Networking was never easy to begin with—add a screen, and it can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be. As an event organizer, you’re tasked with not only bringing people together but creating an environment that fosters real, lasting connections. The good news? With the right setup and strategies, virtual networking doesn’t have to feel forced or awkward—it can be just as impactful as face-to-face.
Here are six practical tips for facilitating authentic connections at your next virtual networking event.
1. Choose the Right Virtual Space
The platform you choose for your event shapes the entire experience. A platform like Gather, for example, allows participants to easily and intuitively navigate through a customizable, interactive space, much like they would at an in-person event. Your goal should be creating an environment that encourages spontaneous interactions, mimicking the natural flow of in-person networking.
Platforms like Gather provide immersive features such as avatars, proximity-based video chats, and interactive objects, making it easier for participants to strike up casual conversations. This fosters a more human, relaxed atmosphere where networking feels organic rather than forced.
Choosing the right platform can be overwhelming with different options available. This is where we can help. We work closely with clients to understand the nature of their event and objectives, then recommend the best platform for their needs. Our platform-independent approach ensures you get the right environment tailored to your event’s unique goals.
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got a tip 1.5—because sometimes one tip just isn’t enough.
1.5. Design with Connection In Mind
It’s not just the platform that matters—the design of your virtual space can do more than just look good—it can actively help people connect. Two popular setups you might consider:
- Speed Networking: Create a structured space with timed conversations. Participants can rotate through short, one-on-one sessions, allowing them to meet multiple people quickly.
- Topic/Discussion Tables: Set up small-group areas around specific topics, so attendees can join conversations that interest them. This is a great way to help people connect over shared passions and interests.
What You Can Do: Remember, no one likes surprises. Well, maybe a puppy showing up at your door. But anywho… make sure participants know what to expect. Send pre-event communication explaining how the networking sessions will work, and remind them during the event so they feel prepared and engaged.
2. Help Participants Create Standout Profiles
In virtual networking, the profile is often the first introduction someone will have to another participant. Think of it as your digital name tag. Attendees should be able to have profiles that stand out, providing a snapshot of who they are and what they’re about.
What You Can Do: During onboarding or pre-event communication, offer clear guidance on how to craft standout profiles. Encourage participants to include their name, role, and a unique detail, such as a fun fact or professional interest, to make their profiles more memorable (e.g., “Emily – HR Specialist at GreenTech & Proud Plant Parent”).
Depending on the platform, attendees might also have the option to select an avatar or customize their appearance, which adds another layer of personality and helps break the ice.
3. Encourage Attendees to Set Clear Goals
A common mistake in networking, whether virtual or in-person, is attending without clear goals. When attendees know exactly what they want to get out of the event, they’ll have more meaningful conversations and make more focused connections.
What You Can Do: Encourage your attendees to reflect on their networking goals in advance:
- What type of connections are they looking to make?
- How many people do they want to engage with?
- What specific outcomes do they want from the event?
You could even include a brief session at the start of the event to help them think about their objectives. Whether seeking new clients, potential collaborators, or simply expanding their network, having a goal gives participants more direction and confidence in their interactions.
4. Promote Active and Authentic Engagement
For networking events to succeed, participants must actively engage—and that engagement should feel genuine. To achieve this, it’s important to create opportunities for authentic conversation, not just formal exchanges of information.
What You Can Do: Build engagement opportunities into the event structure. This could mean creating breakout rooms for smaller group discussions, hosting interactive Q&A sessions, or offering a live chat feature. Don’t be afraid to give participants a little nudge—provide conversation starters or fun icebreakers to help people get the ball rolling. The more relaxed and open the environment feels, the easier it will be for people to connect.
5. Make Follow-Up Easy
The real value of networking isn’t just in the conversations that happen during the event, but in the follow-up that happens afterward. As an organizer, you can play a key role in making sure attendees keep the momentum going and build lasting relationships after the event ends.
What You Can Do: Provide tools and resources that simplify follow-ups. For example, you could share a list of participants with permission to connect afterward. You could even send out a friendly reminder to attendees after the event to reach out to the connections they made.
6. Overcome Virtual Networking Challenges
Of course, virtual networking has its own set of challenges—tech glitches, fatigue, or just the difficulty of replicating the energy of in-person interaction. But with thoughtful preparation and guidance, you can leap over these hurdles with Olympic flair.
What You Can Do: Set your attendees up for success by offering clear onboarding and support. Provide easy-to-understand tutorials on how to use the platform, and make sure tech support is available during the event to handle any issues. At Space Makers, we always offer live support during events to ensure everything runs smoothly and participants can stay focused on networking without worrying about technical hiccups. You can also help participants avoid digital fatigue by scheduling breaks to keep energy levels up.
Final Thoughts
Virtual networking may be different from in-person events, but it doesn’t have to be harder. By designing thoughtful, user-friendly virtual experiences, you can help build relationships that go beyond the screen. By focusing on the needs of attendees and offering clear guidance, you’ll ensure that participants leave your event with meaningful, lasting connections. And that’s what successful networking is all about.
Ready to create an event that drives real connections? Reach out today for a free consultation.
