Impromptu Networking: Connect by rapidly exchanging expectations and challenges

The “Impromptu Networking “ structure is a dynamic and engaging activity that encourages rapid networking and discussion around participants” challenges and expectations. In just a few minutes, it encourages interaction and creates an atmosphere conducive to exchange. This article explores the process, the benefits and the best practices for running this activity.

Objective of the activity

Impromptu Networking aims to foster instant connections between participants by allowing them to express their challenges and expectations. It encourages active listening, quick thinking and openness to new perspectives. It’s ideal when facilitating meetings between strangers or colleagues from different departments. The surprise effect and randomness are at the heart of this method, allowing all participants to be placed on an equal footing, whatever their status in the company.

Benefits

For the facilitator:

• Stimulates active and balanced participation.
• Promotes a fluid and engaging group dynamic.
• Helps to quickly identify participants’ expectations and issues.

For the participant:

• Encourages openness and rapid contact.
• Provides a structured framework for discussing challenges and expectations.
• Encourages authentic and enriching connections.
• Allows them to contextualise their commitment to a project or training course.

The concept of structure

The activity is based on a rapid format of successive rounds of discussion. Participants introduce themselves in turn and share their challenges and expectations, changing pairs at regular intervals. The activity concludes with a pooling of key ideas.

How does it work?

Total duration: 20 minutes

1. Presentation of the activity (5 min)
   • The facilitator explains the objective and asks targeted questions:
     • What challenge do you want to take up next in your job?
     • Why did you choose this training course? What impact do you expect it to have?
   • Participants reflect individually for 1 minute.
2. Small group meetings (12 min)
   • Participants are divided into pairs.
   • Each participant has 2 minutes to speak.
   • Rotation after each round: one participant moves to another table, one stays and is joined by a new participant.
   • Three rounds are completed.
3. Closure in plenary (3 min)
   • Collective feedback on the most inspiring ideas and expectations.

Examples of use

In companies

During a project kick-off, this activity enables employees to express their challenges and start with clear expectations. It helps them to better understand each other’s objectives and to lay the foundations for effective collaboration.

In training

In a workshop or seminar, this activity breaks the ice and encourages an open learning climate. Participants identify their needs and find relevant exchange partners.

At an event

At a trade show or conference, Impromptu Networking promotes effective and structured networking. It helps participants connect around relevant topics and maximise their meeting time.

Glowbl, the ideal platform for this activity

Glowbl offers an immersive virtual environment, ideal for Impromptu Networking, with key features:

• Interactive spaces: Participants move around freely to meet new people.
• Real-time collaboration: Ideas are shared and collaborative notes are used to structure discussions.
• Enhanced engagement: Interactive features such as polls and instant feedback.
• Accessibility: A fluid solution for effective remote meetings.

Sign up for our Methods Academy sessions to experience activities on Glowbl.

Conclusion

The Impromptu Networking is a simple, quick and effective activity for energising a group, stimulating exchanges and creating instant connections. It gets everyone involved, includes the shy ones and highlights individual contributions. Whether you use it for business, training or events, it guarantees rich and engaging interactions.

“