7 types of networking events

How to build a network of business contacts?

In today's world, networking is a key element of building business relationships. Networking is a great way to expand your network of business connections and exchange experiences with other entrepreneurs and professionals from a given industry. It is also a great way to obtain information about potential customers or business partners. Thanks to business networking, we can meet potential business professionals who can open new horizons for us.

Networking events offer a variety of benefits for professionals and individuals alike. Here are some of the key advantages of attending a networking event.

- Building relationships and expanding your network: networking events provide a platform to expand your professional network, share ideas, and stay in touch with individuals from different industries. These connections can lead to new opportunities at business growth, collaborations, mentorships, and even job prospects.

- Gaining industry insights and learning from others: networking events often feature guest speakers, presentations, or panel discussions that provide valuable insights into industry trends, challenges, and best practices. You can learn from the experiences of others and gain fresh perspectives on your own career path.

- Sharing your expertise and establishing yourself as an industry expert: networking events offer an opportunity to showcase your skills, expertise, and passion for your field. By actively engaging with others and sharing your knowledge, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and build a reputation within your industry.

- Receiving referrals and expanding your job prospects: networking events can lead to direct referrals for job openings or new opportunities. By making connections with professionals in your target field, you increase your chances of being considered for relevant positions.

- Gaining inspiration and motivation: networking events can provide a boost of energy and motivation. Seeing other professionals succeed and hearing their stories can inspire you to pursue your own goals and ambitions.

- Staying up-to-date on industry trends and innovations: networking events often bring together individuals from different companies and organizations, allowing you to stay informed about the latest trends, innovations, and developments in your industry.

Networking is important to companies for several reasons, mainly in order to attract and retain top talents, enhance employee morale and engagement, generate new business opportunities, share knowledge, and expertise and build brand awareness.

Companies encourage networking by creating internal networking groups, providing training on networking skills, and sponsoring networking events.

Networking events ideas

A professional networking event is an organized gathering for people to create meaningful connections with one another and build valuable relationships through performing networking activities together. These events can be formal or informal, in-person or online, and they can be geared toward a specific industry or profession. Networking events are great occasions for rapid business development and expanding our network. Events can help meet new people and boost professional growth. They can have many forms and take place in various places, depending on the needs and preferences of participants. Here are some examples of different types of business networking.

1. Industry seminars

An exemplary type of networking meetings are industry seminars, organized to familiarize participants with problems and trends related to a specific industry. The topics discussed during the seminars are very crucial, especially for startups and companies that are just starting their adventure on the labor market. They typically involve presentations, discussions, and interactive activities led by experts in the field. Industry seminars are a valuable resource for professionals who want to stay up-to-date on industry trends, learn new skills, and network with other professionals in their field. During these types of meetings, industry experts share their knowledge, providing advice and showing techniques and strategies helpful in gaining a customer base and, consequently, in developing a business.

Common topics covered in industry seminars:

- industry trends and developments,

- new technologies and methodologies,

- best practices and case studies,

- industry-specific regulations and compliance,

- leadership and management strategies,

- career development and advancement.

2. Workshops

Workshops are similar to industry seminars in that they also focus on a specific industry and related issues. However, workshop participants have the opportunity to acquire not only theoretical but also practical knowledge.Workshop organizers often prepare presentations and exercises in which those who are interested can participate. The main advantage of these meetings is the care and assistance provided by specialists and more experienced companies.

Business workshops are interactive training sessions that provide participants with hands-on learning opportunities to develop specific skills and knowledge related to a particular business topic or area, therefore the participants have the opportunity to acquire not only theoretical but also practical knowledge. Workshops typically involve a combination of presentations, discussions, group activities, and practical exercises led by experienced instructors or industry experts. The main advantage of these meetings is the care and assistance provided by the specialists.

Common topics covered in business workshops: 

- marketing and sales strategies,

- leadership and management skills,

- financial management and accounting,

- customer relationship management (CRM),

- project management and problem-solving,

- technology and innovation,

- business communication and presentation skills,

- personal branding and career development.

3. Job fairs

Job fairs are events that bring together employers and job seekers to connect and explore potential career opportunities. They are a great way to learn about different companies and industries, network with professionals, and find out about open positions. Job fairs can be held in person or online. In-person job fairs typically take place at convention centers or other large venues. They are often organized by industry associations or local businesses. Job seekers can walk around the event, visit booths set up by different companies, and talk to recruiters about open position and job opportunities. In-person job fairs can be a great way to get your foot in the door and make a first impression on potential employers.

