How to Organize a Professional Mix and Match Event

Professional mix and match events are often used in industries or fields that thrive at the height of innovation like early-stage startups, creative hubs, or technology companies. These industries and fields require collaboration to innovate and push boundaries which is why mix and match events are so important. By creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, mix and match networking events can help break down barriers, facilitate new connections, and spark new ideas and exciting opportunities for participants.

In this article, we’ll define professional mix and match networking events, outline what makes mix and match events different from traditional networking events and teach you how to organize a successful professional mix and match networking event.

What is a mix and match networking event?

A mix and match networking event is a type of gathering that brings together a group of participants that are encouraged to mix and match different elements to facilitate new connections and explore business opportunities. Ultimately, the goal of a mix and match networking event is to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere that encourages participants to connect with each other in new and innovative ways. Often used by early-stage startups or corporations that are looking to network or think outside the box, mix and match events are excellent for making new connections that can help you take your business to the next level. These events encourage creativity, collaboration, and experimentation while posing an excellent opportunity to bring professionals together in a fun and innovative way that fosters community.  

How are professional mix and match events different from traditional networking events?

Unlike traditional networking events that may be incredibly structured with a set list of activities, mix and match networking is typically more relaxed and informal. Participants may be given a list or prompts or inspiration that can be used to network and connect however there will not be structured activities or conversations. Participants will engage and interact naturally and exchange or “mix and match” business cards, or personal information to form connections.

For example, a mix and match event could involve a “mix and match” activity where participants are encouraged to write down their personal characteristics or interests and are asked to connect with others that have similar answers. Alternatively, a mix and match event could involve a “speed networking” session where participants are paired with different partners for a short period of time where they are encouraged to get to know one another and exchange information. What’s most important is creating an environment that makes participants feel comfortable enough to form genuine human-to-human connections.  

What are mix and match events used for?

A mix and match event can be used for a variety of purposes depending on your indented outcome. Depending on the context and your objective, you could use a mix and match event to strengthen relationships among your team members, network and make professional connections, to socialize, or promote your business.

1. Team Building

Mix and match events pose a great opportunity to strengthen working relationships with your peers. These events can be used to help build stronger, more cohesive teams by mixing and matching team members with different skill sets to solve a problem or complete a task. This experience can be gamified by pinning different groups against each other, timing the activity, and rewarding the team that completes the task or solves the problem first!

2. Networking

Mix and match events are excellent for facilitating networking opportunities. By encouraging participants to mix and match different elements like business cards or personal characteristics, participants are able to break down barriers and find commonalities among their peers, helping to facilitate new relationships and opportunities.

3. Social Opportunities

Mix and match events can be used as fun and interactive social events that help build and strengthen working relationships like potlucks, or birthday celebrations. For example, a potluck dinner where participants mix and match foods from different cultures and backgrounds can be a great way to get to know one another beyond work, helping to forge and explore new connections and commonalities.

4. Promotional opportunities

Did you know that mix and match events can be used as a promotional or marketing tool to encourage participants to try new products or services? For example, participants may have the opportunity to exchange information with other participants that are interested in their products or services. Not only do these events help build connections, but they also open up the door to new business opportunities.

How to organize a mix and match event

Organizing a professional mix and match event involves careful planning and execution to ensure a successful outcome for all participants. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you have what you need to host a successful professional mix and match event:

1. Define Your Goals and Objectives

Before you can host a successful mix and match event, you must determine the purpose of your event, outline your intended outcome, and nail down your target audience. Getting clear on your goals and objectives upfront will help you run a successful event from start to finish.

2. Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme for your event will help you tie your whole event together while providing a framework for both you and your participants. Your theme will help guide you with your planning efforts, while providing participants with the information necessary to prepare for the event. It’s important to get creative with your theme! Remember, your theme can pertain to your industry, a particular skill set, or something completely random!

3. Choose your platform

When choosing a platform to host your professional mix and match event, it’s important to be mindful of which features are most important to you. You will want to make sure that the platform you choose is capable of supporting your audience while empowering them to converse and connect in a natural setting.

4. Plan Activities

If you wish to host an engaging event, it's important to implement a variety of activities. You can choose whichever activities you think will best suit your audience while encouraging them to mix and match different elements including but not limited to team challenges, skill-building workshops, or networking opportunities.

5. Promote the Event

If you plan on hosting a professional mix and match event outside of your immediate circle, you will want to create a comprehensive marketing plan that helps you get your event in front of your intended audience. Creating social media channels and a landing page where potential participants can learn more about your event and sign-up is a must.

6. Execute the Event

Now that you have gotten all of the preliminary work out of the way, it’s time to execute the event. As the event facilitator, it’s important to act as the event host or assign a host that can welcome attendees and ensure the event runs smoothly from start to finish. It’s important that the host provides clear instructions to event participants, manages all logistics pertaining to the event of the day of, and remains available to answer any questions or troubleshoot as issues arise.

7. Follow Up

It’s important to note that your duties rent over after your professional mix and match event has ended. It’s important that you take the time to follow up with attendees and learn about their experiences. This can be done by sending out a post event survey or email that encourages attendees to provide their feedback. Doing so will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights that can be used to shape future events.

Host your mix and match event with Remo: the premiere virtual events platform

Remo is a virtual events platform that allows users to host and participate in online events such as conferences, meetings, networking events, and so much more. Designed to provide users with a more interactive and engaging virtual experience than traditional conferencing platforms, Remo provides you with all of the unique features and functions you need to create an online environment that fosters genuine human-to-human connections.

In addition to interactive features like virtual tables, real-time chat, and customizable avatars, Remo also includes tools for event organizers to manage and customize their events. For the first time event, you can completely customize your professional mix and match event with the ability to create custom event pages, manage tickets and registration, and track analytics and metrics that are related to your event all in one easy to use platform. Interested in hosting your mix and match event on Remo? Get started with your  FREE TRIAL today or click here to learn more about how Remo can help you create the best possible experience for your guests.