How to run a business networking event

Pick a regular slot and a room people can find, keep the format simple (arrive, a short welcome, time to talk, a clear end), take bookings with a set number of places, and have someone at the door to say hello and introduce people. Thank them with the next date the day after.

Reviewed 12 November 2026. A 6 minute read.

People talking round a meeting table
Photo: Andreea Avramescu, Unsplash

The slot and the room

The same day each month lets people plan. Choose a room near parking or a station, with space to stand and a door you can find.

The format

Arrive and talk, a short welcome, perhaps one short talk, then more time to talk. Say the end time and keep it.

Bookings

A set number of places tells you how many are coming. A waiting list fills the gaps people leave.

The door

Someone to greet people, tick them off and introduce first-timers to one person they should meet.

After

A short thank-you the next day with the next date. Note who came back.

Before the doors open

: it fits on one page.

General information as at 12 November 2026. It needs review before you rely on it, and it is not legal, tax or financial advice; ask a professional about your own situation.

Goes with it

Run of show template

A running order for a business breakfast, minute by minute, with who does what. Change the times and names to yours, then print it or copy it into a spreadsheet.

Get the template

Run it on your own platform

Get your own platform