40+ Virtual Speed Networking Questions to Make Your Event Truly Fantabulous!

Ever been to a networking event? The buzz in the air feels like electricity—people mingling, ideas sparking, and connections forming in every corner. It's like stepping into a vibrant maze, each conversation a new path to explore. Networking events, whether in-person or virtual, are a playground for meeting fresh faces, discovering industry insights, and sharing ideas. But, what's better than a general business networking event? A networking event with a speed networking session! Imagine it as a turbo-charged carousel of connections—quick, engaging interactions that turn small talk into real sparks.

Planning a networking event and need fresh, engaging speed networking questions? We've got just the inspiration you’re looking for—read on to make every connection count! If you're looking to pair these ideas with a competent and creative platform, may we recommend Remo, with its immersive virtual networking platform and innovative networking features designed to make your event unforgettable.

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Types of Speed Networking Questions

Speed networking doesn’t have to be limited to just one type of question. In fact, different questions can serve different purposes, adding variety and depth to the conversation. For example, if you’re looking to break the ice and ease everyone in, your questions will focus on getting to know each other. On the other hand, if the aim is to uncover shared professional interests or potential collaborations, the questions will lean more towards expertise and career goals. 

Before we go any further, if this is your first virtual speed networking event, you may find our comprehensive guide on how to organize a virtual speed networking event helpful to get you started.

Now, let’s dive into some question categories to help you spark impactful connections in every session.

40+ Speed Networking Questions for Your Next Event

Category 1: Icebreaker Questions

Ever been to a mixer or a welcome party? That initial awkwardness is something we all know too well—sweaty palms, quick glances, and, if you're like me, a backup book (thanks, Rory!) in case the conversation fizzles. To ease into things, icebreaker questions are our saving grace. These aren’t just basic chit-chat—they’re conversation starters that bring people out of their shells and into the moment. Ready to get the ball rolling? Here are some sample questions to break the ice and spark genuine connections:

• "What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?"
• "If you could instantly acquire any superpower, what would it be and why?"
• "What’s your favorite way to start your day? Tea or Coffee?”
• "If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to dinner, who would you choose?"
• "What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?"
• "If you could describe your life as a movie genre, what would it be?"

Need more inspiration? Don’t worry—we’ve got a tool just for that. Remo’s AI Icebreaker Question Generator helps you create fun, creative questions to keep awkward silences at bay and conversations flowing (best of all, it's free to use!). 

Category 2: Professional Background Questions

How does one subtly tap into someone’s expertise? You meet someone at a networking event, and they seem like a potential great connection. As you chat, you're curious about their professional experience, industry knowledge, and expertise. But there’s a challenge—you’re at a speed networking event, so time is limited! No need to worry; we’ve got the perfect set of questions to help you steer the conversation in that direction.

• "What was the turning point in your career that made you choose this path?"
• "What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve had to use in your current role?"
• "If you could switch industries for a day, where would you go?"
• "Who’s someone in your field that you admire, and why?"
• "What’s a lesson you’ve learned in your job that school never taught you?"
• "What’s the weirdest project you’ve worked on that turned out surprisingly well?"
  

Category 3: Skill and Interest Questions

To truly connect with someone, finding common ground is key. Whether it’s a shared love for books, a passion for travel, or working in the same industry, having common interests or skills can strengthen your bond. Not sure how to ask the right questions to see if you’ll click? Here are some sample questions to help you find that connection!

• "What skill do you think will be most valuable in the next 10 years?"
• "If you could be an expert in any unusual skill, what would you choose?"
• "What’s a skill you have that most people don’t know about?"
• "What’s one thing you’d like to learn but haven’t had the chance to yet?"
• "What topic would you love to give a TED Talk on?"
• "What hobby do you wish you could turn into a full-time job?"

Shared interests or goals are often the best marker of a solid connection. But, finding people who share the same interests as you can be difficult, especially at a networking event with over 50 people. That’s where Remo’s new Networking Recommendations feature comes in. With this tool, attendees get a personalized list of people they should meet, along with their common interests (in the form of customized talking points). It’s a great way to boost the number of connections made, while saving time and avoiding those awkward conversations!

Maximize Event Impact

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Boost engagement by 3.2x

Attendee data and analysis at your fingertips

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Category 4: Goal-Oriented Questions

Just as you’d look for shared goals with a partner, it’s natural to seek out people in your professional and personal network who align with your goals and values. When you meet someone who’s striving for similar achievements, it opens doors to collaboration, shared insights, and mutual support. Having similar goals often means you’re moving in the same direction, making it easier to connect on a deeper level. Here are some questions to help uncover those shared aspirations and values.

• "What’s the biggest career goal you’re working toward right now?"
• "If you could achieve one major milestone by the end of this year, what would it be?"
• "What’s a dream project you’d love to tackle someday?"
• "Who would be your ideal mentor, and what would you ask them?"
• "What’s something you’re looking forward to learning or achieving this year?"
• "If you could make one big change in your industry, what would it be?"

