Hello and welcome to The Well, Planwell’s weekly newsletter, read by event marketing professionals around the world. Planwell is an event marketing agency trusted by dozens of small-team marketers from the best B2B brands. Learn more at Planwellco.com.
What Successful Networking Looks Like in 2025
Gone are the days of awkward business card exchanges and stiff, forced conversations. Networking in 2025 is all about creating meaningful, organic connections that feel less like “networking” and more like genuine collaboration. So, how do you make it happen? By designing experiences that encourage interaction without the cringe factor.
Here are five tangible examples of how to foster successful networking at your events:
- Curated matchmaking: Pair attendees with similar goals or interests, making introductions feel purposeful and valuable. Think of it as a personalized networking concierge. Offer Braindate style or speed dating networking breaks.
- Interactive activities: Add a little fun! Think tanks, collaborative art projects, or team challenges give attendees something to bond over—and the conversations flow naturally.
- Networking lounges with conversation starters: Create cozy, informal spaces with prompts on coffee sleeves or table cards to help attendees break the ice without effort.
- Peer-led roundtables: Let attendees lead discussions on topics they’re passionate about. This gives them the chance to share expertise while sparking deeper conversations.
- On-the-spot LinkedIn stations: Have a LinkedIn expert on hand to help attendees polish their profiles, connect instantly, and even take new headshots.
Networking in 2025 isn’t about “working the room”; it’s about creating spaces where connections can happen naturally, comfortably, and meaningfully. When attendees walk away feeling like they’ve made a real connection, that’s when you’ve nailed it.
Venue Recs: Seattle 🌇
Planning a field marketing event in Seattle? Try these venues:
- The Pink Door: A quirky yet elegant Italian-American restaurant with cabaret-style entertainment.
- Canlis: Iconic fine dining with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Lake Union views.
- Westland Distillery: An intimate setting featuring craft whiskey tastings and distillery tours.
- The Collective: A modern, membership-style venue perfect for creative, upscale gatherings.
- El Gaucho: A classic steakhouse offering private dining and impeccable service.
Personalized seat drops to elevate your field marketing dinner
Seat drops are a simple yet impactful way to make attendees feel valued and create a lasting impression. A personalized touch at each seat can set the tone for your dinner and reinforce your brand’s thoughtfulness. Here are 10 branded items under $100 to consider for your next field marketing dinner:
- Personalized welcome note: A handwritten or branded card welcoming each guest and thanking them for attending.
- Relevant book: Choose a book tailored to your audience’s interests, like an industry bestseller or a leadership classic, with a branded bookmark included.
- Custom notebook and pen: High-quality, branded notebooks paired with sleek pens are practical and appreciated.
- Mini desk plant: A small succulent or air plant with a branded pot or tag adds a touch of greenery and life.
- Branded leather coaster set: Elegant and functional, these can be customized with your logo or a thoughtful quote.
- Portable phone charger: A compact power bank branded with your company’s logo, perfect for busy professionals.
- Luxury chocolate or treat box: A small selection of gourmet chocolates or snacks in packaging that matches the event theme.
- Customized wine opener: Pair this with the evening’s wine selection for a practical keepsake.
- Branded candle: Choose a candle with a subtle, soothing scent and a label customized with your event branding.
- Cord organizer: Compact and stylish, these are perfect for storing small items like charging cables during travel.
Personalized seat drops show your guests that you’ve gone the extra mile to make the experience special. Pair them with a thoughtful welcome and a well-planned evening, and your attendees will leave feeling appreciated and impressed.
Event Marketing Resources:
Leave the planning to Planwell
We know how time-consuming it is to thoughtfully plan and execute corporate events, especially with limited bandwidth, a rigorous calendar, and no new headcount on the horizon.
That’s why Planwell exists. Our team specializes in planning three types of B2B events: Trade Shows, Field Marketing Events, and Conferences & Summits. Learn more here.
