Hosting a networking event can be time-consuming and overwhelming. There is so much that needs to get done, from choosing an event venue to creating social media campaigns to promote the professional networking event.

We understand the pressure and stress of ensuring that it’s a successful event—networking events are integral to businesses as they connect people for conversations and help build professional relationships. Understanding how to host a successful networking event is as easy as following these simple steps.

How Do You Plan a Fun Networking Event?

Anyone can plan a networking event, but with our tips, you will facilitate a fun and creative atmosphere that helps attendees form professional relationships and leaves the guest list yearning for future events. 

Networking events are for meeting new people and making sure everyone is having an enjoyable time, plus a fun networking event can bring great exposure to your company. Follow these 12 steps to create a networking event that is fun and successful:

• Plan ahead 
• Design a budget
• Choose a spacious event venue 
• Select your target audience
• Recruit anchors to connect people
• Hire caterers   
• Use a custom event app to create an agenda
• Promote your event   
• Greet all the guests 
• Minimize public speaking 
• Encourage participation between everyone 
• Follow up with the guest list

1. Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute! There is so much that needs to be planned in advance; plus, business professionals need a heads up for the time and date of the event to block off their calendar. At minimum, select a date two to three months in advance to give yourself ample time to send out RSVPs and book a venue. 

2. Design a Budget 

Whether your event is big or small, it’s critical to stick to an event budget to avoid additional unnecessary costs. Make a list of the things you need to spend money on and give yourself a budget for each item. Some must-haves to consider include the following:

• The venue or video platforming service
• Guest speaker 
• Food and beverages
• Gift bags 
• Social media campaigns

Don’t forget that part of your budget will come from how you decide to fund your networking event—whether that’s asking for donations or sponsors, requiring guests to pay an admission fee, or charging for food tickets.

3. Choose a Spacious Event Venue   

Choosing a spacious event venue seems self-explanatory, but it can be tricky. For an in-person event, you need to book a venue in advance with enough space for your hosts, guests, and event staff. On the other hand, for a virtual event, pick an online platform based on your event’s needs, whether you want to divide guests into smaller groups or host one big call.

4. Select Your Target Audience   

Before you can throw a successful networking event, you must first ask yourself two questions: what is the event’s purpose, and who is the event trying to reach? If you are creating a networking event for college students, we recommend inviting professionals from various industries. However, if you're going to connect lawyers in Houston, the guest list should consist primarily of lawyers in Houston. 

5. Recruit Anchors to Connect People   

There’s no way around it; you will always find someone standing off to the side by themselves at any event. Anchors are people within your business community who target and engage with guests that seem reserved or uncomfortable in large groups. They help connect people with each other and encourage them to build professional relationships. 

6. Hire Caterers

Excellent networking events have food and beverages available for guests to enjoy. Consider serving a few different hors d’oeuvres and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable. 

7. Use a Custom Event App to Create an Agenda

Schedules are crucial to keeping everyone on track and on time. Your custom event app could include an agenda listing all the activities, times, and crucial event details, such as specific event locations or entrance codes to the chosen video platforming program.

8. Promote Your Event

Marketing campaigns are a great way to reach your target audience and raise awareness surrounding your networking event. Creating Facebook or LinkedIn groups is a quick way to send out any information, answer popular questions, or ask for feedback from attendees. Other marketing materials to consider include:

• Organic and paid social media posts
• Flyers
• eBlasts
• Press releases

9. Greet All of Your Guests 

All guests should be treated with the utmost respect, starting with a simple greeting. Assign enthusiastic volunteers to greet guests, provide name tags, and help them with any questions they might have about the event or your organization. 

10. Minimize Public Speaking

Professional networking events are all about guests interacting and forming professional relationships! That’s why it’s essential to minimize lengthy speeches and presentations and keep mic time to a quick introduction and conclusion at the beginning and end of the event.

11. Encourage Participation Between Everyone   

Hosting a networking event means ensuring that everyone participates and gains something from the experience. We want business professionals to interact with other groups of people, and the following are great ways to help spark conversations:

• Speed networking events
• Forming smaller groups
• Creating short activities and short quizzes to connect people
• Having raffle prizes and gift bags

12. Follow Up with the Guest List

Future events are only on the table if your current guest list enjoyed the professional networking event. Follow up with attendees and ask if they have any suggestions for improvements and what they enjoyed most about the event. When you care about their opinions, guests will want to come again and invite their friends.

Plan Your Next Networking Event at The Cannon

Now that you know how to host a successful networking event, all that’s left is to plan and execute it! The Cannon allows members, nonmembers, and others to find relevant networking events and connect with professionals in various industries from companies of all sizes. The Cannon also allows individuals and organizations to rent out conference rooms, theaters, and event spaces across our six locations and host events of all sizes with varying levels of formality. 

Not all successful and fun networking events need to be in-person! Virtual events are another great way to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your business. Our global online platform Cannon Connect is a place for meeting new people and finding opportunities online; you can post events, invite, and organize online. Contact The Cannon to host a networking event today!