The Importance of Making Your Networking Events Introvert-Friendly

Attracting attendees is a top priority for in-person events in the post-covid world. Many organizers will be thinking about how they can tempt people back to live events, away from their screens and re-establish networking events.

Arguably, there is a simple solution, by tailoring your event to introverts and non-traditional networkers, you can create a space that is welcoming to all, whilst also improving your engagement methods and can make for a better overall experience. 

The pandemic’s online networking opportunities were successful with comfortable settings where people could observe more than participate, so how can we replicate this experience in person? 

Here are some top tips on how to guarantee your event is introvert-friendly.

Small groups are key

Small, more intimate gatherings are a great way to warm people up to bigger speaking events. 

Create tailored spaces like breakout rooms or handpick small networking circles using background information like shared interests, demographic elements and similar opinions to engage attendees on a smaller scale.

This will make those initial conversations less daunting as attendees will know they’re about to network with like-minded people or individuals who might share a common bond with them. 

Make a detailed agenda 

It goes without saying that a clear and detailed agenda is integral to running a successful event. It allows you to stay in control over how the event will play out, but it can also help non-traditional networkers feel comfortable. 

Sharing your agenda ahead of time will allow attendees to anticipate what will happen throughout the day, allowing them time to plan and prepare and can alleviate any anxieties of the ‘unknown’. 

Offer regular breaks 

Offering regular breaks throughout the day will help boost engagement and allow your attendees to recharge. Many non-traditional networkers can find lots of interactions emotionally and physically draining, therefore a quick half-hour away from the hustle and bustle can make a world of difference to keeping people at the event. 

Energy levels will boost following a break which can help create the most productive environment for your planned activities and talks. 

Engage with social media 

Community boards, social media pages and email chains are all great tools to keep connections going post-event and allow people to meet virtually ahead of time. 

Online networking is a great way for people to have those initial conversations and create virtual connections which will help them spot people they might recognize at the event. This will also likely increase attendance figures as people look to take their conversations ‘offline’. 

Social media is also a great way to get feedback post-event. By providing a space for attendees to offer open and honest feedback, you can really tap into what made your event a success and where it can improve in the future. 

Hybrid opportunities 

Despite the increase in in-person events, hybrid events remain increasingly popular and are now a staple in the industry. 

Travel limitations, commitments and budgets affect hundreds of individuals, therefore it’s important to keep an online element to your event in order to attract as much talent as possible. 

Ensure that all your content encompasses both experiences so it can be engaged by both parties and accessible to all. 

Create virtual networking booths throughout the event and encourage people to connect via social media to integrate those who are connecting virtually and physically.