Finding the Right Venue for Your Networking Event

It's hard enough to get certain developer types to mingle for even a little while without constantly checking their phones for the best time to make their exit.

 

It can be challenging to plan a networking event, but for a tech audience, finding the right venue to cultivate great conversation can make the difference between your event hashtag filling up social media and well, an empty room. If you are considering a networking event for your group or just haven't had the most success in the past, here are some things to consider while searching for that perfect venue.

 

Know Who You're Trying to Please

 

Your typical tech audience will likely have a mixture of millennials and Gen-X's whose off-hours interests may vary but social values are mostly the same: they loosen up best with a cold beverage in-hand and can make that connection with the right conversation starter.

 

A couple years ago, I planned a networking reception at an edgy gallery space in the Financial District of San Francisco (111 Minna) for a couple hundred software guys. Our audience ranged from developers to C-level business suits. They all came thirsty with big appetites, so with the help of Off the Grid, we opened the bar and brought in a few food trucks to create the perfect networking environment.

 

10404478894_7c9fa9e341.jpg

 

The gallery was classy enough for the “suits”, but the sliders and beers kept the vibe accessible for everyone. Knowing the common ground of the mixed crowd helped to bring them together. Know your audience and try to meet them halfway, and if budget allows, offer an open bar.

 

Cast a Vision

 

For the gallery event, I could picture the scene in my mind: guys in t-shirts and sport coats in groups of 4 or 5 exchanging handshakes and laughing with their favorite beer in hand. With the goal clearly in mind, all that was left to do was to fill in the missing pieces.

 

Find a venue that fits your vision by deciding on atmosphere, size, and whether it can accommodate any activities you have planned. If you are looking for a hip vibe, an office space or hotel ballroom might not be the best fit unless you can get a DJ and some uplighting. If you are planning for 50-100 guests, you might look into a partial buy-out at a local bar or pool hall where you occupy a smaller intimate space but with room to roam if your guests need a breather.

 

Food Trucks.png

 

If you are hoping to bring in food trucks, a restaurant might not be the right fit (they often won't allow outside food), so try to create your own makeshift beer garden at a local park (but make sure to look into getting the right permits). With a clear vision, finding a venue to make it come alive is the fun part.

 

Be Realistic

 

Now, booking the Red Hot Chili Peppers or reserving a dunk tank might seem like a great idea, but remember to be realistic. Everyone has limited resources, a challenging group dynamic, and a budget. Find the right balance between planning the best networking reception in the history of tech events and executing a memorable event for your customers and partners that will leave them asking when the next event will be.

 

Consider the lead time of making reservations and the amount of time it takes to send out invitations and collect RSVPs when reserving a venue. Think about how your guests will arrive and whether your venue has convenient public transportation nearby or whether parking validation is needed.

 

Remember that details make the event, so bring in personal touches like customized napkins with your sponsors' logo or providing commemorative bottle openers that guests can take home. Finding the right venue that will work with you on special requests and help you stay within your budget will keep your feet on the ground and help make your event a success.

 

10416285284_3157040c1b_z.jpg

 

When All is Said and Done

 

At a recent event, a sponsor hosted a game of giant Jenga in the center of the room that got even the quietest developer’s attention. The activity, pumped up by a great playlist, drew in the whole room as people held their breaths and roared with laughter at every turn. When all was said and done, the planners kept the audience in mind, cast a great vision, and were realistic in their plans -- it got everyone talking and memories were made. Have fun and cheers to a great event!

 

Learn more about Liferay Events at www.liferay.com/events

Blogs
Good insight, thanks for the tips. Would these principles also apply to other events?
Good question! Yes, these principles can be applied to any event you are working on-- from a superbowl party to your next user group meetup. Good luck!
Great advice, especially on finding common ground in a mixed crowd, always a challenge!