Hosting a Networking Event

Networking events have been very popular for many years and serve many purposes. From the evening cocktail party, happy hour, or the Saturday morning breakfast, networking events are a popular way to meet new people and make new connections. If you are interested in hosting your own networking event, here are a few steps to plan your own networking event:

1. Determine the Purpose for the Event: It is important to determine the purpose and set the expectations before moving forward. Are you looking to gain more contacts? Do you want to advertise a new business idea or product? Are you aiming to build a network amongst your friends and/or associates while allowing them to gain more contacts? Do you want to build brand identity for your self or company. Are you looking to gain career opportunities? Determining your purpose will also help as you identify a venue, guest list and menu.

2. Select a Venue: After you have determined the purpose of your event, its time to find a venue. You want to make sure that the venue selected fits the purpsose of your event and the guests you wish to invite. For a younger audience you may want to try a trendy restaraunt or lounge. An event attended by upper management level professionals may be best served at a museum, hotel or vacant office. A new restaraunt in your area may sponsor your event at no cost to gain exposure. You may also be able to persuade your boss to sponsor the event at your office inexchange for a plug from the podium.

3. Menu: Depending on the time of day, the menu may consist of anything from crossaints, fresh fruit and quiches for breakfast, sandwhiches for lunch or appetizors and mixed drinks for an after five event. You may not want serve anything too heavy. Finger foods always work well because it allows people to walk and talk while munching.

4. Music: This too depends on the type of event and time of day. Some events have music, some do not. If you do decide to play music, do not choose slections that are too mellow or too hyper. You also do not want to it be too loud. It may drown out conversation. You want to assure that you encourage an evironment that allows for great conversation and mingling.

5. Activities: To add to your event, you can choose from activities such as wine tasting, casino night, speed networking, having a special guest speak or a cocktail party. An ice breaker may also be a great way to start off and warm up the crowd. You may also want to consider hosting a drawing during your event. You can encourage companies and individuals to sponsor giveaways to be raffled during the event. This will keep it fun and interesting.

Finally, make sure you invite people that are interested in networking and can gain and contribute to your event. Stay organized as you plan and have fun. Happy Networking!