Modern networking events come in three forms: virtual, in-person, and hybrid. While they each present their own benefits and challenges, the one thing they have in common is that they all facilitate great networking opportunities.
In this guide, we will take some examples through networking events and describe how each one serves its unique purpose.
20 Networking Event Examples
1. Conferences
Conferences are probably the most common type of networking events. They gather people who work in a certain industry to discuss trends, development, and best practice.
The attendees get a chance to network with industry leaders, connect peers and exchange ideas. Industry conferences can be held live at big venues or virtually, hence accessed worldwide.
A great example is this Scientific Conference, an annual international event that welcomes several scientific experts from around the world.
2. Roundtable Discussions
A roundtable is a very intimate networking event where a small group of professionals engage in conversations around one topic. Such events are usually invitation-only, meaning that attendees are picked to keep it real, because the events mostly revolve around meaningful dialogues for insights and deepening connections.
A notable roundtable event example is The CEO Roundtable, an event where senior executives meet to discuss leadership challenges, strategies, and innovation. Virtual roundtables, especially in the post-pandemic world, have skyrocketed since it allows people in different regions to participate.
3. Networking Happy Hours
Happy hours are informal networking nights where professionals come together over cocktails to chat and talk over light topics. This setting generates little pressure for all involved, allowing networking and potentially creating personal relations, which may mature into professional relations sometime later.
While virtual happy hours have become more common in recent years, as they provide flexibility to connect from anywhere in the world via a virtual event platform like Airmeet , in person remains just as popular for personal interactions.
4. Speed Networking
Similar to speed dating, speed networking is a fast event, wherein participants spend brief one-on-one time discussing with multiple individuals within a short time. Everyone gets to meet each other within a structured setting, swap business cards, and then follow up to deepen conversations.
A good example of this is the American Marketing Association’s Speed Networking Session. The conference hosts events every year and enables marketers to quickly increase their professional networks. These will be useful for people to get a huge connection in less time, either through virtual or in-person events.
5. Workshops and Skill-Building Events
Practically all workshops are about learning and skill development. Most of these events involve some form of networking in which participants connect over shared experiences and interests.
While networking events can primarily be theory-focused, workshops are more important towards hands-on, functional learning although networking is still a key part of it.
For instance, Adobe MAX is a creative conference, offering workshops on software and design. Apart from skill advancement, you will network with the creative professionals within the industry. Virtual workshops allow the participants to collaborate while chatting, the breakout rooms, and other collaborative tools. In-person workshops avail face-to-face collaboration.
6. Career Fairs
This is where job seekers meet potential employers. In simple terms, it means that companies are there to find employees while job seekers look for career opportunities. Mostly, attendants visit booths or hold one-on-one conversations with representatives from companies.
Career fairs fit in fluidly within virtual space, allowing job seekers to attend from home using platforms such as Airmeet. Participants can visit virtual booths, engage in chat rooms, and even schedule interviews online.
7. Fireside Chats
Fireside chats are basically extemporaneous interviews or discussions between a host/ moderator and a guest speaker, who is usually an industry expert, a thought leader or an executive.
Generally, after the fireside chat, there is an open Q&A session where the attendees can engage with the speaker. Usually, the networking takes place either before or after the chat; thus, attendees have the opportunity to interact with their peers.
A very good example here is the TechCrunch Disrupt Fireside Chats with high-profile leaders in the tech industry. The conferences, virtual or in person, provide a unique chance for individuals to get ahead on trends and connect to fellow professionals.
8. Mentorship programmes
Mentorship programs are more or less long-term networking events that bring more experienced professionals, known as mentors, into the lives of newcomers, referred to as mentees in the field.
These usually entail rather structured elements in place, such as meetings, feedback sessions, and also group discussions.
LinkedIn’s Career Advice Mentorship Program is a virtual mentorship initiative where professionals get matched on the basis of their career interests, thus facilitating meaningful, guided networking.
9. Panel Discussions
It comprises a panel of experts who share their insights on a subject with the audience, and indulge in a Q&A session. These are great knowledge-sharing events that come with opportunities to network before and after the discussion.
For example, The Women in Tech Panel where female leaders join the panel to share experiences concerning diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the use of technology. These panels usually involve casual networking with panelists and other attendees.
10. Business Lunches and Dinners
Business lunches and dinners represent another chance for professionals to engage in networking while having meals together. There can be some icebreaker ideas , games & activities to make the meetings more engaging.
Such events are generally much smaller in number and more exclusive, taking place in a friendly, social setting that sets out to foster relationships. The conversations are less formal than at conferences or panel discussions, though still useful for professional contacts.
For example, the Executive Leadership Luncheon, hosted by a coalition of industry associations, attracts executives who attend lunch and address key issues within the industry. Although virtual participants do not attend the lunch, hybrid formats allow them to listen to most of the discussions from their rooms.
11. Trade Shows
In principle, trade shows are exhibition type events wherein businesses showcase their products or services. One characteristic of these events is the ability of the professional to mingle with others that belong in the same industry.
For example, they are exposed to various vendors, partners, and even customers. Usually, attendees spend most of the time exploring different exhibits, attending demonstrations, and interacting with other representatives from different companies.
One of the most significant examples is CES (Consumer Electronics Show), where one finds technology professionals gathering to exhibit and comment on new ventures. Virtual trade shows are also becoming commonplace, with virtual booths and interactive demos available on digital platforms for the attendees.
