When it comes to networking, face-to-face interaction is often seen as the most effective way to build relationships. However, in today’s business climate, virtual networking events are becoming more and more popular. If you’re planning a virtual networking event, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to make it successful.

What is a virtual networking event?

A virtual networking event is an online event where people can network with each other. This can be done through various platforms such as social media, video conferencing, and chat rooms. Virtual networking events are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient way to connect with people from all over the world.

What are the benefits of virtual networking events?

There are many benefits to virtual networking events, including the ability to connect with a wider range of people, the convenience of attending from anywhere in the world, and the cost-effectiveness of not having to travel. Additionally, virtual events often have more relaxed and informal atmospheres, which can encourage networking and building relationships.

What are the disadvantages of virtual networking events?

There are several disadvantages to virtual networking events. The biggest one is it can be difficult to establish personal connections with people you have never met in person. For example, it may be difficult to get the attention of potential customers or business contacts when everyone is competing for virtual space. Oftentimes, technical difficulties such as slow internet can plague virtual events, resulting in a poor experience.

How to create a virtual networking event that helps participants establish personal relationships?

If you’re looking to create a virtual networking event that will help participants establish personal relationships, here are a few tips to get you started:

Have a clear purpose for the event. What are you hoping to achieve? Who is your target audience? Once you have a good understanding of your goals, you can start to plan the logistics of the event.
Choose the right platform for your event. There are a number of different online meeting platforms available, so do some research to find one that will best suit your needs. Make sure the platform you choose is user-friendly and has all the features you need.
Make use of icebreaker activities. These can be used to help participants get to know each other and start building relationships.
Encourage attendees to interact with each other during the event by providing opportunities for networking and breakout sessions.
Promote your event well in advance and make sure to send out reminders closer to the date. You can use social media, cold email marketing, or even an event flyer to get the word out.
Follow up with participants after the event. This helps keep the relationship-building process going and shows that you value their connections.

How to ensure a virtual network event goes smoothly?

There are a few key things to keep in mind when hosting a virtual network event:

Make sure everyone has the correct logins, event information, and knows how to access the event platform ahead of time.
Test the audio and video capabilities of the platform in advance so that you can troubleshoot any issues before the event starts.
Have a clear agenda for the event and make sure all attendees are aware of it in advance. This will help keep the event on track and focused.
Finally, be prepared to troubleshoot any technical issues that may come up during the event. Having a plan in place for dealing with these issues will help ensure a smooth and successful event.

Fun virtual networking event ideas we love

Gateway – future tech virtual escape room experience take takes you to the frontier of space science featuring remotely controllable props and high-tech gadgets that players can control from their computer on the Lunar Station.
Virtual survival race – Embar on the most epic and virtual amazing race ever conceived on the planet. Rally your team and traverse through 5 majestic regions of Patagonia. Although only one team will be the winner, any team that completes the entire race would have truly achieved the exceptional.
Virtual happy hour – Get together with friends online for a virtual happy hour! This is a great way to catch up with friends while staying safe at home.
Online movie night – Pick a movie that everyone can watch together online. Then, chat about the movie as you watch it.
Virtual game night – Play your favorite games online with friends. From board games to video games, there are plenty of options for fun.
Online cooking class – Learn to cook something new together with friends via an online cooking class. This is a great way to bond and learn something new.
Virtual fitness class – There are many online fitness classes you can do together with friends. From yoga to dance, there’s sure to be something everyone will enjoy.

Virtual event networking statistics you should know

As the world increasingly turns to digital solutions to solve problems, it’s no surprise that virtual events are on the rise. And with good reason – they offer a flexible, cost-effective way to connect with people from all over the world.

But what does that mean for event planners? How do you make sure your virtual event is successful?

Here are some key statistics you should know about virtual event networking:

According to a study by EventMB, 43% of event professionals said that networking was the most important part of an event.
The same study found that networking opportunities were the number one reason people attended events, ahead of learning new information or meeting new people.
A separate study by Cvent found that 94% of respondents said networking was important or very important to them when considering attending an event.
When asked about their biggest challenge with networking at events, the most common response from respondents was not having enough time (38%), followed by not knowing who to talk to (18%).

With these statistics in mind, it’s clear that offering ample networking opportunities is essential for any event – virtual or otherwise. But how can you create those opportunities when everyone is scattered around

Conclusion

Virtual events are a great opportunity to network with people from all over the world, regardless of the size of the event. Whether you’re hosting a large virtual conference or a smaller virtual meetup, you can tap into the advantage of the networking opportunities that these events provide. Help your attendees connect with potential business partners, clients, and customers, as well as build relationships with other professionals in their field. By maximizing of virtual event networking opportunities, you can expand your event reach and engage a bigger audience than you otherwise could.