Ever wondered how networking events work for your business? Or perhaps you’re not sure whether to plough on if they’re falling flat and not getting the numbers and / or returns?
Let's face it, we've all been there – stuck at a dull networking event where the most exciting thing is the free coffee. But what if we told you that it doesn’t have to be like that?
Imagine a genuinely fantastic, well-run, and brilliantly delivered networking event. A place where connections are made, ideas are shared, and everyone leaves with a smile (and not just because they got a free pen). That’s how networking events are meant to be. But too many fall painfully short.
So, how do you pull off a roaring success? The venue is key in terms of how networking
events rise to the top - or sink like lead balloons!
Where Should You Book a Networking Event?
Right, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Choosing the right venue impacts how networking events are a hit or miss with your target audiences. After all, your venue sets the tone, the vibe, and plays a supersized part in the overall success. Here's what to consider:
· Budget, Baby, Budget - Remember to define a budget before you get carried away booking the Ritz! This means factoring in costs for speakers, refreshments, and of course, the venue itself. On the upside, having a clear budget helps narrow down your options and ensures you don’t blow the company’s annual events spend on one night!
· Size Matters - Make sure the venue is large enough to fit all your guests comfortably – preferably with a bit of wriggle room to spare. No one wants to be elbowing their way through a crowded room just to get a business card. On the flipside, you don’t want a space so big you’re rattling round like peas in a bucket!
· Location, Location, Location - Andrew Thomas of the Ticketing Professionals Conference told TicketSource’s Rebecca Collis in her How to Plan an Engaging Networking Event Your Attendees Will Love article: "The most important factor when choosing a venue for us is connections, pure and simple. I have seen some great venues, in gorgeous surroundings with superb facilities. Unfortunately, if the transport links are not there, then this will be an extra hurdle for potential delegates.” Point made.
· Get Tech-Savvy - Does the venue offer the tech you need? A screen, projection, PA system, microphones, and increasingly, event apps, are often essential for event delivery and audience engagement. So, make sure the venue’s tech capabilities align with your needs.
· Refreshment Ready - Let’s be real. Good food and drinks? They’re how networking events go from ok to OMG! Furthermore, it’s something to think carefully about when you’re deciding the time of day to hold your networking event, because nobody wants to network on an empty stomach.
Now, let’s talk venue options (my favourite part!).
Venues: They’re How Networking Events Stand or Fall
Depending on your budget, there are thousands of fabulous, versatile venues to set the stage for stellar networking events:
· Academic Venues – Forget rough and ready Student Union buildings. Many universities now offer state-of-the-art facilities, providing the backdrop for higher brow events.
· Art Galleries, Museums and Attractions – Madame Tussaud’s? Check. The Lowry? Double check. Harry Potter at Warner Brothers Studio? That too! These awe-inspiring unique venues are sure to spark some interesting conversations. Perfect for a touch of class and creativity.
· Bars, Clubs and Restaurants– From Gusto restaurants to Revolution cocktail bars, many hospitality venues offer private spaces for a more informal, laid-back vibe.
· Hotels – The classic choice, with no shortage of options to fulfill your wish list.
· Sporting Venues – Great for high-energy networking, with venues such as football clubs and racecourses often offering behind-the-scenes tours as an added extra.
At the end of the day, choosing the right venue for your business networking event is a mix of practicality and ingenuity. And getting it spot on sets the stage for a networking event your audience will remember for all the right reasons.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with The Venue Hunters to find that perfect spot, courtesy of our FREE venue finding service. And get set to discover how networking events are an impressive way to transform stale stakeholders into raving fans!
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