12. Pitch Events
Pitch events give opportunity to entrepreneurs, startups, or businesses to pitch an idea or a product in front of potential investors, partners, and customers. Pitching events are incredibly valuable for network-building activities because participants meet investors, venture capitalists, and mentors who help them grow their business.
For example, pitch events by various startup accelerators, like their versions in Shark Tank, in which startups present to a panel of investors. Some can be an in-person event while others are virtual so that the live pitches can be streamed online to a worldwide audience.
13. Hackathons
Hackathons are short period, high intensity events where developers, designers, and tech enthusiasts come together to solve specific problems or come up with innovative solutions for the development of new software.
TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon is an example where participants come up with novel technology products over a weekend. Such events provide tremendous opportunities for networking to tech professionals, both in-person and virtually.
14. LinkedIn Live Events
Another popular channel for hosting virtual networking events is LinkedIn Live. Professionals could join live broadcasts on issues currently going on in various fields of business, join the discussion, and connect with like-minded persons. Joining LinkedIn Live events is one of the best ways to build a network with no geographical boundaries.
Another widely used series on LinkedIn Live includes #LinkedInLocal. These call upon professionals to connect and network, both online and on-location through their respective towns’ meetups. In the hybrid events, the networking may be virtual or face-to-face.
15. Alumni Networking Events
Alumni networking events are created by academic institutions to reunite former students for networking, sharing experiences, and possible career development. Such activities keep professionals in touch with their former learning institution as well as widen their professional networking circle.
For example, Harvard Business School’s Alumni Networking Events offer alumni the chance to get in touch with peers and touch base on career development. Most alumni events have lately turned out hybrid, that is one can attend virtually simultaneously to in-person gatherings.
16. Product Launch Events
Product launch events are set up with the focus to launch a new product or service in the market for the customers, professionals, and the media. This event creates networking opportunities, especially where professionals from different sectors gather to watch and debate the new product.
For instance, Apple’s Product Launch Events bring the technology enthusiasts, analysts and media persons together for networking as they discover the new innovation. The events have developed into a live broadcast to millions of people around the globe for an experience of hybrid networking.
17. Webinars
Webinars are mostly virtual learning events. Such events provide professionals with the chance to gain an understanding of a given topic while connecting to other professionals. Even though webinars are primarily knowledge-sharing events, they do feature chat and Q&A, where participants can network in real-time.
Examples include HubSpot’s Marketing Webinars, in which topics range from inbound marketing to CRM solutions. The webinars create spaces for interaction between speakers and other attendees through various networking channels.
18. Networking Breakfasts
Networking breakfasts are early morning meetings of professionals who meet ahead of time before the workday. These events are typically less formal than conferences or workshops. What is provided here is a relatively relaxed setting within which participants can connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships over breakfast.
A popular example is The Breakfast Club Networking Event, held regularly by business associations and chambers of commerce. Virtual networking breakfasts have gained traction as well, where participants can join video calls from their homes or offices.
19. Online communities and forums
Online communities and forums make available an interactive virtual playground for professionals to interact and contribute over various issues, questions, or knowledge shared with peer members. They are typically aligned to unique industries or interests and can thus act as potential channels for networking.
Some of the platforms that provide opportunities for networking include Reddit’s r/startups and Slack’s design communities, which allow contributions by professionals from all over and support related opportunities.
20. Co-working Space Events
Co-working spaces often organize a range of events for their members, including workshops, happy hours, and meetups. These events allow those freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners working in the same office to be connected and interact.
Venture X is a coworking space in the U.S. that operates internationally and hosts a variety of events to foster community building and professional networking. Their event lineup includes structured networking sessions, casual “happy hours,” and guest speaker series designed to help members expand their connections.
Venture X aims to create a supportive community through these opportunities, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking a collaborative environment.
Additionally, Industrious is another U.S.-based coworking space known for regularly hosting virtual and in-person events like workshops and social gatherings to build connections within its community.
Conclusion
Networking events occur in numerous forms and sizes tailored to specific professional needs and preferences. Whether you like virtual platforms, in-person gatherings, or hybrid experiences, you will find your desired networking event.
From industry conferences to hackathons, these events aim at giving opportunities to individuals to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and unlock new opportunities for career growth.
So explore these examples above and make the most out of your next networking opportunity-behind a screen or in a bustling event hall.
FAQ
Industry conferences, roundtable discussions, speed networking, workshops, career fairs, and happy hours. Networking events can be either in-person or virtual or hybrid events on the premise of the event organizer’s approach.
Networking events build professional relationships, allow access to industry insights, can share ideas, find jobs, and stay abreast of trends. It is an important tool for career development and personal branding.
A hybrid networking refers to in-person or virtual meetings that can be attended physically or virtually. This expands its reach and accessibility as a wider audience can participate therein.
For in-person events, bring business cards, a notepad and be professional. For virtual events, make sure your technology (camera, microphone) is in good working order, and have a digital version of your contact details,a digital business card, ready to share.
Be sure to research the attendees, then set goals for the event, and finally prepare your elevator pitch. And to fully participate in the event itself, ensure that you test your video and audio setup beforehand, are properly dressed, and attentively respond to virtual chats or breakout rooms.
