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September 18, 2018

7 Tips for Planning an IT Networking Event



How to Plan a Killer Networking Event for IT Professionals

In highly connected and competitive fields like information technology, networking is one of the keys to success – both for businesses and individuals. As a professional in the industry, carving out time to make networking a priority will serve you well both now and in the future. More specifically, you can gain a lot by hosting the occasional networking event.



7 Tips for a Successful Networking Event

A networking event is simply a formal gathering where individuals in your industry and/or same geographical location gather together to share ideas, forge connections, and promote themselves and their business ventures. Whether you run your own business or do freelance work on your own, hosting a networking event can be a great way to meet people, gain exposure, and promote business opportunities for yourself and your peers.

Organizing and executing a networking event isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. It takes a lot of time, energy, and (sometimes) money. In order to make sure any networking event you host is a success, keep the following tips in the back of your mind:

1.     Set Your Main Objectives

Before you do anything else, take some time to sit down and hash out the why behind your networking event. In other words, what is it that you’re hoping to accomplish by hosting an event? Examples may include:

·     To meet new people in your industry.

·     To find potential clients for your business.

·     To get your name out there and increase exposure for your brand.

·     To create a networking group where people can forge mutually beneficial connections.

It’s even better if you can be more specific with your goals. For example, instead of saying you want to meet new people in your industry, set the goal of personally connecting with 15 potential business connections. Specificity on the front end typically leads to better results on the back end.

2.     Establish a Concrete Budget

Whether you’re running the networking event to turn a profit or not, it’s wise to have a budget. This will help you get a better grasp on the exact costs associated with the event and help you decide how you’ll fund it.

Funding options for an IT networking event include: generating money through ticket sales, securing event sponsors, self-funding, or using it as a business expense write-off.

“Don’t be afraid to charge a reasonable cost for attendance; putting a value on your event will lead others to regard it more highly,” Bel Booker writes for Eventbrite. “Selling tickets also enables you to get a handle on numbers and reduces no-shows.”

3.     Make it Easy and Convenient

Most people aren’t going to jump over a bunch of hurdles to attend a networking event – especially if this is the first time the event has been hosted. In order to capture more people and encourage attendees, make the event as easy and convenient as possible.

As far as location goes, it should be in a spot that’s easy to get to. Research your audience and know where they’re coming from. Not only should it be a short distance away, but there also needs to be easy parking and clear signage.

For registration, the process needs to be effortless. Don’t ask for a bunch of qualifying information and be wary of lots of steps and forms. It might be best to hold off on any formal registration and get information from attendees at the door.

4.     Have a Backup Plan

You have an idea of how your networking event will work in your head, but nothing ever goes exactly according to plan. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s worse – but always be prepared for something unexpected to happen.

“Even the most well-planned event can have a setback or two,” explains Surkus, a platform that connects brands, events, and experiences and tailors them to individual interests. “Maybe the caterer is running behind, or maybe you burned through cocktail napkins more quickly than you thought you would. Having an emergency plan in place will help you sleep a whole lot better those nights leading up to the event, and if things do go awry…well, you’ve already got it covered.”

5.     Meet as Many People as Possible

As the host of the networking event, you’re a bit preoccupied with all of the logistical details of the day. However, don’t let your obligatory responsibilities prevent you from interacting with attendees.

“Make sure you introduce yourself to every person who attends. Welcome them, and focus on talking about what they do, not what you do,” entrepreneur Adam Toren writes. “Be a great listener, and take a genuine interest in them and their business. They’ll remember you for it.”

Make it a point to remember names and faces. If you host networking events again in the future, the last thing you want is to have to reintroduce yourself. It’s awkward and, in some cases, insulting to your attendees.

6.     Include a Pitch or Selfish Plug

If you’ve taken the time to organize the networking event and invite people to it, you have the right to include a little pitch or selfish promotional plug at some point. Just make sure you keep it short and sweet and never make people feel pressured. The more natural you make this pitch, the more enticing it’ll be.

7.     Build on the Event

The end of the networking event doesn’t have to spell the end for you. In fact, you should use this event as a catalyst for accomplishing future goals. Send an email to everyone and thank them for attending. Make personal follow-ups with individuals you had extended conversations with. Use the momentum to propel you.

Success is in the Details

The big picture will fall into place rather quickly. But when it comes to planning and executing a networking event, success is found in the finer details. The more effort you put into strategically optimizing the event to accomplish your main objectives, the better the results will be.



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