Same Old Networking Events Getting Stale

Same Old Networking Events Getting Stale You and I have both attended them. Those networking events where all the same people show up and cluster together. I feel like I am in high school all over again. Yuck. The reason I attend these events is to meet new people, not hang with my old pals. So, heres the challenge to all those hosting networking eventswhat can you do to add value? What can you do to give back to those people attending your event? It isnt enough to get the space and invite people. You have to give them a reason to come and stay and connect! Im not bashing networking events, I am encouraging people to consider improving upon their current efforts. What can you do differently? Have crazy name tags? Create a type of scavenger hunt? Really, lets get beyond the standard mingling, which people arent so good at anyway and really give them something to talk about and engage with new people. Thats why they are there too. Hope this sparks some ideas. If youve been to an extraordinary event, please share what made it so!