Networking is one of the main reasons for business people to participate in an event, conference or meeting. As an event planner, you want to provide visitors with the best basis for successfully leaving an event. Spotlight Staging provides tips to improve the networking experience.
Networking is a critical factor for any real event. In fact, networking is directly behind the educational aspect in the list of reasons why visitors attend an event. The opportunity to make new contacts, build business relationships, share ideas and expand the professional network is also of great value to organisations and associations. Let’s face it, a classic application and vitamin B are no longer the only ways to advance your career, nor are they necessarily the best.
Networking with fun character
A playful atmosphere at events provides for better-tempered participants, positive memories and a pleasant environment when expanding the network. With the possibility to have fun, the participants are additionally addressed to participate actively in the networking. To achieve this, event planners can include activities that appeal to visitors and promote networking. Golf is the classic standard game for combining sport with networking, but there are other options, especially when time and space are tighter. For example, oversized board games such as Jenga or Mühle have already been set up at events, giving the space a new atmosphere in addition to their networking character. Turning the entire event into a kind of game is also an interesting variation. For example, you can form a team and start a cosy pub quiz.
Movement during networking
The last thing you want to see at a networking event is a bunch of people squeezing into a small and cramped room, looking for a bar table where they might put their drinks. Probably everyone has experienced it before: As soon as you arrive at the table, you usually stay there forever and talk to the same three people half the evening before you realize that the event is long over. Of course the location is important for an event (especially extraordinary locations have the potential to attract a lot of attention), but the concept and the presentation within the location are even more important. Are there many narrow tables that only accommodate small groups or constellations of two? Or is there an open lounge atmosphere in the location with sofas and comfortable armchairs?
Is the bar right next to the seating or do the event visitors have to stand up and cross the room to get something to eat and drink? Event planners can make sure that guests are forced to stand up and change seats from time to time during the event, instead of just staying in one place.
Maximize marketing efforts
One of the best ways to make sure event visitors get the most out of networking is to invite the right people. Does the event appeal to the same people year after year, or is there always a good mix of familiar and new faces? Do the visitors use the networking opportunities at all or do they leave early?
Potential participants should be made aware of the environment of the organisations and associations involved and should also be given the feeling that they are welcome. Those who rely on the feeling of belonging and at the same time increase the marketing measures will attract people, for whom commitment is part of the expectations, and not a later option. The way an event is marketed can make a big difference whether a group of stressed-out people, for whom the event means less time with their family, show up at the event, or whether an energetic group gather at the event, all enjoying the opportunity to build their network.