Networking At Virtual Events
Why Virtual Events Matter Right Now
The era of digital events soared in 2020, and now this year, more professionals are attending them for business development, continuing education hours, new product launches, and, most of all, networking in trade industries. Connecting through social media and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn ranked high last year as well, adding value to those in different industries by collaborating and comparing their business strategies.
Virtual events host keynote speakers, breakout groups, and seminars on business strategies—which add quite a bit of professional development and education for those in attendance. However building familiarity in and amongst your peer group during a virtual event can lead to further conversations and enhance your professional growth at such meetings. If you have never attended an event for networking purposes and want to prepare, you may want to read our Networking 101 article on how to efficiently prepare yourself for these events.
Preparing for Your Virtual Event
Preparing yourself for attendance is crucial to maximize your efficiency at a virtual event. Never attended a virtual event or meeting before? Read our blog article here from BWP on how to prepare! The virtual space can offer an intimidation factor without in-person meeting, so preparing yourself and your home office for success is key.
Utilize time beforehand to familiarize yourself with the portal and video platform the show management uses. Once you have registered for a virtual event in a trade industry, technical support often offers demonstration meetings beforehand to answer questions about how to log-in and explore the show. If you cannot attend one of these learning groups take the time to read your confirmation email for helpful tips on attending. If you are still not comfortable with the format of the event contact event management or IT support to answer any questions you still have. Take advantage of these resources before the event date—this will alleviate any anxiety you may have beforehand.
Introductions and Maximizing Your Time
Once the virtual event has begun and the opening presentation has started be sure to dial in on the professional but also personal sentiments of the speaker. Across a broad range of industries work formats, supply chain management, vendor registrations, marketing tactics, and budget allotments have all adapted and changed. Maybe these changes mirror the ones you encounter in your workplace? Heed their stories and advice, yet also acknowledge the human aspect that changing times can force brands to adapt, as well as look forward to the future.
If the virtual event you are attending has a trade show floor with booths you may “visit” or breakout rooms, we encourage you to take advantage of these areas. When entering a breakout room engage the conversation at hand and introduce yourself. In the chat boxes click on each attendees profile to learn more about them and “exchange” contact information. If interacting with a virtual trade show booth explore the media and content within it. If a representative of the brand is in the booth, chat with them and explain what products/services your brand provides. Utilize this time to cultivate a conversation, bring value to each person, and learn more about what they do. In return, that attendee will appreciate the attention you provided. When exiting the booth or breakout group, take notes on who you want to follow up with afterward.
Takeaways From Your Attendance
Attending virtual events is a new normal that thousands of professionals have had to adapt to. Just because there is a screen in between you and a new networking contact doesn’t have to be a hindrance—it can mediate the conversation and ultimately help you gain more experience and perspective in your industry. Everyone is looking forward to the future of 2021, and by learning from experiences of others and maintaining our own positive outlook we will be there before we know it!
Looking for virtual events to attend this May?
Check these 5 Events out:
- Eastern Energy Expo - May 23-25, 2021
- ANTEC - May 4-6, 2021
- NRA (National Restaurant Association) - Free resources all month
- International Pool & Spa Trade Show - May 2-5, 2021
- Ag Tech Expo - May 10-11, 2021
Looking for event staff at your next show?
