How to Host a Breakfast Networking Event

Last updated: October 6, 2024

Breakfast networking events can be cool. I like the idea of doing something productive in the morning. Meeting new people, drinking coffee, and growing your network.

So a morning networking event can be a powerful way to kickstart your day and build meaningful connections. 

As the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, I’ve found that many of the same principles that make evening gatherings successful can be applied to morning meetups. Things like name tags, introductions and icebreakers, etc.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of hosting a breakfast networking event
• Who’s best suited to organize these early bird gatherings
• What food options work best and whether to cook or cater
• How to choose the perfect venue
• Key networking strategies to apply 

Let’s dive in and explore how you can become the host of the most talked-about morning meetup in town.

Why you should listen to me: My name is Nick Gray, and I’m the best–selling author of the party handbook The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. I’ve hosted hundreds of parties all over the world. I recently hosted this successful morning coffee hour in NYC. After making hosting a habit, I can easily host a networking event and make new friends with no sweat. I’ve been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and New York Magazine once called me a host of “culturally significant” parties.

The Benefits

Starting your day with a breafkast networking event can set a productive tone for the hours ahead. 

Here’s why breakfast gatherings are worth considering:

1. Early bird energy: People tend to be more alert and focused in the morning, leading to sharper conversations and clearer thinking.
2. Less competition: There are typically fewer events happening early in the day, making it easier for your invitation to stand out. This is huge!
3. Unique atmosphere: The morning vibe creates a different dynamic compared to evening events, often fostering more relaxed and genuine interactions.

You can also watch my video on How to Host a Morning Coffee Meetup.

Who Should Host?

While anyone can host a breakfast gathering, certain professionals may find it particularly beneficial:

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to connect with potential clients or partners
• Real estate agents aiming to build relationships with other industry professionals
• Freelancers seeking to expand their network and find new opportunities
• Community leaders wanting to bring together local movers and shakers
• Corporate professionals looking to establish themselves as connectors within their industry
• Sober people who want an alcohol-free environment to create connections

Food Options

When it comes to breakfast, you have two main options: prepare the food yourself or opt for catering/takeout. I also think you don’t necessarily need to provide a lot of food besides a simple muffin or bagel platter. Or even donuts. Here’s what to consider:

Cooking at home. You could batch-scramble eggs, hardboiled eggs, toast, etc.

• Pros: More personal touch, potentially cost-effective
• Cons: Time-consuming, requires more preparation and cleanup

Catering/Takeout. Order muffins, bagels, cream cheese, whatever.

• Pros: Less stress, professional presentation, wider variety of options
• Cons: Can be more expensive, less personalized

For a stress-free event that allows you to focus on hosting, I recommend going with catering or takeout. Some great options include:

• Bagels and spreads from a local deli
• Donuts from your favorite donut shop, even if they aren’t super healthy
• A variety of pastries and fruit platters
• Bananas and apples
• Yogurt parfait bar with granola and toppings – my favorite!
• Coffee and tea service, which honestly this is crucial for any morning event!

Nick’s note: Remember, the food should facilitate conversation, not be the main focus. Keep it simple and easy to eat while mingling. You want to provide the basics but not so much that it’s too expensive or stressful for you as the host. Tell guests what to expect, and if they know there is only going to be limited food, they can plan to manage their own dietary or caloric needs.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

The right venue can make or break your breakfast networking event. Consider these options:

1. Your home: If you have the space, hosting at home can create a warm, intimate atmosphere. I love hosting at home. See: Why You Should Host at Home. However, be prepared for the extra work of setup and cleanup.
2. Local café or restaurant: Many eateries offer private rooms or can be rented out for morning events. This option provides a ready-made atmosphere and professional service.
3. Co-working spaces: These often have great facilities for hosting events and can provide a professional backdrop for your gathering.
4. Outdoor spaces: In good weather, a park or garden can offer a refreshing setting for a morning meetup. Just have a backup plan in case of inclement weather!
5. Hotel Lobby: See my article here about hosting in hotel lobbies. I also made a video about it on my Youtube. They work so well and more people should consider this. The only thing is that you can’t really BYOB or Bring Your Own Bagels.

Applying Key Concepts from The 2-Hour Cocktail Party

While breakfast events have their own unique flavor, many principles from The 2-Hour Cocktail Party can be adapted for morning success:

1. Use name tags: Even in the morning, name tags are crucial for breaking the ice and facilitating introductions.
2. Implement icebreakers: Start with a simple icebreaker like “What’s your favorite breakfast food?” to get conversations flowing. This is my favorite icebreaker of all time.
3. Keep it time-bound: Stick to a 90-minute to 2-hour timeframe to respect people’s schedules and maintain energy.
4. Send reminder messages: Use the same reminder strategy as evening events to ensure good attendance.
5. Create a diverse guest list: Mix up your attendees to create interesting connections and conversations. 
6. Facilitate introductions: As the host, make it your job to connect people with similar interests or complementary skills. See chapter 13 of my book for advanced tactics. I also highly recommend you split people into small groups.

Conclusion

Hosting a breakfast networking event can be a fantastic way to build your network and create valuable connections. It’s also something totally different from a happy hour.

By applying the strategies from my book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, and adapting them to the morning hours, you can create a memorable and effective gathering. 

Here are the key takeaways:

• Leverage the unique energy and focus of morning gatherings
• Choose food options that are simple and conversation-friendly
• Select a venue that sets the right tone for your event
• Apply proven networking strategies like name tags and icebreakers
• Keep the event time-bound and well-organized

Now, who’s ready for some morning networking event? Go ahead and set that date – your next great connection might just be waiting for you over a cup of coffee and a bagel!

In my book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, I provide helpful guidance on how to host a great party for any event. I wrote this book to support anyone interested in meeting new people.

When is your party? Send me an email and I will give you some bonus tips, including a pre-party checklist that you can print out. Plus, I’ll answer any question you have, free of charge. I love talking about parties, and I’m on a mission to help 500 people host their first party.