Speed Networking
What is speed networking, and how do you run it well?
Speed networking is a structured way to meet many people in a short time. Participants hold a series of short, timed one-to-one conversations, and when the timer ends they move on to the next person. The format borrows from speed dating, and its appeal is the same: nobody has to approach a stranger or find a way out of a conversation.
It works in a room and online. This guide explains how each version runs, how long each round should be, how to match people and what to ask. For a wider look at formats, see our networking event ideas guide.
Updated by the Eventdex team
4.7/5 from 39 reviews on each
How speed networking works
The core is the same everywhere: a pairing, a timer and a rotation.
Guests register and share a little about themselves
Role, company, interests and what they hope to find. This is what you use to pair people.
The host explains the rules
How long each round lasts, how people move, what to do when the timer ends and how to exchange contact details.
Round one begins
Each person meets one other person. Both introduce themselves, share what they do and ask a question.
A signal ends the round
A bell, a light or a message on screen. Everyone moves on, with no awkward goodbyes.
The rotation repeats
Anywhere from five to ten rounds, depending on how long you have and how many guests.
Guests follow up
They note who they would like to speak to again and exchange contact details or book a longer meeting.
Speed networking in person and online
The logistics differ, and each has its own strengths.
| In person | Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Two rows of chairs or tables facing each other, or a circle | Video rooms that pair two people at a time |
| Rotation | One row moves a seat on each round | Software moves people to their next pair |
| Timekeeping | A bell, a timer on a screen or a host with a clock | An on-screen timer, with a moderator watching |
| Pairing | By rotation, or by badge colors and a printed list | By the profile information guests gave at registration |
| Contact exchange | Business cards, badge scans, or an app | Shared details or follow-up meetings in the platform |
| Best for | Local events with a room already booked | People in different places who want a shorter time commitment |
Round timing: how long should each round be?
Most hosts choose between three and five minutes per round. There is no single right answer: choose by the depth of conversation you want and the time you have. Leave a short gap between rounds for moving and notes.
| Part | Time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome and rules | 5 minutes | The host explains the format and how to move |
| Rounds 1 to 6 | 4 minutes each, 1 minute to move | 30 minutes in total, six new conversations |
| Break | 5 minutes | Water, notes and a chance to adjust |
| Rounds 7 to 9 | 4 minutes each, 1 minute to move | 15 minutes in total, three more conversations |
| Close | 5 minutes | Next steps, how to follow up and thanks |
A question card template
A card in each guest's hand takes away the pressure of what to say. Print it, or show it on screen in an online session.
Speed networking question card
SPEED NETWORKING QUESTION CARD START (30 seconds each) Your name, your role and one sentence on what you do. PICK ONE - What are you working on right now that you are excited about? - What is the hardest problem on your desk this month? - Who would be a useful person for you to meet today? - What is one thing you learned recently that changed how you work? - What brought you to this event? CLOSE (30 seconds) - Is there anything I can introduce you to? - Would you like to speak again? If yes, note it on your sheet and share your details. MY NOTES Name | Company | What we discussed | Follow up? (Y/N) [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ]
Tips for running a smooth session
Small details decide whether a session feels sharp or chaotic:
Pair people deliberately
A purposeful match based on role or goal beats random pairing. Use what guests told you at registration.
Keep the signal obvious
Announce the end of every round the same way. Do not leave people guessing.
Handle odd numbers
With an odd number of guests, one person sits out each round, or you form one group of three. Say which in advance.
Have a moderator
Online, a moderator watches for people who have dropped out and helps with technical issues.
Give a way to continue
End with a way for guests to follow up, whether that is a shared list, a scan or a booked meeting.
Speed networking on Eventdex
Eventdex's virtual speed networking page describes an online platform. It does not describe running a speed networking room in person, so for a physical session you would use the rotation and timer above yourself. For online sessions, the page covers the following:
AI matching
Attendees are matched using the information participants provide, and the page says executives can meet up to 10 attendees in an hour.
Virtual speed networkingTimed sessions
Short timed meetings with an option to extend when both participants are available.
Virtual speed networkingSponsored sessions
Sessions that match registrants with a particular company based on interest, and can lead to 1:1 meetings between visitors and exhibitors.
Event sponsorshipContact exchange and private appointments
Attendees exchange contact information, follow each other on social media and schedule appointments for private conversations.
Virtual speed networkingSurveys after each round
Quick surveys after each round to gather feedback and measure engagement.
Virtual speed networking
The Eventdex platform
Run speed networking online with Eventdex
- Virtual speed networkingAI-matched, timed one-to-one sessions.Learn more about Virtual speed networking
- Business matchmakingScheduled 1:1, group and hosted buyer meetings.Learn more about Business matchmaking
- Virtual meeting appOnline sessions with screen sharing.Learn more about Virtual meeting app
- Sponsored sessionsGive sponsors a way to meet attendees.Learn more about Sponsored sessions
“We really appreciated the adaptability of the software to meet our changing needs. For example, we liked being able to create promo codes to offer reduced rates to conference attendees with special circumstances.”
University at Buffalo
Eversource Energy
Georgia Tech
Influence Communications
FAQ
Speed Networking: common questions
What is speed networking?
A format in which participants hold a series of short, timed one-to-one conversations and rotate to a new person when the timer ends, so they meet many people in a short time.
How long is each speed networking round?
Most hosts use three to five minutes per round, with a short gap to move. Pick the length by the depth of conversation you want and the time you have.
How many people can you meet in a session?
It depends on the round length. In a one-hour session with four-minute rounds and a one-minute move, you can fit about nine rounds, as in our sample timing plan.
Does speed networking work online?
Yes. Software pairs people in video rooms, runs the timer and moves them on. Eventdex's virtual speed networking page describes AI matching, timed sessions and follow-up appointments.
Does Eventdex run in-person speed networking rooms?
Its speed networking page describes a virtual platform and does not describe an in-person room. For in-person sessions, you run the rotation and timer yourself using the plan in this guide.
Host speed networking on Eventdex
Start with a free interactive floor plan, or talk to an event specialist on +1 (866) 434-5088.