Introduction Great networking events don’t just happen by chance — they’re carefully planned to provide the ideal platform for lasting connections. Whether you’re bringing industry leaders together or helping professionals make new contacts, the right approach makes all the difference.
Here, the UK’s leading event managers, ConnectIn Events, outline the five main steps to create an engaging, well-structured business networking event that delivers real value for guests.
5 Steps to Planning a Networking Event
Planning a successful networking event requires careful consideration of key elements that make it easier to connect. From setting clear goals to creating the right atmosphere, every detail plays a role in ensuring a valuable experience. Here are five essential steps to help you organise a seamless and engaging networking event that will leave a lasting impact.
1. Tailor Goals to Your Audience
Before you start planning a networking event, it’s crucial to first define its objectives and audience. This will make it easier to decide what kind of content is most likely to resonate — and the ideal format to pull everything together. This approach is important because networking events for startups will require a different approach than a high-level executive gathering.
When working on your format it will help to ask yourself:
- What is the event’s purpose? Is it for industry professionals, entrepreneurs, or execs?
- What are my objectives? This could be generating business leads, knowledge sharing, or building a community.
- Will the format and structure of the event meet audience expectations?
- How will I measure success? You can flesh this out by setting clear, measurable goals. For example: the post-event survey should show that 90% of guests found the experience useful.
2. Choose A Suitable Venue and Format
The right venue can work wonders for any gathering — and business network events are no exception. This means finding a spot that can be adapted to create informal lounge areas, as more relaxed settings can make it much easier to forge exciting new partnerships.
When looking for a venue for networking events, it helps to think about:
- How the venue will facilitate networking. I.e., does it provide open spaces, lounges, and other designated conversation areas?
- Whether the venue has the right ambience.
- If it fulfills your tech requirements (Wi-Fi, microphones, screens, etc.)
- Is it completely accessible for all guests?
- If the venue aligns with the format. For example:
- Casual mixers: Cocktail-style, requiring a relaxed atmosphere.
- Speed networking:Can you provide the right format for quick, structured interactions?
- Panel discussions: Do you have the space to combine learning andnetworking?
- Roundtable discussions: Can you accommodate smaller, more intensive groups?
3. Plan a Compelling Agenda
Two of the biggest advantages of structuring networking events is that 1) it helps you to plan ahead confidently and 2) it gives guests a clear idea of what to expect. However, it’s important to provide lots of opportunities for guests to connect in and around your core activities.
To do this well, you should:
- Structure the business gathering in such a way that it provides both networking time andengaging content.
- Consider Incorporating:
- Icebreaker activities: To encourage those valuable conversations.
- Guest speakers/panel discussions: These add a focus and more value.
- Interactive elements: Live Q&As and group challenges can be fun (and productive) ways for guests to interact.
- Stay focused on the overarching goal — allowing plenty of time for organic networking. This means resisting the urge to pack the schedule and make it too rigid.
4. Take Advantage of Event Tech
There are a wealth of exciting tech tools that are designed to make life easier for event planners and their guests. These range from digital registration platforms to interactive elements that make forging new connections a more seamless experience.
To improve the guest experience at your next business network event, you can:
- Use event registration platforms (such as Eventbrite and Hopin) to make signing up a cinch.
- Provide digital name tags or QR codes to simplify contact sharing.
- Offer a mobile app for attendees to see who’s coming, enabling them to plan who they’d like to connect with.
- Employ dynamic and interactive elements like polling to boost engagement.
- Create a bespoke landing page and/or hashtag, so attendees can link up before, during, and after the gathering.
5. Follow Up and Gather Feedback
The end of a networking event doesn’t necessarily mean your work is done! If you regularly plan these activities, a solid follow up plan could lead to the kind of priceless feedback that helps to make future gatherings even more successful. You might even be able to ensure that guests find it easier to maintain lasting connections.
When following up post-event, elite planners will:
- Send a post-event thank you email to roundup the key takeaways.
- Share photos, highlights, or event recordings.
Use surveys to understand what worked well and what could be improved next time.
Conclusion
Connect at Events with ConnectIn Events
A successful networking event goes beyond just gathering people — it creates the perfect environment to make lasting connections and boost professional growth. By planning strategically, using the right tools, and prioritising engagement, you can leave a lasting impact.
Manchester-based ConnectIn Events specialises in crafting seamlessly professional and impactful networking events for clients across the UK. From design and audio-visual considerations, to catering and venue-finding, they do it all to a truly elite standard,
Contact ConnectIn Events today to bring your biggest and boldest visions to life in style.
