There’s nothing more awkward than a networking event where nobody’s talking.
Without an engaging event idea or fun icebreaker activity, you’re sticking a bunch of strangers in a room and expecting them to form meaningful relationships.
Spoiler: It’s probably not going to happen.
To create a successful networking event you need an environment where attendees feel inspired to open up and approach new people – sometimes, you need to get a bit creative to break the ice.
At Eventbrite, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of creators promote their networking events, and we want to share what we’ve learned with you! In this article, we’ll explore the secrets to hosting a successful networking event and share the best ideas for different audiences.
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How to truly understand your target audience
Whether you’re a professional organization, a coaching and consulting business, or just looking to promote your venue, understanding your audience is key to organizing a successful networking event.
For example, Embassy Young Professionals Network (EYP Network) breaks away from conventional networking norms, instead creating lively events that resemble festive parties rather than stiff business meetings.
Their approach to networking events perfectly aligns with their primary audience’s needs and desires: EYP Network recognizes that young professionals prefer to network in a casual environment.
Some research strategies that can help you decode your target audience include:
- Tracking the digital footprint of potential attendees to find out where they’re ‘hanging out’ online
- Interviewing attendees to determine what their concerns and expectations are
- Analyzing behavioral data from previous and similar events
The best way to conduct precise audience targeting is by using an event tool like Eventbrite.
Why facilitating ‘deep conversation’ is the key to success
For valuable networking to take place at an event, attendees need to be able to go beyond superficial chit-chat and engage in deep and meaningful conversation.
The challenge is that even if individuals introduce themselves, it doesn’t guarantee that a real conversation will take place. In fact, 92% of people worry about their conversational ability when talking to a stranger.
The way to solve this problem is to encourage lasting connections by crafting an environment and offering resources, tools, and opportunities that prompt attendees to share their unique stories.
Strong connections arise when we engage in longer conversations, even if there’s an urge to exit before potential awkwardness. Design your event to minimize these inhibitions to give event attendees the confidence to engage deeply for extended periods and have a positive experience.
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Networking event ideas for different types of audiences (+ effective icebreakers)
Using creativity and audience data will give you an edge when planning a networking event. Here are some examples of different networking ideas for specific audiences and some fun icebreaker activities.
Young professionals
Young professionals often value networking events with a personalized feel paired with engaging, hands-on elements.
So, when you’re crafting a professional networking event tailored for young people, consider embracing the great outdoors or introducing a touch of adventure. It’s important to ensure that the event has a goal-oriented central activity to keep the conversation flowing.
And be sure to create an event hashtag so attendees can promote your organization when they post to their social media accounts!
1. Putt-putt golf day
Miniature golf provides a fun and casual event atmosphere that encourages attendees to interact with different groups of people. For example, EDCM hosted a “golf-themed” networking event with networking, drinks, and mini golf equipment.
Further boost team building by creating small teams and hosting an award ceremony to honor the winners.
2. Cocktail creation workshop
Young professionals crave a unique experience — so give it to them!
Instead of simply providing alcoholic beverages at your networking event, host a workshop that teaches them how to make their own. Go one step further by setting an event theme like “tropical paradise” and encouraging everyone to wear Hawaiian shirts.
Icebreaker activity: two truths and a lie
Have participants tell the group three things about themselves — two should be true, and one a lie. It’s up to the group to figure out which is the fib by asking funny questions. Activities like these are great conversation starters because event attendees can quickly learn about things they have in common.
Women in business
Crafting a successful networking event tailored for women in business requires an understanding of their unique preferences and needs. Focus on delivering genuine value and allowing attendees to network at their own pace. For example, Rosé and Hustle organize “sip and socialize” events with special guest speakers, vendors, and wellness treatment discounts.
3. Creative workshops
Engaging in educational, creative workshops fosters a sense of connection between participants, resulting in a high return on investment (ROI) for attendees.
You could organize a ceramic painting session or a custom jewelry workshop that asks attendees to pair up and create a piece for their partner based on what they learned about them through the evening.
4. Wellness day
Successful business people often have a lot on their plate and little time to treat themselves. By organizing a wellness day, you’re not just offering another networking event, but a space to recharge and learn self-care tips.
Consider collaborating with venues known for their serene ambiance and setting up diverse wellness activity stations for attendees to explore, such as a healthy cooking workshop or vision-board creation stations.
Or take a cue from Meg Miller and organize a “Walk and Work,” where attendees can network while enjoying the outdoors and getting a bit of exercise.
Icebreaker activity idea: what would you do if…
Each attendee picks a card or scrap of paper with a hypothetical scenario and shares their response with the group. This could range from business dilemmas such as “What would you do if you had to start a new career from scratch?” to light-hearted situations like “What would you do if you woke up with fork fingers?’’
Creative professionals
Creative professionals represent a large proportion of the workforce with 20 million individuals employed in industries like film and advertising.
These professionals often thrive in environments that stimulate their imagination and allow for expressive freedom. With a creative networking event, you can elevate attendee confidence by highlighting their talents, like Cultured Coffee does with their Monthly Creative Showcase.
5. Paint and sip afternoon
A paint-and-sip event is an interactive session where attendees are given a canvas to paint a designated object while sipping on wine.
This is an outstanding event networking idea for creative professionals as it mixes creativity with relaxation and allows attendees to bond over common interests.
6. Charades breakfast
Stimulate a playfully competitive environment by replacing a sit-down breakfast with a game of breakfast charades. Base the charade prompts on well-recognized industry leaders, and split participants into teams where they have to act out and guess a charade before the next person in line can start.
