NETWORKING FOR THE INTROVERT OR SHY PARTICIPANT: EASY DOES IT.

By Sanne Jolles

In the last 18 months, the world of trade fairs, congresses and other business events has been shaken to its foundations. Organisers, exhibitors, venues and other stakeholders had to reinvent themselves. This resulted in temporary or permanent new business models, different starting points and a flood of blog posts, white papers and articles discussing tips and tricks to do things differently.

We quickly became accustomed to terms such as hybrid

, went all in on the "pivot" or the changeover, talked about the importance of data and looked at our target groups from a new angle. How could we continue to fascinate and facilitate them? And that's where something remarkable happened: in addition to the usual segmentations, attention was paid to visitors who had previously been underexposed: the introverted visitor and the shy visitor. Visitors who, it was soon said, would benefit the most from all online events and communities. Because the visitor who needed time for himself and did not want too many distractions was now suddenly given all the peace and quiet he needed. And someone who finds it difficult to participate in network meetings, did not have to worry about that now. Concealed behind the laptop, attending online events and gaining knowledge, without worrying about all those necessary conversations with extrovert and confident industry colleagues, or waiting with clammy hands for your turn during the introduction round. But is that really the case? If you look at it that way, of course it is. Introverts are quiet and thoughtful and get energy from being alone, whereas extroverts get energy from spontaneous conversations in company and are more focused on their surroundings. And for someone who is shy,

working, not the net. We do it, networking is really about but it takes a lot of energy.

Let's just sit back and follow sessions and take notes

. So online events and the online part of a hybrid meeting for the introverts from now on? I don't think so. But it is wise to check if you as an organiser offer enough options for all participants: facilitating a personal customer journey, also for the introvert and shy visitor. As an expert by experience (and a researcher in the meetings industry) I would like to share my observations on participation and networking during online and physical events. What works and what doesn't? For all stakeholders, the online communities and participant overviews are perfect. You can see well in advance who is participating. This makes it easy to see who you would like to contact, to think about the added value and to send out your message. Making contact in peace. Delightful! But also things like a chat during an online session are ideal.

After all, establishing contact starts with an initial comment

. Easy to participate in, low-threshold and immediately a nice overview of reactions and questions: so you can easily see what is going on and what you can add. Or not. Also nice are all the meetings in which talking and asking questions is flexible: for example, by raising your hand. This way, you can calmly get an idea of a conversation or discussion and make a well-considered contribution. Written down on a piece of paper, if necessary.

What does not work: all forms of networking where you are immediately thrown in at the deep end. So immediately shoved at a virtual table, or speaking for three minutes with someone who fits your profile but you probably don't know, or a networking carousel. Preferably first in the waiting room, so that you can see where you end up. Easy does it. And that was an eye opener- for me: precisely all networking opportunities that most resemble a physical meeting are enjoyable. Because in a room, you also look at the setting before you decide whether you want to join a conversation or not. Oh yes, for me an online event is all about the content and speakers: what can I learn and who else is there. So hosts who sit alone in their room and shout that they are having a great time and that it is a real party...well, I don't need that. But: if this is how you want to keep the extrovert community in the loop, be my guest. I will wait for the next session. It was an eye opener- for me: all online networking possibilities that most resemble a physical meeting are particularly pleasant. Because in a room, you look at the setting before you decide whether to join a conversation or not. So how do you make introverts and shy participants feel at home at your physical event?

Physical: keep it small for big results

Make sure there are enough spaces and moments in the planning where your visitor can withdraw for a while. By the way, you will be doing all types of visitors a favour: doing some work during a lost half hour, contacting home or dealing with something else privately is a plus for all visitors. For the introvert, it means at least sorting out his thoughts and gaining energy for the next session, being able to withdraw for a while. A shy visitor will also use the rest areas as an escape; a place where you don't have to make contact and where you can quietly recharge your batteries for the next conversation. A must-have for all participants. Think of living rooms, hotel lobbies, chair/plug /socket screen lamp/plant... a "home away from home" . For networking moments: make sure you have ways for all participants to easily facilitate that meeting. For example, instead of name badges, let your participants pin pictures that have something to do with someone's field of interest: car, apple, bicycle, binoculars.... a nice way to have a first sentence towards the other person and start the conversation. Or think of "conversation pieces" that can provide an

icebreaker for a conversation. Art in the room,

for example, a small exhibition. Start a conversation about the new and unique objects you see. Alternatively, place idea walls where participants can post their responses to a specific statement. These can be about the industry, but also about general subjects. Keep it light-hearted and approachable. Such mini-breakouts instantly break down one large event into smaller settings: ideal for people who do not feel comfortable in a large group. Every event, whether online, physical or in a hybrid combination, is especially successful when all visitors feel at home and there is an optimal climate to meet and learn from each other, in whatever form. I myself am looking forward to being able to do this again, especially in person,

at a physical event. A bit exciting, but full of confidence.

See you there!