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Event networking has become a major attraction for attendees. In fact, most attendees come with the aim of connecting with other professionals: a recent study revealed that around 60% of people attend events primarily to network, and in the case of professional conferences this figure can be as high as 70%. In other words, more than half of the participants value the opportunities to meet people over the formal content of the event. This is not surprising if we consider that, for years, 90% of those who participate in networking meetings have been able to generate business opportunities from these connections. Events provide a great environment to meet customers, partners or mentors, which can translate into collaborations and sales after the event.
Thus, facilitating effective event networking is no longer an “extra” but a fundamental part of the experience. If attendees make valuable contacts, they will evaluate the event positively and are more likely to return for future events. That’s why event organisers must focus on fostering meaningful connections among participants. In our blog post, we present effective strategies to boost networking at congresses, conferences and any professional meeting, creating an environment where relationships are nurtured naturally.
How to encourage event networking: key strategies
1. Design the agenda with spaces for networking
One of the best ways to encourage connections is to include dedicated event networking moments in the agenda. Plan long enough coffee breaks and breaks between sessions to allow attendees to chat. For example, at multi-day conferences or congresses, it is useful to organise receptions, working lunches or welcome cocktail parties where socialising is the priority. These informal spaces, without content on stage, encourage people to come together and exchange ideas and contacts. Similarly, set aside comfortable physical areas (lounge areas, high tables, coffee corners) within the venue for participants to chat in a relaxed manner. When the agenda prioritises networking, attendees feel they have space and time to interact, rather than running from session to session without being able to introduce themselves to each other.
2. Facilitate dynamics and introductions among attendees
Time is not enough; many attendees may feel self-conscious about breaking the ice. Therefore, the organiser should act as a facilitator of connections. Start by stimulating interaction with networking dynamics at the beginning of the event: e.g. “speed networking” sessions, where in a few minutes each person talks to several strangers, or fun icebreaker activities (guided questions, various games, etc.).
Another tactic is to offer themed workshops or roundtables in small groups so that attendees discuss a common topic and get to know each other in the process. Even something as simple as rotating seating or having participants introduce themselves to those next to them can make a difference. The aim is to create natural excuses for conversation. With these initiatives, initial tensions are relieved and even newcomers and introverts are encouraged to expand their network during the event.
3. Leveraging technology to connect people
Our key recommendation for organisers is to use event platforms or mobile apps that include event networking features. These apps allow attendees to create profiles, see who else is attending and send messages before and during the event. Using matchmaking systems, which suggest connecting professionals with common or complementary interests (e.g. a supplier with a potential client interested in their services) is an affordable option for effective networking.
In this way, one-to-one meetings can be scheduled efficiently at trade fairs or congresses, maximising the number of relevant contacts that each participant makes. The technology also facilitates mechanisms such as exchanging digital business cards via QR codes, participating in themed group chats or receiving notifications about Meetups within the event. By integrating these tools, the organiser extends event networking opportunities beyond the simple spontaneous face-to-face, offering an additional channel so that no one leaves without having met the people they wanted to meet.
4. Foster community before, during and after the event
In order for the connections to last, it is important to conceive networking as a process before, during and after the event. Before the day of the event, the organiser can start the conversation by creating, for example, a LinkedIn group, forum or online community exclusively for registrants, encouraging them to introduce themselves and exchange expectations. This generates a favourable climate and makes attendees arrive knowing a few names.
During the event, in addition to applying the above points, you can encourage the audience to interact on social media by using an official hashtag, sharing photos or learnings and commenting live; this generates a sense of community in real time. After the event, the work doesn’t stop: you need to make it easy for attendees to follow up with contacts
A good practice is to send a thank you email that includes, in compliance with data protection rules, a list of participants or a link to the community profile of the event so that they can keep in touch. You can also organise subsequent virtual meetings (a wrap-up webinar, for example) where attendees can meet again and discuss how they have applied the connections or ideas gained.
This post-event follow-up helps to consolidate the relationships created and keeps the network of contacts alive until the next edition. In short, taking care of the community around an event ensures that event networking is continuous and each attendee perceives greater value in their participation.
Conclusion: Connections boost event success
Effective event networking is a central pillar in the organisation of professional events. The data confirms it: people attend for the connections and derive tangible benefits from them, from shared knowledge to concrete business opportunities. As an event organiser, it is therefore crucial to devote as much planning to the networking experience as to the content of the presentations.
Implementing the strategies outlined above—structuring the agenda, creating engaging spaces, facilitating interactions, leveraging digital tools, and fostering an active community—can significantly enhance the attendee experience. When participants successfully build valuable connections, they are more likely to view the event positively and return the following year.
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