You're organizing a tech networking event. How do you ensure its success?

To ensure the success of a tech networking event, I start by clearly defining the event’s goals and target audience. I choose a relevant and engaging theme that aligns with the interests of the attendees. Securing a suitable venue and setting up an effective registration process helps streamline logistics. I plan a balanced agenda with informative sessions, keynote speakers, and interactive opportunities for networking and discussions. Promoting the event through appropriate channels, such as social media and industry forums, helps attract the right audience. During the event, I ensure smooth execution, facilitate meaningful connections, and gather feedback to assess success and identify areas for improvement.

Target Audience Knowing your audience is crucial for tailoring the event to their interests and needs. Are they developers looking for the latest coding techniques, entrepreneurs seeking investors, or tech enthusiasts eager to learn about emerging trends? Once you have a grasp on who will be attending, you can curate content and activities that resonate with them, choose a suitable venue, and even decide on the best time to host the event. This attention to detail will make your attendees feel valued and understood.

Content is king, especially at a tech networking event where attendees are hungry for knowledge and insights. Secure dynamic speakers who are thought leaders in their fields and can captivate an audience. Panels, workshops, and keynote speeches should be relevant and forward-thinking, sparking discussions that continue well beyond the event. Remember, the quality of your content can make or break the experience for your attendees.

Consider generating individual QR codes with contact information. Use innovative ways to make these codes easily accessible to scan. Put them on name tags, welcome / note packets or stickers for phone cases. Anything to make trading contact info even easier.

Is it a venue that’s easy to get to? park? transport? Better choosing something with a cost that is convenient than somewhere miles out that is a hassle. If you have an AMAZING famous speaker, you could probably get away with this, but lets face it- most people go for the networking, the snacks and the ease Check for any hidden costs- do they insist you pay for their AV staff? Or things like parking? AV- definitely check this out beforehand. Are you doing demos? Is there enough power? Does anyone need superfast internet? Can the venue handle it? Will the staff help? Signage- good idea to print off your own so people can find toilets, get on wifi. Don’t forget a sign about peoples consent to take photo or video

The venue sets the tone for your event. It should be accessible, comfortable, and equipped with the latest tech infrastructure to support presentations and networking. Consider spaces that encourage interaction, such as open lounges for casual meetings or breakout rooms for more intimate discussions. The right venue can create an atmosphere that fosters connectivity and collaboration, essential elements for a successful tech networking event.

One of the most overlooked aspects of a successful tech networking event is the venue. Often, organisers look no further than availability, capacity, and location. They do so at their peril. While these may be the fundamentals, they are by no means what will make it great. The best venues are those with significance to the event's focus (AI, robotics, space...) as this reinforces your event's core messaging and sense of purpose. They also facilitate creativity and spontaneity. Networking is not formulaic and the best connections come from people being exposed to new ideas and perspectives. Examples include venues with breakout spaces, non-standard layouts or inspiring designs, all of which can elevate a tech networking event to new heights.

Your event's impact should extend beyond the last goodbye. Develop a follow-up strategy to keep the conversation going. Send out post-event surveys for feedback, share content from the event online for broader engagement, and facilitate connections through follow-up emails. This not only shows that you value attendees' input but also helps maintain the relationships forged during the event, laying the groundwork for a strong community that looks forward to your next gathering.