How to organise a networking event or a business breakfast

A networking event has a single goal: that people talk and leave with useful contacts. It sounds simple, but a poor space, music that is too loud or a rigid format is enough for everyone to end up talking to the people they already knew. The good news is that almost everything that makes people connect can be designed.

This guide covers the formats that work best, how to prepare the space, which icebreakers to use, when to schedule it and how to organise a business breakfast, one of the most effective networking formats.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• Choose the format for the goal: breakfast talk, afterwork, industry day or meeting with a speaker.
• Design the space for movement: high tables, few fixed seats and drinks spread out.
• Put names on show: badges with name, company and, if it fits, a conversation topic.
• Background music, not a nightclub: if people have to shout, nobody talks.
• Hosts who introduce people: someone from the organisers connecting guests with each other.

Networking formats that work

• Breakfast talk: a speaker, a 20 to 30-minute talk and conversation over coffee. Ideal for associations and professional networks.
• Networking afterwork: after work, with drinks and something to nibble. The most relaxed format.
• Industry day: talks or panels with long breaks designed for meeting people.
• Themed tables: each table covers a topic and attendees rotate every 20 minutes.
• Speed networking: short, timed one-to-one meetings. Useful when attendees do not know each other.

How to prepare the space so people talk

• High tables and few seats: standing, people move around; seated, they stay with whoever is next to them. Keep some chairs for those who need them.
• Drinks spread out: several food and drink stations instead of one, so people circulate.
• Areas with a different pace: a livelier one and a quieter one for longer conversations.
• A space that fits the group: too large and people scatter; too small and it feels cramped.
• Natural or warm light: it lifts the mood of any meeting, especially in the morning.

Icebreakers

• Badges that start conversations: name, company and a question or interest.
• Introductions by the hosts: they introduce attendees who should meet.
• A question at the start: the speaker or host suggests a topic for the coffee chat.
• Rotations at tables or sessions so nobody stays in the same group all along.
• Follow-up afterwards: share the list of attendees who agree to it, or a group to stay in touch.

How to organise a business breakfast

The business breakfast or breakfast talk is one of the most effective networking formats because it fits into the working day: it starts early and ends before mid-morning. A typical schedule:

• 08:30 · Arrival, accreditation and coffee.
• 09:00 · Welcome and talk, 20-30 minutes.
• 09:30 · Questions from the audience.
• 09:45 · Networking over breakfast.
• 10:30 · Close.

For catering, well-served coffee and tea, juices, small pastries and something savoury, easy to eat standing up. And a space with natural light: a breakfast on a terrace with views is memorable.

When to schedule it

• In the morning, from 8:30 to 10:30: breakfasts and professional meetings. People arrive with energy and are back at the office before 11.
• Late afternoon, from 18:00 to 21:00: networking afterworks, more relaxed.
• Avoid the early afternoon and Friday afternoons.

Common mistakes

• Too many chairs and fixed tables. People sit down and stop moving.
• Loud music or poor acoustics. If people struggle to hear, conversation stops.
• A speaker who runs over. It cuts networking time, which is what people came for.
• Illegible badges or badges without the company name.
• A single bar with queues instead of conversation.

Networking events at Palau Alameda

Palau Alameda, on Paseo de la Alameda, has spaces for every format:

• Àtic: a panoramic restaurant with a terrace for breakfasts, afterworks and cocktails, for up to 550 people standing.
• La Gran Sala: industry days with a stage and audiovisual equipment followed by networking, for up to 800 people.
• Azza: private afterworks and afternoon or evening meetings, for up to 500 people.

The team handles catering, accreditation, technical kit and staff. Events held here include the breakfasts of EVAP, the Valencia association of businesswomen and professionals, at Àtic, IVEFA's welcome and networking day for new members and the Chamber of Commerce Club's networking days. More information on our private events page.

If you are preparing a bigger event, here is how to organise a conference or convention.

Frequently asked questions

How do you organise a networking event?

Choose a format for the goal and a space that lets people move, with high tables and several bars, badges with name and company, background music, an icebreaker and hosts who introduce attendees to each other.

What is a business breakfast or breakfast talk?

An early-morning meeting with a speaker, a short talk and networking over breakfast. It usually starts around 8:30 and ends before 11.

How long should a networking event last?

A breakfast, about two hours; an afterwork, two to three. What matters is that networking takes up at least half the time.

Which networking icebreakers work?

Badges with a conversation topic, introductions by the hosts, themed tables with rotations and, when people do not know each other, speed networking.

What should the space for a networking event be like?

High tables and few fixed seats, several food and drink stations, good acoustics, pleasant lighting and a size that fits the group.

What is served at a business breakfast?

Coffee and tea, juices, small pastries and something savoury, easy to eat standing up so attendees can move around and talk.