When it comes to networking at conferences, what if it’s actually the environment that does the heavy lifting?
Emi, our Head of Client Services and Partner here at Marble, on where the real value of conferences lies.
I’ve always been a little obsessed with this topic when we talk about conferences and networking with our clients. It began back in the day when we had the pleasure of producing the formidable Founders Forum events. In between the inspiring keynotes and thought-provoking panels, it dawned on me that business actually takes place in the liminal spaces surrounding these sessions. I experienced first hand the art and consideration that goes into bringing those spaces to life, and that the true magic of any conference or summit doesn’t just happen on the main stage; it sparks in the spaces in between.
I’m talking about those unscripted ‘water cooler’ moments: the unplanned chats by a coffee machine, the unexpected collision in the hallway, the one-to-one conversations that stick with you long after the slides are put away. This is where meaningful networking truly thrives.
In our increasingly multicultural and diverse professional world, we know that connection can’t be one-size-fits-all. Some guests crave energy; others need a moment to breathe. Our experience in designing networking environments has proved that success lies not in gimmicks, but in intentional, inclusive, and well-crafted spaces.
It’s not an either/or; it’s about designing for both the individual and the collective, recognising that effective networking takes many forms:
- For the Buzz Seekers: We need high-energy hubs where ideas move fast. Spaces made for spontaneity, group energy, and the kind of unexpected encounters that remind you just how brilliant this community is. Think high tables for standing and mingling, and food stations designed to gather around, not queue behind. With the fabulous HAYFIN for example, their prestigious event aimed to bring investors together, invigorate the advisory board, and celebrate the firm’s achievements over the past year. It was a balance of combining elegance, insight, and connection. Kicking off with dining at Spring Restaurant in Somerset House for a welcome dinner, the setting offered a perfect balance of sophistication and intimacy. Guests enjoyed a bespoke dining experience accompanied by live music from S.O.L., an instrumental trio influenced by Latin American, Blues, Soul, and Hip-Hop genres. And that was just day 1.
- For the Deep Connectors: With the pace of a major event, it’s equally important to carve out calm. We must cater to those who value a chance to step back, recharge, and re-engage on their own terms. This means building in quiet lounges or cosy corners – soft landings for deeper, one-to-one discussions.
- For TAYLOR WESSING, we brought together 400 of their global partners for a carefully curated offbeat tour of Amsterdam. Enabling attendees to encounter new perspectives, these moments in between the conference created the space for barriers to break down, for people to break bread, listen to music, watch football and for human connection to truly unfold beyond the transaction.
The best networking doesn’t feel forced. It happens naturally when the space does the hard work. When the vibe is right, connection flows without effort.
We achieve this by focusing on catalysts for genuine interaction:
- Low-Stakes Icebreakers: I know it might sound gimmicky but take out tech and go back to basics. Simple games like Jenga, Chess, or Backgammon offer an immediate, non-work topic to connect over, fostering high-reward camaraderie.
- Deep Conversation & Reflection: Spaces with soft seating clusters and quiet corners that breathe provide a private, comfortable environment to step back and truly connect, enabling those crucial, deeper chats.
- Physical and Mental Reset: Introducing elements like indoor nature (plants, wood), ‘Tech-Off’ zones (books, newspapers), and built-in pause moments allows attendees to recharge and re-engage on their own terms. This makes the event feel welcoming and inclusive for all.
By prioritizing these well-crafted spaces, we stop chasing forced introductions and instead foster human connection on a fundamental level. Because ultimately, the most valuable moments are the ones you didn’t script but will never forget.