Tips for better event engagement and networking

Build professional connections through in-person events

One of the greatest benefits of events is the opportunity to network. Meeting new people, discussing new ideas, and networking with like-minded people can be incredibly beneficial for your business and career. Despite all the benefits, networking can still be awkward, nerve-wracking and scary. These tips will help your guests feel at ease, network more effectively, and engage better with your event.

Create name tags for guests at your event

Name tags should be mandatory for events. Sure, they’re not the coolest accessory and inevitably, you’ll end up wearing it all the way home, but they are a simple way to take the stress out of remembering a bunch of new names. If you want a more polished look, create name tags for all attendees before the event. But it might be easier to supply pens and blank stickers so people can write their own. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to make name tags.

Creative conversation starters for events

No, we’re not talking about writing notes on your hand. Rather, suggesting you grab a cup and help yourself to a drink. Most events will have some kind of refreshments. And therein, is an often overlooked opportunity for better engagement at your event. Create stickers with prompts to help kick start conversations between guests.

Say you’re running an event helping small businesses reduce their carbon footprint, your prompts could be:

‘Ask me about eco-friendly products’, ‘I’m interested in clean energy’, and ‘Keen to chat about carbon offsetting.’

This way, your guests can easily identify like-minded people and start a mutually beneficial conversation. To make it even clearer, you can include graphics on the stickers and make them different colors.

Introduce yourself before the event

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful networking tools on the internet. It’s really an amazing way to grow your network and a clever way to meet people before the event.

How, though?

Of course, Canva makes it easy. Create a LinkedIn⁠(opens in a new tab or window) post using the event name (and logo if you can find it), include your photo⁠(opens in a new tab or window) so people can recognize you, and include a short intro about yourself that people can use as a conversation starter. This clever tip will help create more exposure for your event and make meeting new people even easier.

Instagram Stories⁠(opens in a new tab or window) offer an engaging way to promote your networking events, reaching a wide audience and creating buzz around the occasion. By utilizing the various features available within Stories, such as polls, countdown timers, and swipe-up links, organizers can effectively interact with potential attendees and encourage them to participate in the event.

Sharing behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and testimonials from previous events helps build excitement and anticipation, while also showcasing the value of attending the networking event.

Additionally, partnering with influencers or industry leaders who will be present at the event, and having them share Stories related to the gathering, can amplify its reach and credibility. Instagram Stories provide a visually appealing and interactive platform for promoting networking events, ensuring they capture the attention and interest of a broad audience.

Making online networking events easier

If you’ve ever hosted or been to an online networking event, you know they’re more awkward and difficult than in-person networking. Fortunately, there are ways to make it easier and more comfortable. Start by customizing your virtual background to help stand out and show your personality.

Next, make sure your profile photo is good, clear and up to date. You can use Canva to add some eye-catching design elements to your profile photo and incorporate the same elements into your virtual background for some clever design continuity. And for a guide on how to create assets for your next event, check out this video guide⁠(opens in a new tab or window).