As a seasoned event professional, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful networking can be in making an event truly memorable. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to promote and encourage networking at your next event:
1. Leverage Technology
Use a robust event app like VenuIQ to facilitate connections:
- Implement AI-powered matchmaking to suggest relevant connections
- Enable in-app messaging for attendees to chat before, during, and after the event
- Create digital business card exchanges to make follow-ups easy
2. Design Your Space for Interaction
- Create comfortable lounge areas for casual conversations
- Set up topic-based tables or zones to group like-minded attendees
- Use standing tables to encourage movement and mingling
3. Icebreakers and Networking Games
- Start sessions with quick, fun icebreakers
- Organize a networking bingo or scavenger hunt
- Use gamification features in your event app to reward active networkers
4. Structured Networking Sessions
- Host speed networking rounds
- Organise birds-of-a-feather sessions for industry-specific networking. eg. presenting new work, demonstrating a new product, discussing company technologies, talking about issues related to regular conference sessions, discussing common problems facing the community
- Facilitate roundtable discussions on hot topics
5. Leverage Social Media
- Create an event hashtag and encourage its use
- Set up a social media wall to display attendee posts in real time. VenuIQ partners with walls.io for this function in our events apps and portal.
- Host Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups before and after the event
6. Networking-Friendly Food and Beverage
- Opt for finger foods that are easy to eat while talking
- Create themed food stations to spark conversations
- Host a cocktail hour or coffee break specifically for networking
7. Train Your Team
- Brief your staff on how to facilitate introductions
- Have speakers and VIPs mingle with attendees
- Designate networking ambassadors to help break the ice
8. Pre-Event Engagement
- Use your event app to connect attendees before the event starts. This does work! VenuIQ’s app sees heavy usage pre-event as guests take the opportunity to book meetings with suppliers and sponsors.
- Host virtual meet-and-greets for early registrants.
- Share attendee lists (with permission) to spark pre-event outreach.
9. Post-Event Follow-Up
- Send recap emails with networking highlights
- Keep your event app active for post-event messaging
- Host a virtual follow-up session for continued networking
10. Measure and Improve
- Use analytics from your event app to track networking activity
- Survey attendees about their networking experiences
- Analyse data to refine your networking strategies continually
Successful networking isn’t just about quantity—it’s about creating opportunities for quality interactions. Implementing these strategies will create an environment where meaningful connections can flourish, adding immense value to your event.
Want to take your event networking to the next level? VenuIQ’s comprehensive event management platform offers powerful networking tools to boost engagement and create memorable experiences. From AI-powered matchmaking to interactive event apps, we’ve got everything you need to make your next event a networking success.
Ready to see how VenuIQ can transform your events? Book a demo today by calling us at +44 121 796 5800 or visiting our demo booking page. Let’s create unforgettable networking experiences together!