It’s a common sight at many professional conferences: a sea of people avoiding awkward small talk with their fellow attendees by staring at the phones. While that email might be quite important, and they may be curious about what is happening in the world news, it’s no secret that their time would probably be better spent getting to know the people around them.
Key Takeaways: Encouraging interaction at conferences is easier when you provide the right tools and settings that help people naturally connect.
- Colour-coded wristbands: Different colours help identify roles and encourage conversation.
- Clear lanyards: Visible names and company details make introductions smoother.
- Interactive formats: Breakout groups, networking hubs and buffet layouts prompt people to mingle.
- Connection tools: Attendee lists or optional event apps make it easier for delegates to find relevant contacts.
If you’re concerned about this happening at your next business conference, you will have to take a proactive approach to ensure everyone has a positive experience and can come away from the event having made some valuable new connections.
Colour coding is essential
The biggest barrier to meeting new people is not knowing who to approach. By giving your speakers, delegates and staff different coloured Tyvek wristbands, you can not only keep track of the numbers at your event but also help them to connect with other people. Speakers might find it valuable to know who else is speaking on their panel, or delegates might find it easier to track down the speaker after a keynote if they are wearing a specific wristband.
Lanyards as ice breakers
If your delegates are wearing lanyards that clearly display their name and the company they work for, it will make them much more approachable to fellow conference attendees. Some people will have particular people they wish to speak to, so having everyone wearing lanyards will make life easier and encourage mingling. It also prevents any potentially awkward situations when trying to remember a lot of new names at once.
- Role-based wristbands break the ice effortlessly.
- Name-printed lanyards help attendees feel approachable.
- Breakout sessions and informal lounges promote relaxed interaction.
- Providing attendee lists or apps helps delegates find relevant contacts.
Mix up the events
Although your keynote lectures and roundtables are important, you should also schedule breakout events such as and masterclasses. These smaller events will give people an opportunity to speak to each other and contribute to the discussion. If you’re providing food, it should always be in a buffet format to ensure people have a chance to chat in an informal setting. And finally, there should be a central hub where people can congregate between events, this will prevent people from disappearing off site between events.
Provide attendees list
Make it easier for people to identify who they need to meet during the conference by making the attendee list available to download on the day. This is the easiest way to make sure there is plenty of mingling going on on the conference floor. A popular alternative is to create a mobile app which contains all relevant information, and a list of the attendees which is only available for the duration of the conference. While some people might not mind their contact details being made available in this way, it is safer and advisable to do this on an opt-in basis to protect everyone’s privacy.
Make Networking Easy at Your Next Conference
Custom wristbands and lanyards help guests feel included, connected and confident to start conversations.
