By Vanessa McCrann & Margaret Hedderman
Events are a big part of Startup Colorado’s work, from our monthly Lean Coffee networking series to in-person extravaganzas like West Slope Startup Week. All our events are designed with a clear goal: to connect entrepreneurs with the resources and people they need to grow their businesses.
When done well, events are powerful tools for building strong startup communities. Our Community Director, Vanessa McCrann, leads the charge, bringing events like the Startup Colorado Roadtrip to life. As she gears up for another busy year, we grabbed some time on her calendar to learn her top tips for planning effective community events.
Thinking about hosting a startup event in your town? Read on for Vanessa’s best advice and learn how to do it the “Startup Colorado Way.”
Margaret Hedderman: How can community organizers utilize networking events to drive startup ecosystem development?
Vanessa McCrann: Rural Colorado has a robust support system for entrepreneurs. At any given time, there are dozens—if not hundreds—of events and programs designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed. It’s remarkable. The challenge, however, is ensuring these resources reach the people who need them most. Entrepreneurs are busy launching businesses—and sometimes working a “real job” while they do it—so how can we make our programming worth their while? How do we make sure they know about—and see the value in—showing up?
The answer: networking events!
People attend networking events if they look exciting, relevant, and a good use of time. A well-organized event brings together the right mix of stakeholders—founders, funders, mentors, service providers, and business support organizations. When balanced correctly, these gatherings foster collaboration, surface challenges, and lead to real solutions.
MH: Before you start planning an event, why is it important to first determine the purpose and desired outcomes of your networking session?
VM: A good event serves the audience, not the organizer. The first rule is to ensure your event is worth your audience’s time (and money!). To do that, start by defining the event’s purpose—what should attendees gain? Is it new peer connections, a cost-saving legal strategy, hands-on experience with an AI tool, or training to apply for funding?
Once the purpose is clear, weave it into every aspect of planning—from pre-event communications to seating arrangements to your closing notes. When your goal is baked in from the get-go, it naturally shapes the entire experience, making everything more valuable and impactful for attendees.
For example, at West Slope Startup Week in Durango, our goal is to help founders connect, expand their networks, and access the resources they need to start and grow their businesses. Although the event isn’t until October, we’re embedding this purpose into every stage of planning.
Since last December, I’ve been hosting monthly meetups for our volunteers in Durango—events like a Christmas cookie contest, a book swap, and intention-setting sessions. These gatherings build relationships and create a strong sense of community early on, ensuring that the energy and connections carry through to the main event.
MH: How do you ensure attendees—even introverts!— make meaningful connections at your networking event?
VM: Yay for introverts! I can answer this in three words: lightly structured networking. Emphasis on both “lightly” and “structured.”
It’s a Goldilocks situation—too much structure feel