The Future of In-Person Networking Events

The time has finally come—in-person networking events have returned! At least, in the Maryland and Washington, DC region they have. As more people become vaccinated and the warm weather allows for outdoor options, I am seeing quite a few invitations to in-person networking events pop up in my email inbox.

I am excited to have a nice mix of virtual and in-person networking events to balance out my workweek, but I have noticed a change in the atmosphere. Yes, of course, some professionals are hesitant to return to “normalcy” for health and safety concerns. But the vast majority have voiced a different concern—their time.

For most professionals, the pandemic opened up the world of working remotely and, as a consequence, a world with more balance. Less time commuting to the office, meetings, and events. More time with family, staying active, and finally finishing those projects that always fell off to the side.

If there is one sentiment I have heard amongst almost all professionals, it is that events need to be really special for them to consider attending in-person again.

And, frankly, I agree. Like many others, I have had a taste of work-life balance that does not compromise work output or success. I am more selective with my time, weighing how to spend it more carefully and choosing to be strategic when it comes to filling up my calendar.?

Let me be clear, before the pandemic, I was going to in-person networking events almost every night of the week—sometimes two in one night! The reality is, many of us have figured out how to network successfully online without spending hours of our time in a car and mingling at an event.

So, what does this mean for the future of in-person networking events? Here are my recommendations if you are looking to host an in-person networking event:

1. Keep it small. For the time being, most professionals are not interested in large-scale events with 100+ people. They want something more manageable so they can actually meet the attendees and have meaningful conversations. I recommend sticking to under 50 people for the foreseeable future.
2. Be strategic. Instead of a happy hour with a hodgepodge of people, consider what the goal of your event is. Are you looking to connect with other business owners or decision-makers? Are you looking to introduce your clients to strategic partners and centers of influence? Choose your guest list based on the goal of your event and who will create the most value for your guests. Remember, it is all about what’s in it for them.
3. Don’t bother with hybrid events. I have seen events try to accommodate people who cannot attend in person by including them via Zoom or another video conferencing platform. Here is the thing, the people on the screen inevitably get ignored. I encourage you to choose either virtual or in-person and stick to it.
4. Make it special. Long gone are the standard happy hours. What can you do to make your event stand out from the rest? What value can you add for your guests? Is there a unique activity, venue, or guest speaker you can incorporate into the event? Answer these questions and you will surely have an event with great attendance.

I hope you found my recommendations for the future of in-person networking events useful. What are your thoughts when it comes to in-person networking? Do you agree? Let me know in the comments.