Having a dedicated space to host a networking event is ideal. Further, you should seek out large cities, like Chicago, for the most interesting spaces to host and the most people to invite. Chicago is famous for its architecture, and many of the city’s event rental spaces take advantage of that fact. Hosting Chicago networking groups can be a big task with a lot of planning involved, but it is very worthwhile! We will tell you how to host a networking event and why Popup Chicago is the best Chicago networking event space.
Importance of Networking Events
There are so many important reasons to host or attend a networking event. There are many types of events, and each event has its own set of reasons why you should be attending. Here are just a few of those reasons:
Make New Contacts
Meeting new people who have the same interests and goals as you can only open doors to new possibilities. Especially in an age where most communication is done online, these face-to-face interactions are huge. Don’t skimp on online networking sites like LinkedIn though! In fact, you should use these in-person events to further improve your online networking power.
Improve Customer Relationships
This will depend on the event specifics, but if potential customers are invited or it’s an open guest list then you should be prepared to discuss the ins and outs of why your business is one they should be choosing over the many others that attend the event. Many customers will appreciate being able to meet you in person, which will set you apart from those who don’t attend.
Learn More About Your Industry
Finding out more about your industry. Staying up-to-date on any changes or the latest topics related to your industry will be key to avoiding surprises later on down the road. You may even be able to pick up a few tips and tricks.
Learn From Top Professionals in the Industry
No one knows everything about their given industry. Always go in open-minded and eager to pick up new information. Experienced professionals are the absolute best to learn from, so seek them out! If you can, find out who will be attending ahead of time and pick specific people to meet while you’re there.
Promote Your Business
Getting your business and name out there. Especially if you’re a new business, networking events are a fantastic opportunity for you to become known in your field.
Find Potential Business Partners
Finding potential business partners. If you’re looking to find a new partner for your business, these networking events are a great way to meet people interested in the industry or new to it who may be looking to dive in.
Connect With Investors
Find eager investors willing to fund your business. Similar to finding a business partner, people interested in the industry will attend these events. If possible, get to know who is a possible investor ahead of time and prepare how you can approach them with facts and figures. These types of people generally enjoy seeing proof that you know what you’re doing, so show them!
Pick a Networking Space
Choosing a networking event venue is probably the most essential step in this process. The right venue can make or break your event. Ideally, an attractive and popular venue that everyone would love to check out should be considered first – this will encourage more of your invitees to attend the event. You also need to make sure you have enough space for the guests you plan to invite so they have enough room not to feel cramped as they walk around and mingle. Any extras you might want, such as a DJ or other activities, need to be considered for space requirements as well.
Choose a Layout
There are many options you can pick from when it comes to deciding how to organize your guests. What you choose in the end depends on a lot of factors, so let us go over the most popular event room layout types to help you decide. Keep in mind that you can mix and match these arrangements to suit your event’s exact needs.
Cocktail
Keeping event-goers on their feet with this style helps facilitate more engagement. The atmosphere is an essential consideration with this one. Low lighting, relaxed mood, and standing tables all help to give your guests the feeling of freedom to roam and mingle to their heart’s content. The downside is this style allows for no sitting space, but it does allow for the maximum people space.
Clusters
This style is best suited for team exercises because it focuses on forming a more intimate level of conversation. You will purposely be grouping people into “clusters”, ideally seated around a round table, into groups of about four. Deciding how to group them is pretty straightforward, as usually you’ll choose something they have in common such as industry or expertise.
Pods
Pods are similar to clusters, but use more people and often opt for square tables instead of round ones. Guests may get a bit too comfy in these arrangements, so to force interaction you can try timing table seating switches so that there’s always a new face to talk to. You could also opt to go the same route as a cluster setup and designate a seat for each person based on things they may have in common.
Lounge
This is one of the more creative seating arrangements that involve different types of tables, chairs, and cozy seating spots. There will also likely be a bar for people to hang out at that will provide quality food and drink choices. The seating can also be customized per event to what would be appropriate for you. A lounge arrangement is very cozy and welcoming.
Horseshoe
Best for small numbers of guests, the horseshoe-shaped layout is great for forcing people to look at each other or a speaker that may stand in the middle and move through it. Tables can be included if food and drink are present, or if your guests may need a surface for writing or using a laptop on.
Fishbowl
A fishbowl style is perfect for discussion-focused meetups. Four to five chairs are placed in the middle of a larger circle of chairs. You can expand the circle outward to include multiple “layers” of seating if you expect a bigger group.
Create an Invite List
The invite list will heavily depend on what type of event you’re running. Is it a company event? Make sure you invite everyone in the company. Is it industry related? Top professionals from all over and locals new or experienced should be considered as invitees to your event. Consider potential customers or investors.
Advertise the Networking Event
Properly marketing your networking event to the attendees or public will make your event an overall success. If no one knows about the event, no one will attend! Send out invites to the appropriate parties and choose other methods of advertising if applicable. Flyers posted in public, a newspaper ad, Chamber of Commerce postings, random invites sent to people in the industry – anything to get the word out.
Facilitate Networking Activities
To encourage people at your event to network, there are a few things you can do to help them along:
- Create an online platform for people to network there first. LinkedIn is a great solution for this idea. This will allow people to network before the event, get to know each other, pick out potential targets they may wish to approach, and do some research about the different industries and companies that will be represented at the event.
- Name badges – include the person’s first and last name along with their company name. This allows people to skip awkward “what is your name” type introductions and just get to the meat of the conversation right away. It also helps if your guests want to approach someone specific. Consider color coding the badges if your event will have different industries attending.
- No chairs. Sitting gets one comfy in a single spot, but standing encourages movement. People are more likely to bump into someone new and strike up a conversation the more on the move they are.
- Keep people engaged with the event. Invite key speakers to speak formally or informally, create discussion groups, or host other group activities. Do allow for breaks in your event in case people wish for a chance to take a breather, grab refreshments, or just check their phones.
- Get creative! This guide should serve as a simple baseline for things you can do to improve your networking event, but it isn’t the end all be all. Don’t be afraid to try out-of-the-box ideas.
Networking Events in Chicago
Networking event opportunities are everywhere! There are a few places to start your search:
- Websites like Meetup and Eventbrite. Facebook may also net you some good local events.
- Your local Chamber of Commerce. Stop in to your local office to take a look at their calendar or view their online calendar. Events are hosted by your local CoC or by local businesses.
Chicago Event Spaces for Rent
A worthy contender for your next event or gathering is Popup Chicago. We can facilitate events and popups for all types of businesses like launch events, product events, and we even offer studio rental options for artists, videographers, and photographers. Spacious, quiet, and well-equipped, with half or full-day options available. We are the ideal Chicago networking event space.