How to Plan a Networking Event

Create a Business Invite List
Networking events are useless if they are not organized well with a carefully selected demographic. Determine the type of professionals or social group you want gathered in advance when planning a networking event. Focusing on a specific group will help to make decisions about further aspects of the event. If your networking event is business related, invite other professionals in your industry. Focus on potential customers, vendors and competitors to have a nice mixture of opportunities for all guests. Social networking events can include men and women from certain geographic locations.

Choose a Location that has Commercial Benefits
The venue where networking events take place should be conducive to the type of crowd expected to attend. An ideal networking event location includes adequate parking, seating, restroom facilities and personal space for invited guests. If food is being served, there should be enough room to separate it from guests who are mingling. A music industry based networking event would work well in a nightclub or concert hall rather than churches. There are venue options for many industries and specialty groups including art galleries, cruise ships and hotel banquet facilities. The comfort level of guests should be a top priority when learning how to plan a networking event.

Send out Invitations with Clear Requirements
Some networking events are more formal than others but a dress code should be determined in advance. List any special requirements for guests such as RSVP deadlines, dress code and age limitations on every invitation. Many professional or career related networking events also require guests to bring business cards. Doing so helps to separate men and women who can provide job opportunities from those who do not offer these benefits. Invitations to a networking event should also explain ticket fees if admission will be charged.

Select a Food Menu that Conducive to the Networking Goals
Food served at networking events should be made available in moderation. Do not serve messy items or full coarse meals that can become a distraction at the event. Appetizers are more suitable than large menu items at networking events. These food options keep guests satisfied while socializing with potential colleagues. Hire a professional caterer to ensure a high quality menu will be available for guests.

Hire Special Guests to be Feature at the Event
Networking events are popular as they are but adding special guests to your program can attract more people. Hire one or two experts to provide a speech or arts performance that can benefit guests who are in attendance. This checklist item should be done well in advance when starting to plan a networking event. You will have to make sure that the schedules of special guests and your event match up to make this work. Special guests also give you an opportunity to raise funds by charging higher admission.