Brass Tacks! Event Networking Ideas to Deploy Today

If you are planning an event, chances are you are already thinking about creating the kind of connections that keep attendees returning year after year. According to recent Fuse survey data, networking sessions were ranked the #1 format for fostering community at events, beating out entertainment, product demos, and inspirational talks. In short, to build real community, you need to start with real interaction.

At Fuse, a JDC Events brand, we believe event networking shouldn’t be left to chance. That’s why our COO, Kara Dao, shared a hands-on, tactical approach to help planners turn casual conversations into meaningful connections. Here’s how to build networking into every phase of your event with purpose.

Before the Event: Build Anticipation & Familiarity

Host Curated Micro Meet Ups

Forget massive webinars, go small and intentional. Host exclusive pre-event networking sessions capped at six attendees. Each meetup should center around a focused topic like “Maximizing Your Time on the Show Floor” or “Top Tech Trends to Watch.” Balance one supplier (sponsor/facilitator) and five attendees for authentic, low-pressure conversation.

These aren’t just networking sessions—they’re content gold. Capture takeaways, quotes, and visuals (with participant signoffs) and repurpose them into infographics or social posts to drive interest and momentum before the event begins.

Use Smart Matchmaking Tools

Supplement the meetups with apps like Jabberyak, which connect attendees based on shared interests. These tools make it easier for participants to show up already feeling connected, unlike strangers.

Offer 1:1 Scheduling Opportunities

Let attendees schedule one-on-one meetings in advance through your mobile app. Offer calendar slots with sponsors, speakers, or peer attendees—so networking starts long before anyone steps on-site.

During the Event: Enable Engagement

At JDC Events, we look to showcase easy to deploy networking activities. Here are some key strategies and personnel we have utilized

Ambassadors & Show Docents

Staff your event with two types of super-connectors:

• Ambassadors: Natural networkers who welcome newcomers and guide them toward like-minded attendees.
• Show Docents: Subject matter experts who walk the show floor offering insights, product context, and introductions.

1:1 Networking

Have an area in the exhibit hall with small round tables and a couple of chairs designated as the Networking Lounge. Be sure to have lots of phone charging options in this lounge, too. People can charge up while they chat…win-win.

Facilitated Roundtables

Repurpose rounds in the exhibit hall, or other areas for structured roundtable discussions. Post table signs with rotating topics every hour or two. Invite facilitators from your exhibitor and sponsor base to lead these conversations. Advertise the topics and corresponding table numbers in your app. Also to encourage organic conversation to flow include prompts on table signs with a note saying, “Conversation Starters – Try asking one of these questions.”

Activations & Games

From pickleball courts to collaborative murals, create unexpected spaces for casual networking. You can also create a pick-a-card, leave a card wall. Each person answers a question and leaves their answer in the pocket. Then, they can write their questions for others to answer in their pocket. Pre plant some questions and answers to get the conversation going. Those who want to can staple their business card to any questions or answers.

Progressive Learning Stations

Take attendees on a journey. For example, walk them through a product lifecycle or supply chain in small groups. Each station should be hosted by a sponsor or exhibitor, providing real-world context.

Hack-a-thons/Competitions

Divide the audience into teams and have them tackle challenges, write down their solutions and slap them on a wall. The first team to hack the challenge wins. Have a final round with all the champions from the day to compete for a big prize.

Dine-Arounds

Pre-arranged dinner groups of six to eight at local restaurants foster relaxed, deeper conversations. Let attendees opt in during registration. You can either preselect some menu options with the restaurant or arrange for each person to pay on their own.

After the Event: Keep the Connections Alive

Nearly half of event organizers surveyed say post-event engagement is a challenge, even though it’s key to loyalty. Here’s how to change that:

Keep the App Alive

Remind attendees the mobile app still works after the event. Push notifications like “Networking Continues” to encourage continued outreach.

Send Follow Ups

Share attendee-driven content like, top takeaways, favorite questions or memorable quotes and invite ongoing discussion in your online community.

The Data Doesn’t Lie

42.6% of planners surveyed by Fuse said that building a sense of belonging is the most important factor in long-term attendee loyalty. And 22.2 % chose networking as the most effective content type for fostering that community.

So, whether you’re launching a trade show, summit, or an annual meeting, take it from Kara Dao and the Fuse community: network with intention, plan for interaction, and don’t leave connections to chance.