Many businesses have begun migrating into the digital community to advertise their services and to connect with others. However, real-world networking is still one of the most powerful ways to establish lucrative long-term relationships. These often come in the form of professionally hosted events.
If you are expected to host such a gathering, are there any ways to ensure that your guests will remain comfortable at all times? How can you expedite the overall networking process? Let’s examine some unique strategies that will leave a lasting impression with every attendee.
Come Rain or Shine
There is perhaps nothing worse than spending weeks preparing for a meet-and-greet seminar only to be thwarted by inclement weather conditions. Thankfully, such scenarios can be easily avoided if a handful of practical solutions are adopted. The use of quality outdoor stretch tents is a perfect example. These provide excellent protection from the elements and will offer a welcome source of shade if the event is being held during the warmer months of the year. Furthermore, such tents can even be partitioned in order to create different areas for each presenter (similar to an indoor trade fair).
Food and Drink
Guests expect to be accommodated to a certain extent. However, we are not necessarily referring to Michelin-star catering in this sense. There is nothing wrong with providing basic options such as a cocktail bar and a free buffet. Spend some time researching different catering companies in order to better appreciate the services that each can provide. Not only will refreshments keep guests comfortable, but these are also great ways to ensure that they remain on the premises for longer periods of time (both crucial from a networking perspective).
Create a Flexible Schedule
It is not uncommon for professional networking events to be at least partially governed by predetermined timetables. These allow presenters to introduce their products and they are practical solutions if you plan on having guest speakers. Still, always make it a point to provide opportunities for your guests to mingle. This helps to “break the ice” and is yet another way to show attendees a good time on a somewhat informal level.
From the use of easy-to-assemble stretch tents to creating an atmosphere conducive to communication, these are all excellent ways to prepare for any upcoming event. Your guests will appreciate the effort and there is little doubt that they will look forward to future seminars.