When it comes to attending an event, networking is one of the key drivers as it enables delegates to make new connections and come away with new ideas and opportunities. For some attendees, the success of an event will be judged on the number of contacts made, so it is essential that the event provides the tools to make this happen. At the QEII Centre, we provide our top tips on how to ensure your event can maximise the delegate networking opportunities:

Pre-Event

Choose the right venue: make sure your venue is easily accessible to delegates, can match the event ambiance and atmosphere you require and deliver a layout that will allow for effective networking. Clever use of the event space will make your delegates stay in the networking area; for example, placing tea and coffee stations away from the main thoroughfare, have standing tables and less seating so that there is more space and opportunity to mingle.

Prepare and promote your agenda early: The more interesting the programme content and speakers you have lined up, the more it will help you reach the delegates you would like to attend. Promoting it early will give you more time to reach the people you need to and will also enable it to spread through word of mouth and industry connections, which will help boost your audience.

Don’t wait for event day: create a pre-event buzz on social media by sharing photos and testimonials from previous or similar events. Ask your speakers and delegates to like, share, comment and write their own posts so that they start to make connections before the event and can see who is attending.

Event Day

Name Badges: Prepare name badges that are clearly labelled. The name and job title should be in a font that is easy to read, as they are conversation starters. Colour coding the badges can also help delegates to identify the attendees that they would like to network with by distinguishing who is a speaker, sponsor, or industry colleague etc.

Breaks: ensure that you have enough time on the day scheduled into the programme so that delegates can make connections and have time to chat, whether that it is to exhibitors or fellow delegates. If there is not enough time in the programme for networking, you may find delegates skipping sessions to make time to connect. Make sure that catering arrangements suit your delegates’ needs; for example, bowl and box food will enable delegates to move around and find the contacts they need to speak to, whereas a seated lunch is more limiting.

Roundtables or breakout sessions: these give your delegates the opportunity to network within the event programme and still enable them to have time to speak to other delegates during the break. These have a more informal and relaxed environment and are a great way to share ideas, learn and meet people who operate in a similar environment.