How to: still make the most of an opportunity when a Networking Event gets Cancelled.

Due to government guidance and social distancing, key networking events are being cancelled. From Conferences and Trade Shows to small informal networking events. Some of these events are being completely cancelled, while others are being postponed until the Autumn or are moving online.

So what can you do to still make of these missed opportunities?

01. Meet at an Online / Virtual Events

If the events are moving online and still going ahead you should still be able to make the most of the event, by networking with others before, during and after the event, much like you would at an in-person event. Reach out on LinkedIn, use chat features if available and/or social media and follow-up after the event.

02. Reach out

If the event is cancelled completely, reach out to the other attendees (if you knew who was attending) or potential attendees who were likely to have been attending. Drop them a note, an email or telephone call and say “Sorry I didn’t get to see you…” and then find out what is going on with them.

03. Catch up via video

Even if you can’t physically be with someone at an event, you should still try and get in some face time with them. Use video conferencing to catch up with them. Why? Because a video call can have a much more powerful impact when it comes to building relationships.

04. Reschedule

While you should try and keep in contact between events, you should also aim to reschedule the event or catch up where possible and get something in the diary. If rescheduling is unlikely to be an option then focus on finding alternative opportunities to meet the same business/networking goals.

Further Reading:

• Building Pre-Conference Relationships
• How to: Use Social Media to Network at a Live Event
• Quick Tip: Take Virtual Coffee Breaks with your team