Ascot offers the perfect way to combat networking nostalgia

When we think of things that we are nostalgic for, networking may not be the first thing that springs to mind. However, you might be surprised.

When Covid-19 hit, it put an immediate halt on networking as we knew it. With conferences and events all cancelled, networking became virtual overnight and Zoom calls became the new norm for those looking to network.

Once restrictions were lifted, Zoom fatigue saw events and in-person networking kick back into overdrive as venues saw a 294% increase in event enquiries. It’s not surprising that many professionals were suffering from networking nostalgia, a longing for a return to a more relaxed and fun approach to networking. But what can we do to combat this nostalgia while still ensuring all the professional benefits that networking provides?

Networking build relationships

Networking is all about building meaningful relationships and 95% of people agree that better business relationships are built through face-to-face meetings. Other benefits are the ability to read body language and facial expressions and bond with co-workers/clients through social interaction.

Food is one of the most common ways to help achieve this as we can all bond in the sharing of a tasty meal. Ascot offers a broad range of menu ideas to suit all types of networking events from long leisurely lunches overlooking the racecourse and Great Windsor Park to buffet-style menus and tasting bowls. In warmer weather, BBQs and pop-up street food stalls are a great way to allow networking to feel relaxed and, more importantly, fun!

Ultimately, networking is deemed to be one of the most important ways to find and keep customers. While business sustainability and securing new business is key, it’s abundantly clear that people are on the lookout for how to inject a little more fun into networking ventures which will, in turn, make networking nostalgia a thing of the past.

For more information on Ascot’s range of corporate event networking options, and to find out more about creating your own bespoke networking event at Ascot, get in touch with the Events At Ascot team now.

You might also be interested in reading why bleisure events at Ascot can help keep company culture thriving