Just like we've tried to improve the typical networking event experience through our NetStorming efforts we now have our sights on Happy Hours. Our members have been asking us to start a happy hour series. To be honest I've been reluctant until now because of the negligible networking value most happy hours provide.

As we get ready to finally launch our own Happy Hours I thought I'd share why most of these events drive me crazy and what we'll do differently to make our events that much better.

If the purpose of an event is to network it should allow for ample opportunity to have good conversations. Too many networking happy hours jam a group of people into a small space  with a loud band or background music. In this environment a conversation seems to consist of people yelling and spitting on each other in an attempt to be heard.

You've heard me preach quality over quantity over and over again. Happy Hours shouldn't be any different. We are committed to capping our event attendance to a number significantly smaller than the venue will technically accommodate, and background music will be kept to a minimum. Having a little bit of space to move and speak can only help, and if you were looking for music I'd recommend a concert.

The other major issue is likely what drives networking's bad reputation. There are simply lots of people at the event who aren't familiar with what proper networking is about and instead take a selfish stance and try to get as much as they can out of the event. Often times this results in people trying to meet as many people as possible and pushing their business cards on everyone they meet.

NetworkInAustin is primarily about networking education. We want to give people the information and skills that are going to make them better, more successful networkers whether they're attending one of our events or another event entirely. Everyone who registers for our event will receive an e-mail explaining how to get the most out of their happy hour experience.

This will certainly be a work in progress and we will learn as we go. We have a number of ideas for how to make everyone's experience more positive and productive that we will be experimenting with. We're not talking about silly party games here. Instead look for things like multiple hosts so that your next conversation is just moments away and nobody ever feels isolated.

Do you have an idea or suggestion? We'd love to hear it. Please add your thoughts to the Making Happy Hours more Productive conversation.

Happy Networking!