraints or guests staying in familiar groups can prevent people from forming new relationships. Knowing how to host a successful networking event is key, and our planning checklist gives you the tips you need to help people have fun and to forge real connections.

Host a networking event that focuses on a niche

When planning a networking event, it can be tempting to adopt a catch-all approach – but remember – it’s not a numbers game. Simply gathering a large number of attendees in a broad demographic, such as business people or freelancers, may look impressive, but it’s unlikely to promote useful networking. Focusing on a tighter niche increases the chance that your attendees will meet someone they can have a meaningful connection with – like this event that focuses specifically on women in the film industry rather than the whole sector, or this singles event that caters for Christian singles.

Use unconventional conversation starters

Icebreaker questions and conversation starters can create an instant connection between people. They make a fun way to start a networking event, generate less superficial conversation, and (when done right) make people feel less awkward. The key is to choose icebreaker questions that attendees will enjoy asking and answering. Try questions like:

  • What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • What two things are you really good at?
  • What is something people might not know about you?
  • What is the best and worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
  • What would you change about your job?

Try an online question generator if those aren’t doing it for you. Remember, you don’t want people to simply interview each other, so plan how this exercise will be delivered. For instance, working in pairs or small groups that move on every few minutes or giving out prompt cards helps make the exchanges more fun and brings energy to your networking event.

Get attendees speaking with speed networking

Speed networking is a great way of encouraging attendees to speak to as many people as possible. That way, there’s more chance of them finding people they can connect with. Attendees can be split into pairs or groups and given up to five minutes to chat before they move on. A real benefit is that confident and quiet people can feel involved, and everyone starts on the same footing. Glasgow Girls Club regularly hosts a two-hour speed networking event for women in business, where the aim is to get around as many attendees as possible. Discussion prompts are provided based on the specific topic of the event.

Factor old-fashioned introductions into your networking event plan

Part of hosting a networking event is finding out who your attendees are looking to meet and using an old-fashioned approach to facilitate those introductions. Asking introductory questions at your event like “what type of people are you looking to meet?” is an easy way to find out which introductions are most important. Alternatively, sending attendees a short pre-event questionnaire gives insight into who you need to invite to your event. Introducing attendees to each other during the event or creating a seating plan that helps attendees make connections lets you play the part of the perfect host.

Connect with networking tech

Tech tools and apps are a way for attendees to identify the types of people they want to meet at your networking event. They make virtual networking more inclusive and useful features include allowing attendees to link to each other’s LinkedIn profiles or Twitter accounts, or enabling them to find people with similar interests. PROsimity is an app that shows attendees the professionals they encountered during the day. Based on search criteria and professional similarities, mutually interested people can make connections.

Alternatively, the Pathable event networking platform allows attendees to connect before, during, or after your event. Their networking tech tools include interactive session chat, private messaging, meeting scheduling, and group or private virtual meetings. Equally big on expanding networking opportunities is the virtual event management platform Whova. Here networking features include speed networking, attendee matchmaking, and attendee ‘SmartProfiles’ – where people choose who to meet before your event.

How do you create better networking moments at an event?

To relax and enjoy themselves, people need to feel at ease. Choosing the wrong format or venue for your networking event affects how comfortable people feel, and all your hard work can go out of the window. For instance, a more formal setting might suit a group of doctors or lawyers but might seem intimidating to a group of volunteers. And hosting your event in a bar isn’t a good idea if your attendees are underage or are predominately Muslim. These housekeeping issues are important, but luckily there are things you can do to create the best atmosphere and to make everyone relaxed and ready to connect. Here are a few things to consider in your planning checklist:

  • Choose a venue that feels casual and welcoming.
  • Make sure the venue is fully accessible and caters for any specific needs.
  • Check virtual guests have access to everything they need to feel included.
  • Using round tables instead of square ones makes attendees feel part of a group rather than at an interview.
  • Ensure the rooms are not too big for the number of attendees.
  • Use sticky name tags to make it easy for people to remember each other’s names.
  • Chat with people on their own and introduce them to friendly groups.
  • Encouraging attendees to stay and mingle at the end of your event. Providing drinks or food at a specific time near the end of your event usually encourages people to stick around.

Create your next networking event

Hosting a networking event is a great opportunity for you to impact people’s working lives and to help them to connect. Our tips and planning checklist can help you to create your event and gain credibility as an organiser and host. Check out how Eventbrite Boost covers all your promotional needs in one platform, to make sure everyone’s talking at, and about your event.