Happy Mid-week all! Let's kickstart with our next edition of the Tip of the Week discussion!
Whether in-person, virtual, hybrid, or webinar, all events provide an opportunity for networking.
Along with brand building, developing relationships with your existing and potential clients should be one of the main objectives of your event, especially for those promoting a B2B brand.
So how do you make the most of the opportunities networking events present?
With any event, there are three key stages: pre-event, during the event, and post-event. Networking has a part to play in each of these, so when you're planning each element, consider how you can support it.
Pre-event
Firstly, think about your event schedule. Whether you're running your own product launch event, taking part in an exhibition, or just inviting clients for a meeting, you could consider carving out a portion of your event and dedicating it specifically to networking.
For larger events, this could form part of your event running order. But for smaller meetings, you might simply follow your main activity with an informal coffee and a chat.
Inviting Invites
Think about your demographic and the sorts of things that would pique their interest. You could even ask your invitees pre-event for their views on the ways that they might like to network at your event.
Technology can help here. Using an event management solution will allow you to send invites, monitor responses, and provide bespoke user experiences
Social Networking
When thinking about where your networking activity will take place, consider using a separate area from where attendees may have felt more "on the job" at your event. On a webinar or virtual event, you may use a virtual breakout area. For an in-person product launch day, you might use a separate room at your venue.
During Event
Whether part of a formally recognized networking breakout session on a virtual event or simply through talking with your audience at an in-person exhibition, make sure you grasp the opportunity to get to know who you're talking to, their interests, why they've chosen to make the effort to join your event, and how you might be able to help them.
Post-event
After your event, it's important to keep those lines of communication open in order to realize the benefits of your networking efforts.
Make sure you follow up with the connections you've made.
Question for you:
- How do you make connections with your audience/attendees?
As always, feel free to drop in your suggestions in the comment section below! #CventTip
#EventApp-Building/managing#PromotingYourEvent------------------------------
Megan Clark
Assistant Team Lead, Online Community Marketing
Cvent
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