Plan Time at the end of the event for unplanned conversations and networking.
Often a networking meeting will be booked in the diary and followed by rushing off to work, bed or another meeting, but it’s great to plan in a little extra time in your diary after the event as, in most cases, some great networking happens during this time with those who have stayed longer to chat.
I’ve planned meetings at the venue, with other attendees, after networking events and even organised meetings with new contacts to co-incide with an event so we can both get the best of both worlds; a great event and an opportunity to get together, all in one hit. Effective time management 😉
I’m not suggesting booking full days out, though that would be fun(!), more allowing 30-60 mins after the meeting to make sure you get all the conversations you want finished before you head off. You never know who you’re going to meet and what subjects will come up and it’s always frustrating to have to leave just as the going is getting good.
As always I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on this so please join in the conversation below…