8 Virtual Networking Event Ideas To Engage Your Attendees
Do you struggle to get your attendees to network at your virtual events? You’re not alone! In fact, a recent survey found that more than two thirds of event marketers find it difficult to provide networking opportunities when hosting a virtual event. Networking has actually been voted the second highest reason people attend an event, so let’s just say it needs to be a pretty important aspect of your virtual event planning. Thankfully, we’re here to let you in on some great virtual networking ideas to get your attendees talking quicker than you can say ‘hey what’s your Twitter handle?’
1. Breakout Rooms
Virtual breakout rooms are perfect opportunities to split large scale events up into smaller, more intimate groups that encourage attendees to network. There’s lots you can do with virtual breakout rooms to make them more specific to your event, but here are some ideas:
Roundtables
Virtual roundtables provide an opportunity for smaller groups to get together and talk about industry specific topics. They can be very dynamic and delivered in lots of different formats at your event or virtual conference, such as Q&As or panel discussions. The intimate setting will allow your attendees to network and focus on a certain subject in much more detail.
Workshops
Practical workshops at events can really get your attendees talking. Just because your event is online, doesn’t mean workshops can’t happen like they usually do. By choosing an activity related to your company or event, you can also get them talking about your business which is even better. Running a webinar on copywriting? Ask attendees to work together on writing a pitch. Soon they’ll be besties looking each other up on LinkedIn.
Cocktail making or sharing a meal
You could even do something just for fun, like virtual cocktail making or sharing a meal. Send your attendees a pack out in the post with everything they’ll need ahead of the event and get the party started online. You could also build up some pre-event excitement by getting attendees to share photos of their packs once they arrive across social media.
2. Network Matchmaking
If you really want to get the most out of virtual networking at your event, then you need to put some pre-planning in place. Think about who you ideally want to get talking, or who your attendees will benefit from networking with most and make sure they get to meet at your online event. We know what you’re thinking; sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? It can become quite a laborious task if done manually, so thankfully there’s some great software options that do this for you.
Our virtual network matchmaking platform allows attendees to find their perfect matches based on a number of factors, such as common industries and interests or by job title. Attendees just need to create an account and answer a few questions before they’re shown a list of matched results. They can then choose to message or video call any of their matches to get the conversation started. This starts the networking process even before your event has begun, with no manual work needed from your side. Winning!
3. Virtual Lobbies
Similarly to breakout rooms, having a virtual lobby or coffee room so people can gather ‘outside’ of the event sessions can be a great idea for mixing. During physical events, how many people end up meeting whilst waiting between speakers, or on the way to get a drink? Try to recreate those important ‘chance meeting points’ so virtual networking opportunities feel just as natural as at in-person events.
4. Gamification & Competitions
Of course, no virtual networking event ideas list would be complete without games. Games at virtual events can create an informal and relaxing atmosphere. When your audience members are at ease, they’re usually more open to getting involved and mixing with others. Whether your activities are related to your event or are there purely just for a few rounds of virtual fun, there’s plenty of options.
Summary of Networking Engagement Ideas
- Breakout Rooms: Ideal for smaller, intimate groups and industry roundtables.
- Practical Workshops: Encourage attendees to work together on specific tasks or pitches.
- Network Matchmaking: Uses software to match attendees by industry, interests, or job title.
- Virtual Lobbies: Replicate physical meeting points for natural, chance encounters.
- Gamification: Creates a relaxing atmosphere to help audience members mix.
