You don’t need a packed room or a line-up of speakers to host a good networking event. You need a clear reason for people to come, a space where they can hear each other and a host who makes it easy to join the conversation.
Whether you’re bringing together local business owners, starting a regular networking group or inviting clients and contacts to meet each other, here’s how to plan a networking event in Southend that people will be glad they made time for.
Give people a reason to come
Start by deciding who you want in the room and what they’ll get from meeting each other. A breakfast for local independent business owners will feel different from an evening for people working in the same industry. Both can work well, but the more specific you are, the easier is it to write an invitation that makes someone think, that sounds like its for me!
Let guests know what to expect. Will there be a short talk, introductions around the room or time to chat over drinks? If people are welcome to come on their own, say so. That small detail can make it much easier for someone to book.
Choose a venue that makes conversation easy
For a networking event, the room needs to work as soon as the first guest walks in. Think about where you’ll greet people, how they’ll move between conversations and whether there’s somewhere to sit. If you’re planning a short talk, make sure guests can gather around without blocking the bar or entrance.
At San Fairie Ann, our wonderfully quirky restaurant and private hire venue on Alexandra Street has two spaces to choose from:
The private basement has its own bar, a projector and a tucked-away speakeasy feel. It accommodates up to 25 seated or 50 standing and works well for an intimate networking group, a roundtable or short presentation followed by drinks.
The main restaurant has chandeliers, eclectic interiors and more room for guests to mingle. It accommodates up to 55 seated or 90 standing, making it an option for larger business gathering or an evening reception with canapés.
When you enquire, tell us if you’d like space for a welcome table, a speaker or food station. That helps us suggest a layout that works for the event you have in mind.
Give the event a little structure
An entirely open room can be daunting when you don’t know anyone but a full agenda can leave people wishing they’d had more time to talk. A brief welcome and one planned introduction can be enough to get things moving.
For a 90-minute evening event, you could try:
First 20 minutes: Welcome guests, offer drinks and introduce anyone who arrives alone to someone they might enjoy meeting.
Next 10 minutes: Thank everyone for coming, explain why you’ve brought the group together and give guests a simple conversation starter.
Final hour: Leave time for conversation. As host, move around the room and introduce people who have something in common.
One of the most useful things you can do as a host is make specific introductions. “You’re both looking at taking on your first employee” gives two people somewhere to start.
Match the food and drink to the format
Coffee and breakfast suit a morning event where people need to get back to work. For an early evening gathering, welcome drinks and canapés give guests something to enjoy while they mingle. A buffet or grazing table can work well if you’re hosting for longer and want to offer something more substantial.
If the event is mostly standing, choose food that’s easy to eat while chatting and make sure guests have somewhere to put their glasses. When you send the invitation, ask about dietary requirements so you can discuss them with the venue in advance.
Follow up while the conversations are fresh
A short thank-you email the next day gives guests a chance to pick up where they left off. If you promised to put two people in touch, check they’re both happy with the introduction and make it. If you’d like the event to become a regular fixture, ask what worked for guests and what they’d like to see next time.
Host your networking event at San Fairie Ann
If you’re looking for a networking event venue in Southend-On-Sea, come and see how our basement or restaurant could work for your group. Our events team can talk through the room layout, timings and food and drink option with you.
Explore our private hire spaces or email hello@sanfairieann.co.uk with your preferred date, approximate guests numbers and the kind of event you’d like to host.