Networks are facilitated by the power of internet. Organizations must craft an online presence that takes advantage of these trends. At the same time, organizations cannot operate solely online. In our new wired space, face-to-face interactions are even more important.

Events are part of a broader network-building strategy, enabling strengthening of basic network characteristics like social ties, mission, vision, communications, resources, leadership and feedback. Some of our favorite tips on building some of the most important network characteristics through events:

Communications

Events are excellent opportunities to build traffic and traction around a communications tool. For example, use a listserv to not only circulate information but build conversation around meeting topics.    

Action: Circulate agenda for suggestions and contributions. Capture suggestions in a Google Document for additional editing.  

Gather contact information – for example Skype IDs, Del.icio.us account names, etc. Circulate this information before the end of the event, and make it easily available afterwards.    

Action: Compile and circulate contact information for all relevant web tools. Capture it online after the event.  

Social Ties

Face-to-face meetings are excellent opportunities to build social ties. Be sure to schedule in social time, whether its long lunches, happy hours, icebreaker games, field trips or other social opportunities. Consider offering bios and pictures of other attendees.      - Happy hours, breakfasts, non-working lunches, icebreaker games, lots of breaks.
Action: Disable wireless in your meeting center, to discourage people from running to check email during breaks.

Use events to strategically build ties between particular audiences. This is particularly important if specific groups within your network are not connected. Consider orchestrating seating arrangements at events or meals, or breaking people into small groups for various exercises.    
Action: Orchestrate small groups and seating charts to bring key people together, if necessary.

Share resources 

Use events to map and display information that’s valuable to the network, for example through community or resource maps, surveys, etc. This requires knowing what information your network trades in. Does your network trade in event information, job listings, insider scoop, campaign support, etc.? Use events as opportunities to both gather and offer this information.    
Action: Resource mapping during the event, short written surveys for people to complete and return.

Also circulate and promote resources the network has to offer. Consider having staff pull together lists of various resources during the meeting and provide to participants before they leave.    
Action: Expose resources, skills, talents and needs through mapping, introductions and icebreakers. Make time for people to connect and plan future work.

Find more tips and tricks at www.advocacy2.org