The aim of this paper is to examine the future of networking. Relations to other people are fundamental to building a network and previous research shows the importance of collaboration. An innovative perspective has characterised this study, where innovation means the process where ideas are translated into commercially viable products, processes and services. Through benchmarking including interviews, trend spotting, theory analysis and a workshop, eight elements were identified to be important in the future of networking. These elements are targeted advertising, true open innovation, strong ties, specific attraction, diversity, meetings, environment and gamification, which were the main focus of an idea generation session and a creative workshop. The discussion involves a paradox found between an increased demand of physical meetings and the fact that some participants are experiencing an overflow of meetings. The last part of the discussion concludes thoughts about the innovation process.