Networking is one of the primary reasons attendees show up at events, yet it’s also one of the biggest challenges. Consider these stats:
40% of professionals feel nervous about networking at events. 25% believe the networking opportunities at events are unproductive.
That’s nearly half of your audience who might leave feeling disconnected, disappointed, or even questioning whether attending was worth their time. For event organizers, this isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a critical gap in attendee experience that could harm your event’s reputation.
So, what’s going wrong? And more importantly, how can you fix it?
Why Networking Often Falls Short
For many attendees, networking feels like a gamble. The nerves often stem from:
- Uncertainty about how to start meaningful conversations.
- Feeling out of place in a room full of unfamiliar faces.
- A lack of structure, leaving them to “mingle” aimlessly without clear guidance.
Networking doesn’t have to be an afterthought or a gamble. With thoughtful planning, you can transform your event into a networking goldmine where attendees feel confident, connected, and productive.
How to Design Networking That Works
Here are five strategies to ensure networking at your event meets (and exceeds) attendee expectations:
Number One: Structure Matters
Unstructured mingling is intimidating for many attendees. Add some soft structure to your networking sessions to make it easier for everyone to engage.
Ideas to try:
- Guided Activities: Use icebreaker games or conversation prompts to help attendees ease into discussions.
- Dedicated Networking Sessions: Block out time in the agenda specifically for connecting, with facilitators to guide conversations or introduce participants.
Takeaway Example: Place “Conversation Starter Cards” at networking tables or stations around the venue. Each card can include engaging prompts like, ” Discover two things you have in common and one thing that makes you different.” or “What’s a passion project you’re working on outside of your job?” These prompts help attendees move beyond small talk and connect over shared interests or unique experiences.
Why it works: Structure takes the guesswork out of networking, allowing attendees to focus on building genuine connections.
Number Two: Help Attendees Prepare
Networking success often starts before the event even begins. The more prepared attendees feel, the more confident they’ll be.
How to help attendees prepare:
- Provide a pre-event attendee list or app that allows participants to research and identify people they’d like to meet.
- Share goal-setting tips in pre-event communications, such as, “Set a goal to meet three people who share your professional interests.”
- Use social media or email to share conversation starters or key topics related to the event theme.
Why it works: Prepared attendees are more likely to approach networking with intention and enthusiasm.
Number Three: Facilitate Matchmaking
The best connections happen when attendees find people who align with their goals or interests.
How to facilitate meaningful matches:
- Use technology like networking apps that allow attendees to filter and find individuals based on shared industries, roles, or goals.
- Incorporate curated matchmaking sessions where attendees meet in small, focused groups to discuss specific topics or challenges.
Why it works: Matchmaking ensures attendees connect with the right people, making their networking time more efficient and productive.
Number Four: Set the Tone for Connection
The atmosphere at your event plays a significant role in how comfortable attendees feel while networking.
Ways to create a welcoming environment:
- Train staff to greet attendees warmly and help make introductions.
- Use clear signage to direct attendees to networking spaces, reducing confusion or hesitation.
- Design cozy, comfortable areas where attendees can have one-on-one or small group conversations.
Why it works: A friendly, well-organized environment sets attendees at ease, encouraging more organic and meaningful interactions.
Number Five: Encourage Post-Event Follow-Up
Networking doesn’t stop when the event ends. Give attendees tools to keep the connections alive.
How to encourage follow-ups:
- Provide digital tools like QR codes for easy contact exchange.
- Include a post-event checklist in your follow-up emails with action items like, “Send a LinkedIn request to at least three people you met.”
- Highlight key takeaways from the event that attendees can share with their new connections.
Why it works: Follow-ups are where relationships deepen and opportunities flourish, ensuring the event’s value extends well beyond its duration.
Why It All Matters
When networking is productive, attendees leave your event with more than just business cards—they leave with connections that drive growth, spark collaboration, and build trust. This reflects positively on your event and your brand, creating the kind of reputation that keeps people coming back year after year.
By prioritizing structure, preparation, and tools for connection, you can transform your event into a networking experience attendees won’t stop talking about.
Final Thoughts: Networking as a Designed Experience
Networking doesn’t have to be left to chance. With thoughtful planning and intentional strategies, you can create events where attendees feel confident, engaged, and deeply connected.
Start rethinking how you approach networking and watch as your events become known as the gold standard for meaningful, impactful connections.