The seductive meeting: network sociality and the promotion of a new meeting persona

Through a case study of an interorganisational business event, the chapter highlights the event as a particular form of social drama, performing and promoting ideals of collaboration. In this type of seemingly informal meeting, often framed in a festive, out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere, particular networking practices are encouraged. It is shown how the social form of the event sustains a network sociality and a particular form of ‘projectified’ network professionalism. The event encourages a form of individualised networking, where participants represent themselves rather than their organisation. The chapter also demonstrates how the meeting consultancy industry plays a role in promoting the ideals of a collaborative, playful, creative, and effective meeting, simultaneously as meeting participation is being individualised. It is argued that a new type of meeting persona is taking shape and idealised through the meeting industry.