Networking events are an integral aspect of how businesses find new leads and make new relationships. However, people don’t always look forward to these gatherings as they can often be stuffy, awkward, and/or by the numbers. Networking events are also time-consuming, both in terms of planning them and attending them. While good food, drinks, and music can certainly lighten the mood and get people talking, a lot more can be done to make these events engaging and truly productive. From unique venues to interactive experiences, here are some ways to make your next event fun and to attract new business partnerships.
Location, Location, Location
You’ve probably been to your fair share of events held at convention centers, community spaces, and ballrooms. And it’s no surprise. After all, these spaces are specifically designed to contain a large number of people and transform their configuration accordingly. But just because these spaces are available and sensible doesn’t mean they’re the most interesting locations to hold a networking event.
In fact, planning an event in a unique location or venue immediately draws attention. If weather permits, hold an event outdoors in a public park or parking lot. Catering can be handled by food trucks and other treats like ice cream and specialty coffee can be served as well. Fresh air often helps open up the conversation. If things have to stay indoors, consider gathering attendees in a museum, gallery, or other historically rich venues. People will have plenty to talk about, giving you a great opportunity to speak with potential leads.
Interactive, Engaging Experiences
Where you hold a networking event isn’t the only factor in making it more enticing. You also have to think about what will take place. Obviously, the main idea of any networking event is to bring people together to establish new relationships, learn new information on the industry and its players, and get more leads for your business. But these objectives can be more easily met when the event itself has more to it.
In particular, interactive experiences tend to bring people together by their very nature. For instance, escape rooms, virtual reality stations, competitions, and collaborative trivia are all fun and engaging ways to encourage communication, create shared experiences, and cultivate new bonds. People have to work together to achieve their goal or beat the other teams. Events that include these interactive and collaborative elements are much more successful at helping businesses meet new people, communicate with ease, and get leads.
Bring Life to the Boring
Of course, you can’t have control over every networking event you attend – and oftentimes you’ll be stuck at a conventional event in a conventional space. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to make it fun for everyone else, however. If you have a booth set up to display products and/or services, for instance, set up a game or interactive experience that will bring potential customers and business partners in. The silver lining of attending a boring networking event is that it’s easier to stand out among the crowd.
If you are in charge of hosting an event, however, the power is in your hands to make it memorable for everyone. Still, you may need some help planning the event and curating a guest list. ProScout Lead Generation Services can help in this regard. Our team believes that business success is built on good relationships. Let us help you create your next engaging, memorable, and productive collaborative event! Contact us at our Chattanooga or Nashville offices to learn more about our services and mission!