Under the present conditions in which most corporate events transpire online, it is essential to strike fluid human connection between real-time attendees.
For events to be truly great in this day and age of social networking, it is essential to strike a gathering in which attendees feel entirely comfortable participating in a networking event.
A group of MBA students had observed that about 95 percent of participants in events spend most of their time with people they already know. Although they know they need to make new contacts, human nature makes them approach only those whom they feel the least intimidating
Startup events should recognize this so they can make attendees feel comfortable to engage into discussions with as many people as they can, including with keynote speakers and other distinguished guests. While impressive guests can inspire, their stature can also intimidate. Creating a condition in which everyone will feel equal in terms of asking and proposing ideas, should therefore be explored.
Suggestions on How to Improve Human Connections in Startup Events
The most plausible suggestion is by not putting VIPs on a pedestal. Corporate leaders and other high profile guests should be made fully aware that they are attending an event where attendees are seeking ideas. That way, they will be able to set aside time that would allow them to interact with event attendees.
Junior employees should be given the opportunity to speak to CEOs as if in a roundtable discussion handled by a moderator. Where a politician is involved, fostering human connections should be by a 2-way Question and Answer format. Founders of successful companies, on the other hand, should know beforehand that while some may want to have insights about the founder’s innovations, some will also field questions about funding and of the company’s employment practices including controversial issues, if there are any.
Inasmuch as global economies are currently treading uncharted waters, introducing a level playing field for startup events will allow participants to find not only connections but also have a greater understanding of what startup businesses need in order to thrive and prosper.