Zapped Logo

18 Best Networking Lunch Ideas And Tips For Your Event

Share
Tweet
LinkedIn
Networking Lunch Ideas

Don’t Get Left Behind!

Get a free Zapped Digital Business Card and upgrade to a Zapped NFC Card or Tag today.

Make networking and exchanging contact information a breeze.

Table of Contents

Hosting a networking lunch event can be a great way to bring together professionals in your field and build relationships. But, planning the event can be tricky.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of networking lunch ideas and tips. Whether you’re hosting a networking event or just looking for ways to make your next lunch meeting more productive, we’ve got you covered!

Ways to Improve Your Future Networking Events

Networking events are a great opportunity to connect with other professionals in your field and expand your professional network. However, if you’re new to networking or have had some negative experiences in the past, it can be easy to dread these types of events.

Luckily, you can do some simple things to make sure you have a positive experience and make the most of your networking opportunities.

Some networking event ideas for meaningful connections include:

1. Wow-Factor Venue

First of all, if you want people to talk about your networking event, you need to find a venue that will wow them. Look for an unusual or unique space that will make people take notice. A great venue can really make your event stand out and help attract attendees.

2. Hire Professional Staff

If you want your event to run smoothly, hiring professional staff is important. This includes everything from the catering staff to the Event Manager. Having a team of experienced professionals in running events will ensure that your event goes off without a hitch.

3. Give Out Swag

Everyone loves free stuff! Make sure to have plenty of swag on hand to give out at your networking event. Attendees will appreciate the freebies, and it’s a great way to promote your brand.

4. Have a Theme

Having a theme for your professional networking event can help to set it apart from the rest. A theme can add fun and make your event more memorable. Plus, it gives attendees something to talk about and look forward to.

5. Offer Unique Entertainment

To keep attendees engaged, you’ll need to offer some unique entertainment. This could be anything from live music to interactive games. The key is to have something that will appeal to a wide range of people and keep them entertained.

6. Create an Agenda

A plan is a must-have for any speed networking event. Having an agenda will help ensure that your event runs smoothly and that everyone knows what to expect. Plus, it will give attendees a way to follow along and stay on track

7. Promote Your Event

Make sure to promote your networking event ahead of time to attract and encourage attendees. There are several ways to promote an event, such as through social media, email marketing, or even flyers and posters. The more people you can reach, the better chance you get people to come to your event.

8. Offer Incentives

Incentives are a great way to get people to come to your networking event. Offer attendees something they want or need in exchange for coming to your event. This could be anything from discounts on products or services to freebies.

9. Have a Giveaway

Who doesn’t love a good giveaway? Having a giveaway at your networking event is a great way to attract attendees and promote your brand. Plus, it’s a fun way to get people engaged and excited about your event.

10. Make It Interactive

Make sure your networking event is interactive and engaging for attendees. This could include games, contests, or even just icebreaker activities. The more interactive your event is, the more likely people will enjoy themselves and want to come back for future events.

Networking Lunch

11. Keep It Short and Sweet

No one wants to be stuck at a long, drawn-out networking event. Keep your event short and sweet, so attendees don’t get bored or antsy. A good rule of thumb is to keep it to two hours or less.

12. Make It Exclusive

Make your professional networking events exclusive by invite-only or ticketed entry. This will make attendees feel special and more likely to come to your event. Plus, it helps to ensure that only serious and interested people are attending.

13. Offer VIP Treatment

Offer VIP treatment to some of your attendees for an extra special touch. This could include a private reception, VIP gifts, or early access to the event. VIP treatment is a great way to make attendees feel appreciated and valued. So, be sure to make it part of your event planning and group networking.

14. Have a Professional Photographer

Hiring a professional photographer is a great way to make your next networking event more memorable. Attendees will appreciate the photos, and it’s a great way to promote your event on social media or your website.

15. Photo Backdrop

People love to take photos, especially when they’re with friends or at an event. So, make sure to have a photo backdrop that attendees can use to snap some pictures. This is a great way to get people talking and also help promote your brand.

16. Social Media

Social media is a great way to connect with people before, during, and after the event. So, make sure to use social media to promote the next virtual networking event and provide updates throughout the day. You can also use social media to post photos and videos from the event.

17. Hashtag

Creating an event hashtag for the event is a great way to get people talking on social media. It’s also a great way to track all posts and conversations about the event. So, make sure to develop a catchy hashtag that attendees can use.

18. Follow Up After the Event

Make sure to follow up with attendees after your successful networking event. This is a great way to build relationships and keep the lines of communication open. Plus, it shows that you’re interested in continued business or interaction.

networking lunch ideas

Promote Your Event By Sharing Your Business Card

A business card is a physical embodiment of your brand that you can share with other professionals. You can use it to promote your upcoming networking events in various ways. For example, you can include the event’s date, time, and location on your business card. You can also include a brief description of the event on your card. This will help pique the interest of potential attendees and encourage them to visit your event page or website for more information.

Use Zapped To Create Your vCard For Event

Zapped is an online tool that allows you to create a digital version of your business card, called a vCard. You can use Zapped to create a vCard for any event, such as a conference, trade show, or networking event.

Creating a vCard with Zapped is quick and easy. It is a great way to ensure your contact information is always available. No more fumbling through your wallet or purse to find your business card. And no more worrying about losing your business cards.

Here’s how to create a vCard with Zapped:

1. Go to the Zapped website and create an account.

2. Enter your contact information, including your name, email address, phone number, and website URL.

3. Choose a template for your vCard. You can select from various templates, or you can create your own custom template.

4. Download your vCard to your computer or smartphone.

5. When you’re ready to share your vCard, send it to anyone by email, text message, or social media.

Creating a vCard with Zapped is the perfect way to ensure your contact information is always available. With Zapped, you can rest assured that your contacts are always just a share away.

FAQs

1. What Is A Networking Event Like?

A networking event is an opportunity to meet other professionals and learn about their businesses and career paths. There are usually refreshments and a casual atmosphere. Businessmen will have the chance to introduce the business, exchange business cards, and learn more about other businesses in the industry.

2. How Should I Dress For A Networking Event?

Most networking events are casual, so you should dress comfortably. However, you should still look professional and put together. Avoid wearing jeans or shorts, and opt for slacks or a skirt. If you are unsure of the dress code, it is always better to err on the side of caution and dress up rather than down.

3. What Are The Benefits Of Attending A Networking Event?

There are many benefits of attending a networking event. First, it is a great way to meet other professionals in your field and learn about their businesses. Also, you can exchange business cards and make valuable new connections. You may even find potential customers or clients at a networking event.

Visit Zapped.to for a free digital business card and Zapped.to/Shop to buy your NFC business cards.