When you plan a business networking event, you are suddenly transformed into a business leader in the community. You are responsible for bringing entrepreneurs together to give advice and ideas from their experiences. Your one and only motivation as a business networking event planner is to organize an event that creates an impact on your clients. However, how can you plan a successful networking event? Here are 6 tips on how to do it.
1. Event topic ideas
Find out what people are most fascinated about today, so do your research and ask around, join event groups and read the latest business news. Â If the topic is wide, make a series of events about that one particular topic, but always bring in new ideas and speakers.
For instance, a conference is an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded people. To know beforehand what are the most suitable and recommended topics to use during your event, we suggest an event interaction and networking app, called Worksup. This web-based application includes an overview of each speaker and topic, as well as the possibility to carry out interactive polls, group work, tasks, and Q&A before, during, and after the event.
Worksup enhances networking Â
2. Great venue
Make sure the venue is up-scale, easy to find, and has plenty of parking. Minimize any possible frustrations that might come from getting to the event, or you will make a bad impression of your event even before it has started. So, choose your venue wisely and make sure people have plenty of space to move around and feel comfortable.
Venue view of the event
3. Make networking more efficient with cutting edge technology
In a 2015 Benchmark Study researchers were able to quantify how event planners are using and will use event mobile apps in the near future. The report provides an in-depth look at why 3 out of 4 planners are using event apps at their events today. Here are 3 of the key findings:
- Planners are realizing instant cost savings with mobile apps – as much as 84% savings on printing alone.
- Mobile app budgets are growing, for example,  the average increase was  21% in 2015.
- 88% of planners say that in 2016 apps were critical to their participants’ event experiences.
You can also assume that they will use mobile event apps on their smartphones and tablets to make event planning more efficient and resolve many of the challenges they currently face. For example, the Worksup interaction and networking app is also great for networking. It provides features to match with like-minded people and helps to arrange meetings all in one platform.
Worksup virtual event platform, agenda view
4. Make on-site check-in quick and easy
It’s a good idea to have participants check in because you want to be able to track how many people attended, and if you ask for their email address, you can follow up and announce future events and newsletters. Keep in mind that if someone does not want to give you their email, then let it be and stay friendly. Have plenty of pens and name tags available, and make sure the person checking participants in is friendly and professional.
5. Meet, greet, and connect Â
Make sure you introduce yourself to every person who attends. Welcome them, and focus on talking about what they do, not what you particularly do. Take a genuine interest in them and their business and constantly look for opportunities to connect people who would benefit from meeting each other. If you meet a startup enthusiast, introduce him to the investor you just met. Keep track of these connections, and follow up next time you see them. Also, encourage them to use mobile event apps like Worksup for connecting, because this is one way how people can connect, even the shy ones. In addition to this, you can plan a group work for attendees which will give a great opportunity to connect within their own group but also to other groups.
6. Feedback
Follow up with your participants. Ask how they liked the event, and get ideas from them about how it could be better. One way is to use Worksup for feedback and later reports analysis. So, let them rate speakers, like topics, or make your attendees a feedback poll, so you would know how you would plan the next one better. If you follow this formula, you will see your events grow, and success is waiting for you at your door.
Virtual event platform Worksup, performer view
Conclusion
Networking is becoming more and more important for the event professionals industry. Traditional face-to-face networking still has a significant role for event managers, but as the event industry becomes more global, we are looking towards technology to bring like-minded professionals together to share resources and ideas. Mobile event apps are already an essential tool for speakers, organizers, suppliers, and attendees around the world, so choose the best one in the market.