
- speaker-based
- facilitated networking
- infomercials from the podium
Speaker-Based
Networking may not be enough of an attraction. A speaker or topic may be the draw with networking as the bonus.These events are easy to mess up.
Who made the selection? If sponsors have any input, the event suffers. It's best to pick speakers on their own merits. The sponsors get recognition in the invitations, on signs, on the screen and from the host. Isn’t that enough?
You're more likely to get sponsors on the platform when tickets are free. That's why I prefer paid events.
Examples
At FP Reach 2013 from the Financial Post, some sponsors were speakers. They took up spots that others could have been used better. There was some self-promotion. No thanks. I'm not planning to return. 
Facilitated Networking
Random networking --- walk into a room and talk to whoever you bump into --- has limited value. It’s easy to get struck talking to people you wish weren’t there.
Sometimes you get stuck listening to sponsors. Once, I heard infomercials from four bankers. They were of no interest since they would never give me a referral. Sometimes you have organizers at your table. This is reasonably good: as they get to know you, they can introduce others to you.
Infomercials From The Podium
I've been to several events where everyone gets 30-45 seconds at the microphone. I like the practice by not the events. Your brain gets numb when you hear commercial after commercial.
The Star Business Club had an interesting variation. They “only” allowed 30 infomercials (pre-selected in advance). The messages were delivered 10 at a time with networking in between. This was a nice improvement on an unsatisfying concept.
Tip: try an infomercial if you get a chance. However, pay attention to each second. Edit to fit the timeframe the way TV commercials do.

Multipurpose
An ideal event has more than one purpose --- something for everyone. I like- a speaker or two: education
- facilitated networking
- food (sit down): more relaxing
- getting a scan of business cards afterwards: can't meet everyone you want (cards included by permission)
Value

Links
- The Toronto Board of Trade: (1) why I joined and (2) why I left
- Advanced networking: launch your own private community
- Lessons from Networking With Millionaires by Tom Stanley
- Three tips to master networking events
- Building trust with networking
- Image courtesy of Jimmy Kay
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