Craig Taylor, founder of tech start-up networking community Digital Thursday and Q&A-based video-based content marketing platform Orakly, shares his thoughts on the importance of crafting networking excellence at your events.
Events have long been a powerful platform for building connections, fostering collaborations and driving success across industries. As technology evolves, the events landscape has transformed, creating new possibilities and innovative ways of networking.
Physically meeting people is as important as ever for building trust and establishing relationships, which is why event organisers need to evolve and encourage networking.
Approximately 85 million people attend events each year in the UK, with 95% of professionals believing that face-to-face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships. And, according to a recent ExCeL London research report, networking is now the highest priority for event attendees.
A well-structured networking environment can elevate the event experience for the attendees. Happy attendees equal positive reviews and return visitors. So, it’s vital, as an organiser, that you know who your attendees are and what they want to get out of the event.
Here are eight tips on how to create the perfect networking environment at your next event.
- Time: Make the time. So many conferences I have attended don’t create set networking times. This makes it difficult for delegates to plan and creates a conflict with presentation times. Organising structured networking times with clear objectives and discussion topics can really help break the ice for attendees.
- Introductions: If your audience doesn’t know one another, create ways for them to introduce themselves in advance via an app, developing social media assets for them to share or circulating an old-fashioned attendee list. During the event, be prepared for you and your team to be the introducers. Do your own research prior to the event to learn what everyone does and needs from your event so you can make meaningful introductions.
- Light refreshments: Put on light refreshments and, if hosting an evening event, alcoholic drinks too, but ensure you give enough time for attendees to enjoy them. There is nothing worse than kicking off an event while people are still munching and nipping off to grab another drink.
- Technology: Technology plays a vital role in elevating networking experiences. Just make sure AV equipment, Wi-Fi and any other connections work. Make sure people presenting or attending virtually can connect. And have a plan B.
- Hybrid event: Hybrid events are a balancing act. With in-person and virtual attendees comes the need to balance two experiences. Make sure the content is relevant and ensure that any activities planned allow for both parties to participate.
- Space: Make sure there is enough space for your networking. Cramped, noisy rooms make conversation difficult so offer breakout spaces where people can get some privacy. Try to split large groups into more specific topics and workgroups, where they can be more interactive and involved.
- Feedback: Encourage your attendees to feedback on their experience at your event and give them the opportunity to input on how your future events look. Having dedicated social media profiles for your event, sending out an email afterwards with a simple ‘Thanks for attending, how did you get on?’ or sharing a questionnaire are great ways of collecting qualitative feedback.
- Have fun: Lastly, have fun and make it enjoyable.