Online job fairs are held on virtual platforms, such as Zoom or Webex. Job seekers can create profiles and connect with employers from the comfort of their own homes. Online job fairs can be a good option for people who are unable to attend in-person events or who live in remote areas.

4. Conferences

Conferences are gatherings of people who share a common interest in a particular topic or field. They typically feature presentations from experts, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Conferences can be held in person or online. There are many different types of conferences, but some of the most common include: - industry conferences: these conferences focus on a specific industry or sector, such as technology, healthcare, or education, - academic conferences: these conferences bring together researchers and academics to share their latest findings and research, - professional conferences: these conferences are geared towards professionals in a particular field, such as marketing, law, or finance,  - trade shows: these conferences are a mix of exhibitor booths and educational sessions. They are a great way to learn about new products and services, and to network with potential clients or partners.

There are many benefits to attending a conference. Learning about new developments and technologies in the industry, staying up-to-date on the latest trends, discovering new products and services, and listening to experts' stories about the latest research are just one of them. Conferences are also a great way to meet other professionals in the field. You can network with potential clients, partners, or employers, share ideas, and if you are a business owner or marketer, conferences can be a great way to promote your products and generate leads.

5. Speed networking events

This type of event is an accelerated version of classic networking. Speed networking events are a popular format for networking, particularly in the professional world. They are designed to facilitate quick, brief, and efficient connections between a large number of participants. They involve the participants to meet with other participants in person. This time, however, it happens not in a group, but in private. Each participant typically has a series of short, timed conversations with other attendees, allowing them to exchange information, learn about potential networking opportunities, and build relationships. It is a more personalized type of meeting, which also gives us the opportunity to develop a network of contacts and even build connections.

Speed networking events typically follow a structured format, with a moderator or facilitator guiding the process. The event may be held in a designated area with round tables or designated meeting spots. Participants are given a schedule or table numbers, indicating the order and timing of their interactions.

6. Virtual networking events

Virtual networking meetings are online events or gatherings that allow people to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas in a virtual environment. In the age of the Internet, more and more events and conferences are held via online platforms and social networking sites. One of the contact methods are also e-mails and notifications, thanks to which potential participants can receive information about future meetings. Those who are interested can join a dedicated group or channel and then participate in virtual meetings for networking purposes.Virtual networking meetings are a convenient and accessible alternative to traditional in-person networking events, and they offer several advantages, including:

- accessibility - virtual networking meetings can be attended by people from all over the world, regardless of their location or physical limitations, - cost-effectiveness: virtual networking meetings are typically less expensive than in-person events, as they do not require travel or accommodation costs, - flexibility: participants can attend virtual networking meetings from the comfort of their own homes or offices, and they can schedule their participation to fit their own schedules, - versatility: virtual networking meetings can be tailored to specific interests or industries, and they can incorporate a variety of interactive elements, such as breakout sessions, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions.

Virtual networking meetings can be held using a variety of platforms, such as Zoom, Webex, and Microsoft Teams. These platforms typically offer features such as video conferencing, chat, and screen sharing, which allow participants to engage with each other in real time.

7. Happy hour meetings

Happy hour meetings are informal gatherings held outside of work hours, typically in the late afternoon or early evening, to socialize and relax with colleagues or team members. They are often held at bars, restaurants, or other establishments that offer happy hour specials on food and drinks. Happy hour meetings serve several purposes, including: - enhancing team morale and camaraderie - these gatherings provide a chance for colleagues to bond and build relationships outside of the formal work environment, - strengthening company culture - happy hour meetings can help to promote company values and culture by providing a relaxed and informal setting for employees to connect and interact, - networking and collaboration - these gatherings can provide opportunities for colleagues to network with each other and develop new connections, - recognition and appreciation - this kind of event can be an effective way to recognize and appreciate employees for their hard work and contributions. 

Tips to consider before you attend an event

To make the most of your time at networking meetings and events, consider the following tips: - do your research - before attending a meeting, research the event type, the organization, speakers, and attendees to get a better understanding of what to expect, - prepare talking points - have a few interesting things to say about yourself and your work, practice your elevator pitch so you can deliver it confidently, - be dressed appropriately - dress professionally for most networking events, but not too formally, you want to look polished but approachable, - arrive early - this will give you time to mingle before the event gets crowded, - be yourself - don't try to be someone you're not, people are drawn to authenticity, - get out of your comfort zone - networking can be uncomfortable at first, but it's important to step outside your comfort zone and talk to new people, - after the event, send a thank-you note to anyone you met with, as this will help you stay in touch and maintain the professional relationships.

Our company will be happy to organize various types of networking meetings for you. We will adapt both, the form and the course of the event to the preferences and needs of the participants, giving you a chance at a successful networking!