Creating Networking Events

For 3-years I’ve hosted a no-BS, invite-only dinner for leaders to break bread and build relationships. Most networking events suck. For real. They’re awful. Forced small talk, sales pitches, and rooms full of people who just want to talk about themselves. Nobody actually connects. Nobody actually learns anything. That’s why I started hosting invite-only dinners for marketing, design, product, and tech leaders. No sponsors. No awkward icebreakers. Just real conversations over good food. If you want to do the same, here’s how. Step 1: Personally Invite People (No Automation, No AI) If you can’t take the time to text, DM, or email someone yourself, don’t do this. No mass invites, no event software. Keep it personal, keep it human. Step 2: Pay for It. No Sponsors. No Sales Pitch. If you try to monetize this, you’ve already lost. People can smell an agenda a mile away. The best way to make this work? Make it not about business. Just bring people together and let things happen organically. Step 3: Get a Private Room. No Cameras. No Recording. Public restaurants are too loud. Private spaces create real conversations. No one should be filtering what they say because they think it’ll end up on LinkedIn. Make it exclusive, keep it off the record. Step 4: Let People Order What They Want Catering sounds good in theory. In reality, you’ll get it wrong. Someone’s keto, someone’s gluten-free, someone just wants fries. Let people order for themselves and avoid the headache. Step 5: Keep It Small 10-15 people max. Anything bigger turns into a networking event, and that’s not what this is. Keep it intimate so people can actually connect. Step 6: Be the Connector Your job isn’t just hosting. It’s matchmaking. At the end of dinner, tell everyone: “Find someone here you want to grab coffee with. If you need an excuse, blame me.” Make it easy for people to stay in touch. Step 7: No Branding. No Name Tags. No Corporate Vibes. This isn’t a “leadership roundtable” or some LinkedIn influencer’s personal brand play. It’s just a dinner. Keep it low-key. Step 8: Focus on Stories, Not Titles No elevator pitches. No bragging. The best conversations come from real stories.. especially failures. The more honest, the better. Step 9: Do It Again (But Keep It Small) If it works, do it again. Rotate in new faces, keep the guest list fresh, and never let it turn into a sales funnel. No automation. No scaling. No BS. Just real people, having real conversations, over real food. Onward & upward! 🤘

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

Putting on Events Like a Pro takes practice, but hopefully this helps out: Organizing an event, whether big or small, can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can execute it like a pro. Whether you're organizing a wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser, here’s a streamlined guide to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. 1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives. Start by defining the purpose of your event. Ask yourself: --What’s the event’s primary goal? (Networking, celebration, fundraising) --Who is your target audience? --What kind of experience do you want to offer? Clear objectives will guide your decisions on venue, entertainment, and more, ensuring your event stays focused. 2. Create a Detailed Budget A well-planned budget is key to managing your event’s costs. Break it down into categories: --Venue: Costs, insurance, and fees. --Food & Beverage: Catering and drinks. --Entertainment: DJs, speakers, or performers. --Staffing: Event coordinators and waitstaff. --Marketing: Advertising and promotions. Include a contingency fund (10-15%) to cover unexpected expenses. 3. Choose the Right Venue The venue sets the atmosphere for your event. When choosing a venue, consider: --Capacity: Can it accommodate your guest list? --Location: Is it accessible to guests? --Amenities: Does it have necessary equipment (AV systems, catering kitchens)? --Availability: Ensure it’s available on your event date. --Visiting the venue beforehand is essential to confirm all details. 4. Create a Timeline A timeline keeps everything organized. Here's a simple breakdown: --3-6 Months Before: Finalize the venue, hire vendors, and start marketing. --1-2 Months Before: Confirm RSVPs, finalize schedules, and order décor. --1 Week Before: Reconfirm with vendors and do a venue walkthrough. --Day of: Arrive early to supervise setup and ensure everything runs smoothly. 5. Focus on Guest Experience A memorable event depends on how guests experience it. Prioritize: --Communication: Send clear invitations and reminders. --Flow: Ensure the event space is organized and easy to navigate. --Comfort: Provide seating, food stations, and temperature control. 6. Manage Vendors Vendors are essential to your event’s success. Ensure smooth coordination by: --Communicating expectations and timelines clearly. --Using contracts to formalize agreements. --Having backup vendors in case of issues. 7. Promote Your Event Use multiple channels to market your event: --Social Media: Engage with your audience. --Email: Send out invitations, reminders, and follow-ups. --Event Website: Create a dedicated site for larger events. Conclusion: By setting clear goals, managing your budget, and focusing on the guest experience, you’ll organize a successful, memorable event. Start early, stay organized, and adapt as needed for a flawless execution.

