---
title: "Intentionality and Intimacy: The Keys to Virtual Networking Success"
id: "61200"
type: "post"
slug: "intentionality-and-intimacy-the-keys-to-virtual-networking-success"
published_at: "2025-09-30T21:26:10+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-11T19:25:51+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2025/09/30/intentionality-and-intimacy-the-keys-to-virtual-networking-success/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2025/09/30/intentionality-and-intimacy-the-keys-to-virtual-networking-success.md"
excerpt: "When digital networking fails, it’s not the technology that needs fixing, experts say — it’s the approach."
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  - "Associations Now"
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taxonomy_persona:
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---

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 » Intentionality and Intimacy: The Keys to Virtual Networking Success

Part of the Deep Dive[The Future of Connection](https://associationsnow.com/deep-dives/the-future-of-connection/)
The virtual event boom of the early 2020s left many associations and members with unfulfilled expectations. Despite initial enthusiasm, online networking attempts fell flat, leaving attendees isolated instead of connected.

While some associations retreated to primarily or exclusively offering in-person events, forward-thinking associations discovered that meaningful digital connections aren’t just possible, they can complement and enhance traditional networking when executed strategically.

The challenge isn’t technology, it’s intentionality. “Online networking was a hot topic during COVID. But many organizations couldn’t figure out how to make online events work well, so too many prematurely gave up on online events,” explains Lee Gimpel, founder of [Better Meetings (opens in a new tab)](https://bettermeetings.expert)
.

[Sarah Sain, CAE](https://associationsnow.com/author/sarah-sain-cae/)

Sarah Sain, CAE, a contributing writer for Associations Now, is the senior manager of marketing and communications at the Association of Old Crows.

[More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/sarah-sain-cae/)

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