Speed Networking

How to Play

Setup

1. Define the session length and pacing. Plan for 15–30 minutes total with 6–10 rounds. Each round runs 2–3 minutes, plus 20–30 seconds to switch partners.
2. Arrange the room so participants face a partner: two concentric circles of chairs, two long rows of chairs, or small cocktail tables in two lines. Mark sides as A (stationary) and B (rotating), and choose a clear rotation direction.
3. Prepare materials: a visible timer or bell, a list of prompts (projected or printed), name badges, and optional note cards or a QR code for follow-up.
4. Assign positions as participants arrive. If numbers are odd, create one trio or have the facilitator float to balance pairs.
5. Post or announce ground rules: respect, equal airtime, opt-out allowed, light confidentiality, and no hard selling.

How to Play

1. Welcome the group and explain the objective: meet many people quickly and have focused, meaningful micro-conversations.
2. Demonstrate timing: each person gets roughly half the round; switch speakers at the midway point if desired.
3. Display the first prompt (for example: biggest career win, a skill to learn, a current challenge). Encourage one concise follow-up question per partner.
4. Start the timer. Partners introduce themselves (name, role, context) and answer the prompt, sharing the time evenly.
5. When the bell sounds, wrap immediately, thank your partner, and rotate. A stays seated; B moves one seat in the chosen direction. In rows, the designated row shifts one seat; the end person loops to the start.
6. Display a fresh prompt each round. Progress from lighter to deeper topics to build rapport.
7. Optionally allow 10–15 seconds between rounds to jot a name and one takeaway for easier follow-up.
8. After the final round, debrief for 2 minutes: invite quick reflections and share how to continue the conversations.

Rules

1. Honor the time limit; stop talking at the signal.
2. Share airtime equally; avoid monologues and multitasking.
3. One conversation at a time; keep volume lively but manageable.
4. Respect boundaries; participants may pass on any question or sit out a round.
5. Keep it professional and inclusive; no hard selling or sensitive topics without explicit consent.
6. Rotate only when instructed and in the same direction each time.
7. Phones on silent; use them only for quick notes between rounds.

Tips

• Prepare 8–12 prompts tailored to the audience and goals; print or project them prominently.
• Use a visible countdown timer and a gentle chime; offer a 30-second warning in longer rounds.
• Seed the room with hosts who model concise intros and curious listening.
• Label rows or sections to simplify movement in large rooms.
• For odd numbers, form one trio and rotate who speaks first each round.
• Encourage concise intros: name, role, and a one-liner purpose for attending.
• Provide a follow-up path: QR code to a roster, networking bingo, or a coffee chat signup.

Variations

• Stationary experts: experts remain seated at themed tables while others rotate.
• Mentorship format: match mentors and mentees; prompts focus on goals and advice.
• Topic tracks: group by interest (product, data, marketing) and rotate within tracks.
• Virtual speed networking: use breakout rooms set to 2–3 minutes with automatic rotation; share prompts via chat and broadcast time warnings.
• Deep-dive finale: after several rounds, pair attendees for one 5-minute follow-up conversation.