Overcome Your Fear of Hosting a Networking Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hosting your first networking event can feel like stepping into the unknown. I get it—I was terrified before my first event in Calgary, where 75 people showed up despite my fears. The fear of no one attending, or worse, just one person showing up, can be paralyzing. But here's the truth: you *can* overcome that fear and host a successful event. Below, I'll share practical strategies to build your confidence, engage attendees, and make your event a hit.

1. Understand Your Fear

The fear of hosting often stems from two main worries:

• No one will show up: The dread of an empty room is real, but it's manageable with the right promotion.
• It'll be awkward: The fear that attendees won't connect or you'll fumble as a host can make you second-guess yourself.

Here's how I faced these fears head-on: I reminded myself that every successful event host started somewhere. My first event wasn't perfect, but it worked because I prepared and took action. You can too.

2. Build Confidence Through Preparation

Preparation is your best weapon against fear. Here's how to set yourself up for success:

Define Your Event's Purpose

Clarity reduces anxiety. Ask yourself:

• Who is this event for? (e.g., “Calgary small business owners with 5+ years of experience”)
• What's the goal? (e.g., networking, lead generation, community building)

When I hosted my first event, I made it exclusive to marketing professionals. This gave me a clear focus and made promotion easier.

Practice Your Hosting Role

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, so practice your opening announcement. Here's what I used:

Rehearse this in front of a mirror or a friend. Knowing exactly what you'll say reduces stage fright.

Have a Plan B

Fear often comes from “what if” scenarios. Prepare for them:

• If no one shows up: Invite a few friends or colleagues to ensure at least a small group is there. (I always brought my brother to my events. While I did do a few events without help - it sure is nice to have someone supporting you).
• If attendees don't engage: Use a structured icebreaker like Jam Bingo to get people talking.

3. Promote Like a Pro to Ensure Attendance

The fear of an empty room fades when you know people are coming. Here's how to get attendees:

Use Eventbrite and Meetup

These platforms are perfect because they have built-in audiences looking for events. Make your listing specific:

This clarity attracts the right crowd and boosts turnout.

The Melvin LinkedIn Method

I overcame my fear of low attendance by proactively reaching out:

1. Search for your target audience on LinkedIn (e.g., “Calgary entrepreneurs”).
2. Connect with them (no custom message needed).
3. After they accept, send: “Hi [Name], I'm hosting an exclusive event for entrepreneurs on [date]. Would you like to join us?”

This not only fills your event but also builds your network, boosting your confidence as a connector.

4. Create a Welcoming Vibe

Fear of awkwardness disappears when you set the right tone. Here's how:

Greet Attendees Personally

Stand at the door, shake hands, and introduce yourself: “Hi, I'm [Your Name], the host. Great to have you here!” This makes you approachable and sets a friendly tone.

Use a Digital Icebreaker

We created Jam Bingo to solve the introvert problem. Display a QR code, and attendees scan it to get prompts like:

• “Find someone who's traveled to another country recently”
• “Find someone with the same hobby as you”

This gets everyone—even shy attendees—talking and laughing within minutes.

5. Manage the Venue Without Stress

Fear of logistics can be daunting, but venues don't have to be a nightmare. Here's what I did:

Start Small

For my first event, I approached local restaurants and coffee shops with: “I'm hosting a networking event for 50-75 people. Can we use your space on a quiet night like Monday?” Some said yes without a minimum spend.

Use Drink Tickets

When venues required payment, I included a $7 drink ticket in the ticket price. This covered costs and kept venues happy without breaking the bank.

6. Follow Up to Build Momentum

After the event, send a thank-you email to attendees: “Thanks for coming! Loved seeing everyone connect. Check out our business at [link].” This reinforces your role as a connector and encourages attendees to spread the word.

Hosting a networking event doesn't have to be scary. With preparation, the right tools, and a focus on connection, you'll turn your fear into confidence. Try these strategies, and let me know how your event goes!