About Networking

Young entrepreneurs often face the challenge of breaking into their respective industries or getting attention from their seasoned peers. It's the same case for a business trying to venture into a new market or attract more investors. Sponsoring a networking event is a great way to break these barriers.

The process of keeping a business afloat is ongoing and companies have to consistently find ways to stay ahead. Professional networking events bring entrepreneurs together to essentially talk shop and size up the competition. The business that hosts the event gets credits for positioning itself as an authority or leader in the industry. Hence the more reason why you should locate and lock down a venue that will knock everyone's socks off.

The goal is to find a suitable location for the function that means business but is also impressive. Get the process started by browsing through the selections of networking spaces on Giggster.

The Best Networking Venues

Whether you have just gotten your startup going and want to get the word out or you want to expand your business by bringing strategic partners on board; you can't go wrong hosting a networking event. It's not enough to simply put together one of these occasions but you also want to give the invited guests a compelling enough reason to attend. Booking an impressive networking venue is undoubtedly the first step.

• Shopping Centers and Malls
  Retail businesses or online stores can decide to come together and host a networking event. In such a case, it makes sense to host the function at a shopping center or mall with other businesses operating from the locations invited to the occasion. You can make arrangements with the management to lock down the entire space or use designated areas.
  
  
• Rooftop, Lobbies, and Terraces
  Most hotels have rooftops, lobbies, and terraces that they allow businesses to use for networking events. Typically, such establishments will have food and drink minimums that you should meet in order to use their event spaces for free. Such venues are also ideal for hosting non-business-related networking events.
  
  
• Lofts and Warehouse Spaces
  Lofts and warehouses convert well into networking spaces. Most of these locations come bareboned allowing you to bring in necessary additions to spring your event to life. At the very least, you want a loft or warehouse venues that provide event rentals and catering services as extras.
  
  
• Upscale Bars and Jazz Clubs
  Upscale bars and jazz clubs are perhaps the most popular networking locations. The challenge is to find one that exudes the right atmosphere for your specific occasion. A majority offer catering and bar services as well as in-house entertainment. A majority also provide planning packages.

What To Look For In Networking Spaces

Organizing a networking event shouldn't be stressful and the work is half done with the right location booked for the occasion. There are still certain factors that you should keep in mind when browsing through selections of networking spaces.

• Capacity
  The networking space should have enough room to accommodate your guests without feeling cramped up. On the other hand, it's never a great idea to choose a larger space than what's needed for the occasion. The overall goal is to settle for a venue that makes everyone comfortable and in the right frame of mind to mingle.
  
  
• Layout
  It's better to go for a networking room with an open floor plan to encourage participants to freely move around. That means that the venue shouldn't be crammed up with chairs and tables but instead, the layout should keep the furniture to a minimum so that people move around more.
  
• Catering
  Great appetizers are part of a good networking function. Depending on your preferences, you want to offer guests both non-alcoholic and alcoholic welcoming drinks. A sit-down meal doesn't quite suit the occasion and bite-sized snacks are preferable. It's best to go for a networking venue that provides catering services as well as in-house wait staff.
  
  
• Valet Parking
  If there's a time you want to pull the stops and impress your guests it's during a networking event. Have valet parking for participants who choose to drive to the venue and provide rideshare discounts for those who choose alternative transport options. If the establishment can handle the logistics as part of the package, even better.
  
  
• Amenities
  Beyond the basics, a networking location that provides extra amenities that directly benefit your function is an added plus. For instance, you might want to live-stream the function and a venue fitted with HD cameras will help. Lobby reception is equally beneficial for a networking function.

Networking Space Inspiration

With a networking location identified, the next step is to bring together the various aspects that will translate to hosting a successful event. Here are a few ideas that should help you think outside the box and organize a unique function.

• Speed Networking Event at A Screening Room
  Folks won't outrightly start mingling and you'll need to encourage them to interact. Hosting a speed networking event as part of the function gives everyone a nudge in the right direction. It takes the format of speed dating but is structured towards going on professional mini-dates within the function.
  
  
• Trivia Night at a Cafe
  Trivia nights merge the best of both worlds; they can be professional and fun. The trivia can be structured to be industry-specific or a combination of general knowledge to up the fun factor. Get participants socializing by making it a group trivia event with folks paired up randomly through a hat-pick selection process. A cafe serves as a great networking venue in this case.
  
  
• Panel Discussion at a Gallery Space
  Keep it strictly professional by hosting a panel discussion networking event. Invite leaders in your industry to share their knowledge base as a scheduled activity during the occasion. The biggest takeaway is for participants to gain valuable knowledge and make new connections. A gallery space works as a perfect location for such an event.
  
  
• An Interactive Salon at a Loft Venue
  Traditionally, salons were popular amongst European intellectuals and artists in the 18th-century. They were essentially TED Talk-type events of the past, and you can use the same format with a modern take. Have one keynote speaker or a group of them deliver a fascinating lecture related to your industry. Loft venues provide an ideal space for the occasion.
  
  
• Wine Tasting at an Upscale Bar
  A wine tasting is a worthwhile choice for a social networking event. An upscale bar works as the backdrop for such an occasion, and the goal is to have everyone enjoy a new experience with the added benefit of having wine involved.