After attending hundreds of events over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern. When I talk to attendees, the things they rave about aren’t usually the speakers or the agenda. It’s the moments in between. The unexpected connections. The laughs shared over coffee. The “Hey, let’s grab lunch and keep chatting” conversations. The people they meet and continue to follow on LinkedIn. The relationships that stick. Too often, those experiences are left to chance. We pencil in “networking breaks,” but how intentional are we, really, about creating opportunities for genuine connection? If you're planning events, content matters, but connection matters more. The ROI of an event isn’t just measured in sessions attended. It’s in the relationships built. The conversations that carry into next quarter. The people who say, “Are you going again next year? I want to meet you there.” As event professionals, we need to ask ourselves: ❓ Are we designing spaces that invite vulnerability and connection? ❓Are we giving attendees more than just a seat in the room? ❓Are we thinking about the emotional impact of our experiences? When we prioritize relationship-building moments with the same level of strategy we give content, we increase NPS, improve retention, and leave a lasting imprint on our attendees. Let’s stop treating connection as an afterthought. Let’s design for it.

One of the most underused strategies in business development is bringing people together around a theme. Think about it. Everyone is busy. Everyone gets invited to another reception or cocktail party. Most people say no because they know the value will be surface level. But when you create something intentional, something smaller and more thoughtful, people notice. They make time. A dinner for women GCs in private equity. A roundtable of next generation dealmakers. A conversation between founders and investors who have successfully scaled. These kinds of gatherings give people the chance to connect with peers who understand their challenges. They create space for conversations that don’t happen in a big room. And here’s the part many professionals miss — when you’re the one convening, you’re not just building your own network. You’re helping others expand theirs. You become known as someone who creates opportunities. That’s memorable. It makes people want to stay close to you and your organization because being connected to you means access to something bigger. But it doesn’t end with the event. The real business development happens in what you do afterward. ✔️ If two people hit it off, follow up and connect them directly. ✔️ Share a quick recap of themes from the evening to keep the conversation alive. ✔️ Create touchpoints — an article, a coffee, an invite to the next dinner. ✔️ Build continuity with a series so people look forward to the next one. ✔️ Share high level highlights on LinkedIn to reinforce your role as the connector. Bringing people together in the right way isn’t just about networking. It’s about creating community. And the professionals who do this well strengthen relationships, build influence and grow their business in ways that feel natural. Let me know when you think of this tip and if you will try it! #BusinessDevelopment #ClientDevelopment #Networking #LegalMarketing

At one event, the emcee wrapped the opening session by saying, “You’ve got 45 minutes to network — go!” No prompts. No structure. No plan. The result? A few people started working the room — business cards in hand. Nearly half stayed in conversations with people they already knew. The rest stood awkwardly scanning the room, hoping someone would approach… then excused themselves to “use the bathroom” and slipped outside. That was the day I promised myself I’d never let “networking” be a free-for-all. If it matters to your event, it has to be designed. Here’s how to make networking actually work: * Provide conversation starters and guided activities. * Create more intimate spaces designed for connection. * Recruit and empower super connectors to make introductions with ease. Networking without design isn’t networking — it’s chance. What’s one creative way you’ve seen an event make networking easier?

Events are about connection, but most networking events suck. It's because those connections are left up to chance. Here’s why—and how to fix them. I used to hate networking events, a lot of it was my own mindset. Because I put way too much pressure on myself to “meet the right people.” And when you walk in with that mindset, you’re not building relationships—you’re hunting prospects. People can feel that energy, and it’s not great. Stephanie Menashe, CMP and I were talking about this before an MPI event at Top Golf. She’s in the middle of a career transition and wasn’t sure what to put on her badge: “Independent Event Professional” “Looking for My Next Home” One feels neutral, the other carries judgment. The reality is that everyone in the room is looking for something—a job, a client, an idea, or just good conversation. So how do we make networking events feel less like a sales pitch and more like real connection? Here are three ways to instantly improve any networking event: 1. Rethink the Name Badge Ditch “Name, Title, Company.” Instead, use prompts like: - Ask me about… - I’m looking to connect with… - My big idea is… This simple shift turns badges into conversation starters. The conversation starter was always the part I overthought the most! 2. Create Connection Zones Instead of a bunch of wandering aimless zombies, set up spaces based on interests. - Creative Thinkers - Tech Innovators - Event Strategists When people know where to go, they don’t have to struggle with who to talk to. 3. Facilitate the First Move The hardest part of networking is breaking the ice. So, make it easy. - Have event hosts or “connectors” introduce people - Place conversation starter cards on tables - Start with a short speed-networking session At the end of the day, networking should be about what you can give, not just what you can get. When I started focusing on meeting interesting people—rather than landing my next big deal—these events became a whole lot more fun. -------------------- Hi, I'm Jay Designing experiences for events that drive ROI for our clients. #business #branding #sales #marketing #eventprofs