Stop networking at events. Here’s what to do instead

For all the mixers and networking sessions that they plan, it is high time for event planners to think past the formulaic notions of business mingling, and prioritise true connections – both between delegates and within themselves.

Events as a connector

With social media now the foremost way of growing highly public and visible networks, it is easy to lose sight of the connections that matter. Take it from Hong Do, no stranger to the limelight as author and finalist on popular NBC show American Ninja Warrior.

Addressing a different kind of audience at the ‘The Art of Connecting’ webinar hosted by SITE, Do brought fresh insights to the discussion on how planners can design incentives and events to help attendees build stronger relationships, and encourage more meaningful connections.

Quality connections are key, and face-to-face events are where colleagues start building the relationships that matter. “We all know how important relationships are when planning incentive travel – the key to building these relationships is to stop networking and to start connecting,” Do said.

A ‘connections pyramid’ – start with self

While planning networking sessions is “part of the job”, planners must turn the lens inwards and think about connections on a personal level, before they can start thinking about building connections among attendees.

Connection with self – not just between others – is critical to the success of an event. The SITE webinar discussed how these different parts can be visualised as a ‘pyramid’, with the base level ‘connecting with self’.

“As event organisers, it’s important to take time for yourself, so you have greater capacity to take care of others,” said Do. Once self connection is achieved, organisers can then think about connection with others. Such connections start with meaningful conversations, which then lead to better mutual understanding.

With greater empathy, organisers can then clear the third level – recognising attendees at your events who are perhaps not as engaged or as involved as others, and being the connector or matchmaker between these people and others. Do also suggested planners can activate attendees they know well (such as those who might have attended several incentives for top performers) to become active agents in networking sessions.

Break the ice

You don’t have to be an extrovert to have more meaningful conversations at events. Do suggests that organisers can try two icebreaker activities, one called ‘pause for praise’, where pairs take it in turns to share everything that makes them proud, with each person having 30 seconds.

The other activity, ‘the messed-up minute’, involves sharing things that make us less than perfect. “[It’s a way of] learning things, and things that you have in common [with that person] that you had not realised if you did not have the conversation,” he says.

Evoke emotions

People don’t always remember what you say or do, but they always remember how you make them feel. Do advised that if you start interactions this way, whether it’s an online or on-site meeting, it gives you insight into what’s important to people and it also heightens the mood of the conversation and your interactions.

Do also points to experiences that can help people connect. “At an executive summit, guests at a property had the opportunity to collect eggs from chickens, and then hand these over to the chef for breakfast,” he said. “This is one example of a magical moment that people don't forget.”