How to Arrange a Networking Event in New York City, New York

Cocktail parties are common activities for networking events.

Whether you are part of a young professional organization, you work for an elected official, or you want people to network with each other, host a networking event in the city. It is a convenient way for target audiences to come together and get to know each other. You have numerous options for venues across New York City. Many networking events are held in the borough of Manhattan, due to its central location in the city and because many people commute to Manhattan for work.

Instructions

1. Think of the target audience for your networking event. Your target audience will dictate the venue at which your networking event will be held. For example, if you are hosting a networking event for people associated with an elected official, cocktail parties are common locations to host such an event.

2. Decide a central activity that will anchor your event. You can host a cocktail party, a meet and greet, a book signing, a lecture or similar activity. Each of these events lends itself to allowing people to network with each other.

3. Locate and reserve a venue for your networking event. Numerous bars and lounges exist throughout New York City. Many networking events are held in the borough of Manhattan, due to its proximity to many New Yorkers' work places. However, hold your networking event in another borough, if many of your audience work or live in that borough. Other boroughs include Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Staten Island. Call different bars, lounges and hotels to find out the price for reserving space for the networking event. Be prepared to pay for the reservation, if required. If you are reserving on behalf of a business, get permission from company leadership to pay the venue for the space.

4. Negotiate details with the venue. For example, you may want an open bar, a cash bar, and food to be served at your networking event. The venue will also need to know approximately how many people to expect. With an estimate, the venue will recommend the best space available, considering how early you make the reservation.

5. Invite your target audience to the event. For example, if you work for an elected official, send an email blast from your office, using the official's mass mailing system. If you are having a networking event for a smaller group, such as students at a college campus, get permission from the campus activities office to post informational fliers about the event on bulletin boards on campus. Use social networking tools, such as Facebook Events, to invite people to the event.

References

• Facebook: How Do I Create an Event?
• Nails Mag: How to Host a Successful Networking Event
• CVTips: Host a Networking Event - 5 Tips

Resources

• Village Voice: Bars/Clubs Directory
• Joonbug.com: New York Bars
• Hotel Pennsylvania: Meetings & Events
• Hilton New York: Groups & Meetings
• Sofitel New York: Meetings and events