How To Plan The Perfect Networking Event For Women

Most professionals understand the value of networking in their careers. While attending conferences and organizing meetups are great ways to connect with others. Organizing a larger gathering yourself is an often overlooked approach.

Hosting your events allows you to build relationships more strategically than a conference or mixer typically allows. You can control the guest list and receive "credit" for the connections your guests make with one another. It's also a great way for introverts to level the playing field by holding our gathering in the kind of calm, quiet environment where we thrive.

When planning women networking events, you should consider the theme, time of day, and social media sharing.

Consider the size of your gathering carefully

Many people are so preoccupied with who to invite that they overlook an equally important question: how many? When planning a dinner, I never invite more than ten people. Above that size, it becomes difficult to have a single "table conversation" and provide attendees with a unified experience — which is my goal for at least part of the evening. If you're just getting started and aren't yet comfortable hosting, a smaller group of six or eight people may be ideal.

Decide a theme

Women are creative and influential individuals who enjoy the glitz and glam of life. A themed professional or social networking event can assist women in determining how to bring their A-game to the gathering. Choosing a theme for your networking event ensures everyone is on the same page. Your theme should be simple so that it does not detract from women networking events. Rather, it can work as an icebreaker. It's not about impressing each other but about feeling comfortable and ready to socialize. Encourage women to interact and engage at the event, and make them feel prepared by dressing appropriately.

Here are some suggestions:

• Wear a black colour dress
• Put on a hat
• Put on sneakers
• Time of the day

Women's networking events work best in the daytime. Women frequently play multiple roles, and their time after office hours is usually spent on self-care, responsibilities, or catching up on business.

Social Media Connect

You want your attendees to contact their new contacts and provide feedback on the event. Make a post-event follow-up plan. What kind of content did attendees produce during the women's networking group activities? You should provide them with hashtags and encourage them to share their photos and videos on social media. But, more importantly, give them a reason to take pictures and videos! Make use of a balloon installation, flower wall, or other installation to encourage guests to strike a pose and take a photo. Collect email addresses as well, and send a post-event email blast thanking everyone for attending and reminding them how to share their content on social media.

Consider bringing a Co-host

Consider colleagues you know and like who have a social network — these are your "connectors". Co-hosting with several friends shares responsibility for the guest list. It allows us to relieve pressure at the women networking events and share our ideas.

Consider the combination carefully

If you're going for a mixed group, make sure it's a genuine mix, not just a group of connected people with a few outliers. A group of six people who already know each other well and two who have never met is a recipe for disaster. Because the old friends will almost certainly revert to inside jokes and private conversations, leaving the newcomers out. Make sure everyone is on an equal scale of interaction.

As a host, your job is to create a great overall group dynamic. And, while you can't control every factor, picking the right guests makes a huge difference.

Make it simple to attend

Make every effort to remove any barriers that might prevent your attendees from attending.

Do they require childcare?

Collaborate with a babysitting app or service.

Understand your target audience and make sure your event takes place at a time and location that is convenient for them.

• Is there parking available?
• Is there going to be food?

Go the extra distance

Details matter and your event should reflect your brand. Make sure every interaction you have with your guests brings them joy and reveals more about your brand's personality.

Surprising your guests with unexpected details contribute to a special atmosphere and make them feel appreciated.