Networking events are one of the most common types of corporate events. It allows professionals to build connections, and learn from one another. However, organising this type of event can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time. Hiring an expert is recommended, but if not, you should learn the proper corporate event management to succeed.
In this article, we’ll provide the common mistakes to avoid when hosting networking events.
1. Not Setting Clear Objectives
One of the most common mistakes that networking event hosts make is failing to establish clear goals. If an event doesn’t have a goal, everything may fall apart. For instance, if you announce that you’re organising a networking event, without specifying the goals, people might attend with different expectations in mind. In the end, you might get a lot of complaints.
Meanwhile, if you already have established clear objectives, the next thing you should do is let your attendees be aware of these objectives. Of course, it’s not ideal to just provide a list of objectives. Instead, incorporate the objectives with the activities and speeches in the said networking event.
2. Choosing the Wrong Venue
The venue has a significant impact on the overall experience of the attendees. If it’s too small or too big compared to the number of guests, you will hear complaints. In addition, there should be enough amenities, like a toilet, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, and it should be accessible to everyone.
In terms of amenities, you can check it on the website. As for the accessibility of the venue, you should see it for yourself when you do an ocular. Of course, another mistake you can make is not seeing the actual place while planning the event based on it.
3. Wrong Timing
Timing is everything. If your networking event is scheduled at the same time as other important matters, such as the holiday season or other busy times of the year, you might end up with only a few attendees.
At the same time, you should inform your target guests at least a few months before so that they can plan their schedules. This is especially important if your guests are CEOs and other big names who might already have a tight schedule. Lastly, consider the time. It’s not just about the date, and the timing of the invitation, but also whether it’s at night or lunchtime.
4. Neglecting the Guest List
Since it’s a networking event, everyone should at least have something to do with each other’s profession. On the other hand, if you invite people in various fields, it might be hard to connect since they don’t have a common ground.
So, if you’re a digital marketing company, you can invite other companies in a similar industry, or at least those that are potential clients that are interested to know more about the benefits of digital marketing for their businesses.
Aside from the industry, you should also consider the level of expertise of your attendees. If your target is to let CEOs connect, then it’s not ideal to invite a few individuals without the same level of experience.
5. Lack of Program Flow and Structure
The event should have a complete structure where attendees can learn and network. It can be boring if there are no speakers, and you just let everyone talk to each other. At the same time, the programme should be controlled in terms of time, to give way to those who want to get to know other experts in their field.
So, during the planning process, make sure to allow enough time for the programme proper and the networking. Besides, the main point of the event is to let everyone network, so balancing the two main parts of the event is essential.
6. Ignoring Follow-Up Opportunities
Of course, as the host, your company should also connect with other experts. It allows you to build bonds, and collaborate with various projects. However, networking doesn’t end when the event does. You need to follow up on what you’ve discussed during the event, such as projects, collaboration, and other business opportunities.
On the other hand, you should also follow up in terms of the success rate of the event. This helps you analyse if you should continue doing the same type of events in the future. And if you decide to do so, knowing the experience of the attendees allows you to know the parts to improve.
7. Not Enough Budget
One of the most important parts of successful corporate event management is to have a sufficient budget. No matter what type of corporate event you’re hosting, you should check your funds first before starting the planning process.
As you know, almost every aspect of event planning needs enough funds, including manpower. If you don’t have enough budget, you should postpone the event first until you can get enough to host the event.
8. Underestimating the Importance of Ambiance
Aside from the venue, you should also consider the ambience. It should be a place where people will enjoy communicating. So, make sure that there’s enough lighting, comfortable seating, subtle background music, and food.
In terms of the lighting, if the venue doesn’t have enough, you should install more to achieve a dim yet well-lit place. Meanwhile, the food should be enough so that everyone can stay networking with each other while eating or sipping coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a networking event requires months of planning and attention to detail. By keeping these common mistakes in mind, and doing all you can to avoid them, you can be sure that your event will be a success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.
