How do you create value-added networking opportunities with sponsors or exhibitors?

1 Identify your objectives and audience

Before you plan any networking activity, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to reach. What are the goals and expectations of your sponsors or exhibitors? What are the interests and needs of your attendees? How can you match them in a way that creates value for both parties? You can use surveys, interviews, or data analysis to gather insights and feedback from your stakeholders and tailor your networking opportunities accordingly.

2 Choose the right format and platform

Depending on your objectives and audience, you can choose from a variety of formats and platforms to facilitate networking with sponsors or exhibitors. For example, you can organize speed networking sessions, roundtable discussions, breakout rooms, Q&A panels, product demos, or gamified challenges. You can also use online tools such as chatbots, polls, quizzes, or social media to create interactive and personalized experiences. Whatever format or platform you choose, make sure it is easy to use, accessible, and secure.

3 Provide guidance and incentives

To encourage participation and engagement, you need to provide guidance and incentives for your attendees and sponsors or exhibitors. You can do this by creating clear and concise instructions, setting expectations and ground rules, providing prompts and icebreakers, and offering feedback and recognition. You can also use rewards such as prizes, badges, certificates, or discounts to motivate and acknowledge your participants. Make sure your incentives are relevant, fair, and transparent.

4 Foster follow-up and feedback

Networking does not end when the conference is over. You need to foster follow-up and feedback to maintain and strengthen the relationships you have built. You can do this by providing contact information, sharing resources, sending thank-you notes, or inviting feedback. You can also use analytics and metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of your networking opportunities and identify areas for improvement. Make sure you follow up and feedback in a timely, respectful, and professional manner.

5 Showcase value and impact

One of the best ways to create value-added networking opportunities with sponsors or exhibitors is to showcase the value and impact of your conference and their involvement. You can do this by highlighting the benefits, outcomes, and testimonials of your networking activities, as well as the overall goals and achievements of your conference. You can also use storytelling, visuals, or case studies to illustrate the value and impact of your conference and your sponsors or exhibitors. Make sure you showcase value and impact in a consistent, authentic, and compelling way.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?