Creative Networking Event Ideas For Growing Your Audience

Networking events are a staple for event organisers and venues to build their audience and make meaningful connections.

However, the same old approach of just meeting and exchanging business cards can get tedious and repetitive, which is why we’re here to help!

In this blog, we’ll share some fun, creative, and engaging networking event ideas that can help you stand out from the crowd and grow your audience.

Speed Networking

Speed networking is a fun and efficient way to help attendees connect with others in a short amount of time, but it can also be intimidating for attendees.

Here are some tips to help you organize a successful speed networking event:

• Set clear guidelines and time limits for each round of networking.
• Provide icebreaker questions to help break the ice and facilitate conversation.
• Have a clear schedule and plan for the event to keep things organized and running smoothly.

Interactive Workshops

Interactive workshops offer a unique way to help attendees learn new skills while also networking.

Here are some examples of interactive workshops that are perfect for networking events:

• Cooking classes
• Art and craft workshops
• Social media marketing workshops
• Photography workshops

To ensure a successful and engaging workshop, consider hiring a professional instructor, providing all necessary materials, and allowing ample time for attendees to network and connect.

Panel Discussions

Panel discussions can offer attendees valuable insights and perspectives on a variety of topics, while also providing networking opportunities.

Here are some tips for hosting a successful panel discussion at your networking event:

• Choose panelists who are knowledgeable and experienced on the chosen topic.
• Prepare thought-provoking questions and discussion topics.
• Allow time for attendees to ask questions and participate in the discussion.

In addition, TryBooking's custom form’s function allows organisers to create a form for attendees to fill out when they register for an event. These forms can include questions about attendees' areas of expertise, interests, or preferred breakout groups for workshops.

Games and Icebreakers

BizBash suggests using event gamification throughout your networking event helps to create a fun and interactive networking experience for all attendees. Games and icebreakers can assists attendees loosen up and connect in a more relaxed and fun setting.

Here are some examples of games and icebreakers that are perfect for networking events:

• Two truths and a lie
• Name that tune
• Human bingo
• Scavenger hunts

To ensure a successful event, choose games and icebreakers that are relevant to your audience and industry.

Virtual Networking Events

Virtual networking events have become increasingly popular and can provide unique opportunities to connect with attendees from all over the world.

Here are some tips for hosting a successful virtual networking event:

• Choose a reliable and user-friendly video conferencing platform like TryBooking
• Provide clear guidelines and instructions for attendees to join and participate.
• Have a clear schedule and plan for the event to keep things organized and running smoothly.
• Forbes suggests using breakout rooms and interactive polls to foster engagement during virtual networking events.

Collaborative Experiences

Collaborative experiences offer a unique way for attendees to connect and create something together.

Here are some examples of collaborative experiences that are perfect for networking events:

• Painting parties
• Improv workshops
• Escape rooms

To ensure a successful collaborative experience, consider hiring a professional instructor, providing all necessary materials, and allowing ample time for attendees to network and connect.

Final Tips

Our final tip, networking events don’t have to be boring or repetitive. By incorporating creative and engaging ideas, you can create a memorable and valuable experience for your attendees.

And don’t forget, if you’re looking to grow your audience and manage ticket sales for your networking event, consider using TryBooking, with our custom form feature you can gather key information ahead of your event from your attendees. Gather information from attendee interests, questions for panellists ahead of time or find preferred breakout group for workshops.

Check out our blog on how to create and run your event in 2023 and our how to guide on creating an event program for you networking event.

Feel free to sign-up and create your event or book a demo our product specialist to get started.