Category 5: Collaboration and Networking Questions

Imagine you're at a networking event, excited about a new project exploring K-pop’s growing influence in the Western world. You're looking to connect with people who not only share your passion but also have deep knowledge of the industry, trends, and its cultural impact. The goal is to identify potential collaborators or partners who could bring valuable insights and expertise to the table. While this is just an example, here are some questions you can use to steer the conversation and see if your goals align.

• "What’s one way you like to support people in your network?"
• "If you could collaborate with anyone in this room, what would you like to create together?"
• "If you could assemble your dream team for a project, who would be on it and what unique strengths would each person bring to the table?"
• "What qualities do you look for in an ideal collaborator?"
• "What’s one resource or tool you’d recommend to others in your field?"
• "Is there a project idea you’ve always wanted to start but haven’t yet?"

Category 6: Personal Development and Learning Questions

In this fast-paced world, where everything seems to come and go in a whirlwind, it's crucial to take a step back and focus on personal growth. Staying stagnant is no longer an option—learning and evolving are key to thriving in today’s competitive, and let's face it, brutal world. If you're curious about others' personal development journeys and want to discover the resources they rely on, these questions will help you gain valuable insights.

• "What’s a book or resource that has made the biggest impact on you recently?"
• "What’s a skill you’re most proud of having developed?"
• "If you could study a totally unrelated field, what would it be?"
• "What’s your favorite way to stay inspired and motivated?"
• "What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year?"
• "What’s a conference, course, or workshop you would recommend?"

Category 7: Fun or Lighthearted Questions

Networking events provide the perfect opportunity to break away from the usual routine and enjoy some light-hearted moments too. Engaging in casual, fun conversations not only helps relieve the pressure but also makes interactions more enjoyable. After all, a well-balanced conversation is essential to building meaningful connections, and a little humor can go a long way in creating a positive atmosphere. If you're unsure where to start, don’t worry—we’ve got some great ideas to get you going!

• "If you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose?"
• "What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?"
• "If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?"
• "What’s a hidden talent that always surprises people?"
• "What’s a song that gets you instantly in a good mood?"
• "If you could host a talk show, who would be your first guest?"

Tips for Effective Speed Networking

Now that you’ve got your speed networking questions ready, let’s share some insider tips on how to make the most of your time. Want to dive deeper? Check out our guide, “Speed Networking Ideas to Help You Make Meaningful Connections”. 

1. Prepare a Strong Elevator Pitch

First impressions are lasting impressions, especially in a fast-paced setting like speed networking. With limited time, it’s of immense importance to make your introduction count. Think about what you’re going to say before the event starts. Craft a brief but impactful intro that clearly explains who you are, what you do, and what you hope to achieve from this virtual speed networking event.

2. Be a Good Listener and Ask Questions

Sure, it’s important to share a bit about yourself, but don’t forget to ask questions and show real interest in the other person’s business or career too. It’s all about creating a two-way conversation and building a genuine connection. Open-ended questions are a great way to keep things flowing and have more meaningful exchanges.

3. Bring the Essentials

Always come prepared with your digital business card, a note-taking app, and any relevant documents or resources you might need. With Remo, you can view attendee profiles, and jotting down key details about each person you meet will help you remember them later, making your follow-ups more personal and meaningful.

Maximize Event Impact

Double registration & attendance

Boost engagement by 3.2x

Attendee data and analysis at your fingertips

Book Demo

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4. Be Yourself

Authenticity is key when building connections. Don’t try to be someone you’re not—people appreciate when you're genuine, and they’re more likely to connect with you if they feel you're being real.

5. Focus on Being a Resource

Instead of just thinking about what others can do for you, flip the script—think about how you can offer value to them. Helping others first builds trust and increases your chances of forming strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

6. Manage Your Time Wisely

With just 3-5 minutes per conversation, speed networking moves fast! Make sure to stay on track: introduce yourself, ask questions, and exchange contact info before moving on to the next person.

7. Follow Up Quickly

Don’t let the connections fade away! Follow up within 24-48 hours with a personalized message—reference something specific from your chat to jog their memory. And if it makes sense, suggest a coffee or another meeting to continue the conversation.

With these tips, you’re sure to make the most of your speed networking sessions or events.

Ready, Set & Start Networking!

Feeling more confident about attending a networking event? With these speed networking questions and tips, you’re sure to make a splash at your next event. If you’re thinking about planning a networking event and aren’t sure which platform to use, we highly recommend Remo! It’s a leading virtual networking platform packed with all the essentials to ensure your event’s success. Want to learn more? Schedule a demo with the Remo team and let them walk you through the key networking features and show you how Remo can help you maximize connections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Speed Networking

1. What is virtual speed networking?‍

Virtual speed networking is a structured event format that allows participants to meet a large number of people in a short time. Participants engage in brief, timed conversations to exchange information and explore potential connections.

2. How to run a virtual speed networking event?

To run a virtual speed networking event, set clear objectives, arrange participants in pairs, and schedule timed sessions for quick conversations. Provide icebreakers or prompts to help guide the discussions.

3. How long does a typical virtual speed networking session last?

Speed networking sessions typically last between 3 to 5 minutes per interaction. The total event duration depends on the number of participants, but most events last about 1 to 2 hours.