You look at your badge, two perforated tickets tucked into the plastic holder – “ONE DRINK” printed in thick black letters – and you think about the look you’ll get when you order “Just a club soda, please. Yes, I’m sure. Thank you.” Hundreds (maybe millions) of faces are in front of you, strangers deep in conversation with their twenty best friends. Stepping through the door, it feels like every eye snaps to you while dismissing you to the corner that collects everything or everyone uninteresting. You look back to the door, your exit, and your return to safety, but others are blocking your escape. A bead of sweat, a cold flush, and a sharp lightning up your spine—Fear! There’s no place, no time for it, not here. Not now. You’ll survive, but that’s all. There’s no turning back—the only way is through.
This drama might make you chuckle. Fear? At a networking event? For some, it’s all too familiar. We’re told the importance of networking events. But, for introverts, neurodivergent people, and those in recovery—to name a few—these events aren’t a bridge to advancement. Small talk, free alcohol, strangers, and high pressure on growing careers—a potent combination for anxiety and stress, hobbled by expectations and networking gimmicks, so out of touch and irrelevant.
Maybe networking isn’t in your comfort zone, but that doesn’t give you the green light to return to your hotel room and watch Housewives. You don’t randomly hit the big time. You need dedication, effort, and a willingness to try (and fail) to meet new people, uncover new opportunities, exchange ideas—and develop self-confidence.
Putting people together in a space is not networking. Planning networking doesn’t require money—it requires intent. Here are three areas where I think we can improve networking events to be more meaningful, more productive, and more inclusive:
“Strangers are friends we haven’t met yet.”
By committing to a networking event, we decide to meet people and expect a return on our investment by developing new relationships.
It’s difficult to break into established groups with authenticity and vulnerability, but the solution isn’t to hang out with your friends or coworkers. The best networking events eschew the same-old, same-old icebreaker games using pet names, first cars, or fun facts. How about reworking an exercise from post-pandemic events where color-coded wristbands indicated personal space preferences? The same tactic can now denote expertise or interest. “Tell me about your new offices” – blue button. “We’re looking to hire” – green wristband. “AI Expert” – red lanyard. “I’m just happy to be here!” – yellow badge ribbon. Remove the “What do I say first?” problem. Alleviate social anxiety while enhancing the potential interaction by posting these categories at the door.
“Why’s it always so loud?!”
High echoing ceilings, amplified pop hits of the Early 00s, limited seating, and a focus on access to the bar, not to mention pumped-up A/C. The networker’s “terrarium” is set to 72 and florescent; only the carpet changes, and after a while, that’s set on repeat. Factors beyond our control dictate the environment, but can we create spaces for interaction, engagement, and collaboration? Maybe by using partial walls or sound-capturing materials, we can reduce the dB level to allow conversation and reduce stressors. Remember, some people prefer to sit and not be relegated to the edges, so create accessibility to foster productive, meaningful conversations.
“To your health….”
“You got two tickets, but I’m sure I can get you some more.” “Here, you look like you could use more fun; take my extras.” “It’s a cash bar, but I put my card down for us. Go ahead.” I am no teetotaler, but the encouragement of a “drinking culture” can cause uncomfortable situations, not to mention embarrassing moments. Do themed drinks drive conversation, or could we replace them with varietal teas, coffees, customizable smoothies, or desserts? Do we need a social lubricant, or can we create the initial momentum in a conversation? Alcohol may be a standard, but it doesn’t have to be a centerpiece.
Then there are generational differences. For Millennials and GenZ, not only is networking not in their comfort zones, but they are drinking less than older generations did at their age, partially for health reasons and partially because their nights out could be documented on social media. Their appetizer preferences don’t run to pigs in a blanket. They are health conscious, often vegetarian or vegan; all the staples of the stereotypical event are suspect.
And those who want a drink will find one anyway.
Creating a Foundation for Better Networking
It’s simple. Create conditions for relationships to happen. Focus on meaningful conversations, inclusive spaces, new ideas, and stronger business communities.
The night air hits your face; you take a deep breath and reflect on the past few hours; in one pocket, your fingers tingle from a thousand handshakes against the stack of business cards, and in the other, your phone vibrates with new LinkedIn connections. You’re propelled by strong coffee and invigorating conversations that test your knowledge and reinforce your belief in your skills. This event was different. This is what you signed up for – the awareness that you stepped outside your comfort zone and found meaningful collaboration, the energy of a community coming together. You’ve always been told you would do something… For the first time, you believe it.
Make an In-Person Impact with Access
Our clients are constantly looking for ways to strengthen their in-person events and experiences. Recently, Transmedics hosted a leadership forum to bring together hospital administrators and transplant surgeons to explore TransMedics Organ Care System technology. Explore our recent case study to see how they made the experience more personal and relevant for their attendees.
