Guest Post: How to Design an Event for Networking Success
This guest post is provided by Derick McQuaide, the Founder of Pittsburgh Event Spaces.
Successful networking events don’t just happen—they need thoughtful planning and strategic design. In other words, you need to create an “event before the event” to help attendees form valuable connections. Here are some key strategies for facilitating meaningful networking throughout your event:
1. Curate Networking Opportunities Early On
One of the best ways to get people engaging is by giving them chances to connect before the event even starts. Here’s how you can do it:
Pre-event Networking Platforms
Platforms like Slack or WhatsApp make it easy to create digital spaces where attendees can introduce themselves and start conversations early. These quick chat groups also keep the networking alive after the event and work well for recurring events. Even if you’re hosting a one-off event, a group chat could still help people stay in touch.
Networking Breakfasts or Dinners
Organizing informal meals or drinks before or after the main event can help break the ice. Some of the best connections happen in the smaller, more casual settings surrounding the big event. Think of it as a chance for people to warm up before jumping into the main networking hustle.
Ask yourself these questions when deciding how to approach pre-event networking:
- Is this a recurring event?
- Will new people be joining regularly?
- Does a formal or informal pre-event setting work best for your audience?
2. Create Networking Zones
Think about how you can design your space to encourage more spontaneous interactions:
Lounge Areas
Creating comfortable lounge spaces where people can casually sit and chat is a great way to foster connections. Placing these areas in central spots will naturally draw attendees in, giving them a means to connect during breaks or between sessions.
Break-Out Rooms
Break-out rooms are perfect for keeping things dynamic and allow for leadership opportunities for the main speaker in them. They let people dive deeper into conversations or activities, helping attendees stay engaged and energized throughout the event. These are highly effective for educational events like conferences or workshops.
Dedicated Networking Spaces
If your venue doesn’t have multiple rooms, you can still create a dynamic networking environment by designating specific areas for networking during breaks.
For example:
At a marketing conference, you could designate a “Social Media Hub” where attendees can chat about trends in digital marketing, swap tips, or discuss the latest tools.
Nearby, set up a “Content Creation Zone” allowing content creators to discuss strategies and share resources. This allows people with similar interests to find each other and dive into focused conversations. You could even have a “Startup Alley” where entrepreneurs and startup founders can connect, brainstorm, or share challenges and advice.
Creating these themed zones makes it easier for attendees to network with like-minded people and fosters meaningful, targeted interactions.
3. Facilitate Speed Networking Sessions
Speed networking is a way for attendees to meet a lot of people quickly and see who you hit it off with from the group.
You can structure these sessions with timed introductions, allowing everyone to exchange business cards and chat briefly before moving on to the next person. I’ve found this works great with a speed roundtable, musical chairs approach, where a group of 3-5 people sits at a table and then swaps groups every 5-10 minutes.
Tips for Speed Networking:
- Keep your intro brief so that everyone gets a chance to talk! You don’t want to be that one guy that just talked all about himself during these and no one else got a word in.
- Ask open-ended questions – ex. How did you get into that career path?
4. Encourage Fun and Engaging Icebreakers
Sometimes, a little planned fun can go a long way in boosting engagement. Icebreaker games, for example, help attendees let their guard down and start interacting. For instance, speed networking can feel less awkward if you add a fun twist, like a round of icebreaker questions.
Physical games like corn hole, ping pong, or foosball are great ways to break the ice, especially in a more casual, laid-back event. These games work especially well for smaller groups where people can bond over a shared experience.
5. Use Event Activities to Foster Deeper Connections
Casual mingling is great, but sometimes you need more structured activities to bring people together on a deeper level. Here are a few options:
Interactive Games
Games that require teamwork, problem-solving, or even sharing personal tidbits can be perfect for more engagement and leadership growth with team captains. Consider something like a relay race, scavenger hunt, or even a co-ed volleyball or dodgeball game. These activities are especially effective for mixing up attendees and getting them out of their comfort zones.
Workshops and Roundtables
Smaller group sessions, like workshops or roundtables, give attendees the chance to focus on a specific topic, share knowledge, and form connections around common interests. These types of activities are perfect for deepening relationships and fostering collaboration.
6. Use Technology to Enhance Networking
In today’s digital age, technology can elevate the networking experience before, during, and after the event. Here’s how:
Event Apps
Create an event-specific app where attendees can access the schedule, learn about speakers, and most importantly, connect with other attendees. Features like messaging and attendee profiles make it easy to make introductions before the event and follow up afterward.
Social Media Integration
Encourage attendees to share event updates, photos, and insights on social media using a custom event hashtag. You can also use live polls or Q&A sessions during talks to keep the energy up and encourage more interaction.
7. Don’t Forget the Follow-Up
The best networking doesn’t stop when the event ends, it continues after. Here’s how to ensure attendees maintain those valuable connections:
Post-Event Networking Directory
After the event, share a directory of attendees (with their consent) so everyone can follow up and keep the conversation going.
Follow-Up Events
A few weeks after the event, consider hosting a virtual coffee hour or happy hour to check in with attendees and keep the networking alive.
Share Post-Event Content
Share event highlights, photos, presentations, or key takeaways to encourage continued engagement. Sharing content like this can also create buzz for your next event.
Conclusion
Networking is one of the most valuable parts of any event. After all, one handshake with the right person can make the whole event.
It’s not just about swapping business cards, it’s about building real relationships over transactions, sharing ideas, and creating lasting connections. By designing your event with networking in mind, you can ensure attendees leave empowered and ready for the next one.
Remember: Networking doesn’t end when the event wraps up, it’s about nurturing those connections long after the last speaker has finished.