It’s a fun exercise in improvisation and a great way to connect with others in a light-hearted way.
Icebreaker activity idea: Pictionary
Break participants into groups and ask them to draw something about themselves for the group to guess. For example, their job title or favorite travel destination.
Job seekers
Job seekers are typically looking for opportunities to showcase their skills, gain industry insights, and make meaningful connections that could lead to potential job offers.
Networking events for job seekers should be designed to encourage interactions with a broad spectrum of professionals from various industries and with different experience levels. The best way to do this is to use practical workshops and activities that cater to large groups.
For example, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of DC hosts interactive workshops that show job seekers what they need to do to stand out to recruiters.
7. Resume-building workshop
A resume-building workshop is a structured event where attendees receive expert advice on crafting an effective resume, like the ones hosted by Level Up. This can include tips on formatting, wording, or tailoring resumes for specific industries or roles.
Resume-building workshops can be an in-person or virtual event. To shake things up a bit, encourage attendees to create a short video resume or elevator pitch and share them with the group.
8. Bingo
Bingo is a game that appeals to a wide audience and can be played by just about anyone.
But instead of playing with numbers, make each square on their bingo cards a specific skill or job experience and ask participants to find others with that skill to sign off on that square.
Icebreaker activity idea: Snap
Give each attendee a card and instruct them to find their matching pair. To add a competitive element, create groups of matching cards, then ask individuals to find their match.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs tend to be driven and self-assured individuals who can be persistent when faced with challenges. Rather than centering the event around a single activity, promote spontaneous interactions.
Prioritize icebreakers that ignite unusual discussions and challenge the status quo rather than those based on personal introductions. For example, the Entrepreneurs Networking Society hosts events that encourage introductions through one facilitated activity but then allow attendees to mingle and chat with each other.
9. Round table
Roundtable discussions foster elevated thought and dialogue where participants discuss challenging topics, which can lead to profound connections and shared insights.
The topics of discussion can vary from issues within business to controversial or political ideologies. Instead of having a predetermined topic, put various industry-related challenges or questions in a bowl and draw them at random.
10. Wine and cheese tasting
A wine and cheese tasting like the one hosted by Orange County Financial Society is perfect for entrepreneurs as it blends causal interaction with the shared journey of flavor discovery.
This event idea allows attendees to mingle freely as they move from one tasting station to the next. Ask attendees to do a blind tasting and see who guesses the right wine and cheese variety!
Choose a venue that can accommodate any weather — if it’s an outdoor location, make sure it also has an indoor space in case it rains.
Icebreaker activity idea: speed networking
Pair participants up for 2-3 minutes at a time. Ask them to get to know each other, exchange business cards, and find a takeaway they’ll remember about the other person.
Small business owners
Small business owners often wear many hats and appreciate networking opportunities offering practical knowledge and a break from their busy routines.
11. Cooking workshop
Engaging with various cuisines in a cooking workshop enables attendees from diverse backgrounds to share their unique stories through a mutual appreciation of food.
Try structuring the workshop so that attendees bring in their favorite recipe from home and then teach each other how to make it.
12. Trivia night
Trivia night is an exciting event where attendees team up to answer a series of questions on various topics.
This event idea is not only a fantastic way to break the ice, but also promotes teamwork and showcases the diverse knowledge base of different individuals at the event.
A fun idea is to introduce light-hearted “penalties” for the team with the lowest score in each round, such as buying a round of drinks for the winning team.
Icebreaker activity idea: nostalgic games
Set up some nostalgic group activities for attendees to play, such as Giant Jenga, Connect 4, Ring Toss, and Bocce, and ask them to write their childhood nickname on their name tags as well.
Virtual audiences
Virtual networking events offer the distinct advantage of bringing in participants from across the world.
Given this, it’s imperative that your networking event concept stands out and truly engages its audience, as you can’t rely on external design elements to provide a social buffer. For example, Cryptan Labs hosts lively virtual pitch nights for tech professionals.
13. Virtual escape room
A virtual escape room is a fun twist on the popular in-person game. Participants collaborate in real-time, using digital tools to solve puzzles and riddles, aiming to “escape” within a set timeframe.
For a remote audience, a virtual escape room is the perfect blend of team collaboration, problem-solving, and a touch of adrenaline.
To make life easier, use a pre-designed game based on well-known pop culture references, such as Alice in Wonderland.
14. Virtual karaoke
Virtual karaoke captures the thrill of belting out your favorite tunes but eliminates the daunting prospect of standing in front of strangers.
Although singing in front of peers is still a vulnerable experience, it’s also one that generates camaraderie, laughter, and memorable moments for all attendees.
Virtual attendees who aren’t comfortable singing can participate by voting for their favorite performances or even suggesting song challenges.
Icebreaker activity idea: virtual tours
Encourage online attendees to give quick virtual tours of their home office or work desk. People will feel more like they are in the same room after seeing their colleagues’ workspaces, and will be more relaxed and engaged with what follows.
Eliminate awkward silences at your networking event
Choosing the best ideas for your target audience and creating an environment where people can have engaging conversations are two keys to hosting a successful networking event.
The other one? Making sure your event is filled with excited attendees!
The best way to promote your networking event and boost registrations is with Eventbrite.
With Eventbrite, you can set up a custom page for your networking event that’s searchable on the world’s largest events marketplace. Thanks to social integrations via Eventbrite marketing tools, you can also embed your event on other channels and sell tickets to your social followers directly on Facebook.
