Why not arrange your own networking event if you can’t locate the right one? Putting up a professional gathering like this might help you create new leads and build your industry database. Not only that, but it may help you establish a reputation for yourself in the business world and leave a lasting impression on future clients.
Here are our eight essential steps for organizing a networking event and generating intriguing chances.
1. Determine your goal
The first step in coming up with outstanding networking event ideas is determining your ultimate aim. Maybe you want to start a community for people who work in your sector, or a network for entrepreneurs or small company owners. Or maybe you just want to host networking events for folks who are new to the region and want to meet new people.
When planning your networking event proposal, consider the kind of individuals you want to invite and what you want them to receive out of the event. Keep in mind that this is how you will ‘sell’ it to them. For example, if you’re hosting a media event, you might describe it as an opportunity for journalists, editors, and publicists to extend their contact books, collaborate on stories, and uncover professional prospects.
2. Choose your format
Over the last few years, virtual networking events have grown in popularity. This is mostly due to the epidemic, but online events also provide a wider reach and better accessibility for attendees. There has also been an increase in ‘hybrid’ events, where participants may choose whether to attend in person or online.
Networking can be organized or a little more free-form and casual in terms of substance. If the participants are already acquainted, the discussion may flow naturally. If you’re bringing a fresh group together, though, icebreaker sessions may be necessary. Consider a speed networking event, in which each person makes a brief introduction to another participant. This works nicely in a virtual setting as well. Consider activities such as a cooking class or a walk for face-to-face networking events. Attendees may be enticed to come by a masterclass or seminar given by a well-known industry specialist.
3. Make a budget plan
Almost all networking gatherings have a cost, whether it’s a charge for a guest speaker or merely snacks and drinks. You’ll be in a better position to price your event once you’ve determined its purpose and format. The next step is to figure out how you’ll pay for it. This might be accomplished by imposing a fee on tickets. Don’t be hesitant to charge a fair fee for attendance; this will instill a feeling of worth in participants and will almost certainly increase turnout.
You might also utilize your company’s marketing money or seek sponsorship from outside sources. Sponsors may pay to speak or exhibit at your event, which may be a fantastic way to offset costs. However, you must ensure that the sponsor is relevant to your target audience.
4. Pick a location
Consider how to make your event as COVID-safe as possible if you’re conducting a face-to-face networking event rather than an online one. Consider setting up hand-sanitizer stations at the doors, exits, and tables, for example, if you anticipate a lot of shaking hands. Make sure your selected venue has enough space for guests to maintain a safe distance if necessary, and consider how you’ll handle high-traffic areas like the restrooms or bar.
Community halls or private rooms in pubs may be wonderful low-cost networking event venues, or you can go for a more distinctive site for a memorable wow factor. Think of museums, racetracks, and art galleries as examples. You may bargain with venue management by highlighting the benefits of having your guests join you, which could result in lower room rental fees. Once your networking group has grown, a member may be able to provide their own space for more frequent gatherings.
5. Choose a date and time
While it’s nearly difficult to find a day and time that works for everyone, it’s worth thinking about your audience and seeing if there’s a time and date that’s best for them. Young professionals, for example, may prefer after-work cocktails, whereas parents may prefer gatherings held earlier in the day or outside of school vacations. Midweek activities can be successful since they occur before people begin to think about the weekend. Consider how long it will take guests to get to and from your event, since this may influence their decision to attend.
Some of these timing issues can be alleviated by using virtual events. Because your participants won’t need to travel anywhere other than to their laptops, you’ll have a bit more leeway. You may also record your sessions so that anyone who is unable to attend, especially if you’ve invited a guest speaker, can still benefit from the event. These assets can potentially be utilized in the future for promotional reasons.
6. Make your event known
Setting up an event page on Swivent makes organizing sign-ups as well as publicizing your event a breeze. Thousands of potential attendees use the Swivent search listing every day, and it also interacts with Facebook to make social media promotion smooth and simple. You may develop a low-cost, highly targeted Facebook campaign to deliver your message directly to your target market. You can also advertise your event using professional resources like LinkedIn and industry press, and our ticketing software will keep track of all purchases to ensure that your event is never overloaded. A tailored networking event invitation will help you make a lasting impact on any guests you’d like to target.
Swivent has a slew of other features to help you streamline your promotion plan. Boost is an all-in-one platform that allows you to generate advertising for YouTube, Spotify, and other platforms, as well as send personalized emails to potential attendees’ inboxes.
7. Get the conversation started
People interact and get to know each other during business networking events, establishing new connections and potential for cooperation within their sector. With a little forethought on your side, you can ensure that guests get the most out of the event. Consider which connections would benefit from meeting one another, and make an effort to introduce them during the event. You may learn more about your guests by utilizing Swivent’s Custom Questions function, which allows you to collect additional information throughout the registration process.
8. Follow up
Engage your guests in follow-up activities to maximize the effect of your face-to-face or virtual networking event. Attendees may exchange resources, ideas, and plans for future meet-ups by joining a Facebook or LinkedIn group. Creating an online community like this gives a low-commitment way for these ties to continue to blossom in between formal gatherings. You can also post all of the images from your events on social media and utilize them to recruit new guests.
Make sure to send a thank-you email to all of your attendees after the event. Using Eventbrite’s seamless interaction with Survey Monkey, which allows you to simply send out post-event surveys, ask for any comments and things you might improve for next time. Taking advantage of your event’s momentum and recording feedback immediately thereafter will allow you to keep improving your events so that they truly deliver for attendees.
It’s time to start thinking about your next networking event
Now that you know what makes a networking event effective, it’s time to start preparing your own. With its integrated applications and comprehensive planning capabilities, the Swivent events platform teaches you how to create a networking mixer. Not only that, but it may help you build your business while also getting your name out there.
