Mapping the Great Beyond: Identifying Meaningful Networks in

MAPPING THE GREAT BEYOND 55
connections had been developed, with the network increasing in size
and density.
Figure 27. Network before and after TNE events
Along with the nature of the interaction between participants,
it is also possible to demonstrate how the network grew following
different events. Each event was designated a different color so that
ties resulting from the different events could be identified. The growth
of the network also increased the number of blue nodes, those with
higher numbers of connections. This provides an insight into which
members of the network were particularly active in maintaining
contact after the event, allowing these participants to be differentiated
from those who were well connected already. By analyzing the range
of maps which were produced from the questionnaire, potential key
nodes of influence can be identified. This insight could be used in
the development of further conferences, passing messages to the
network with the minimum of direct contact with participants, or
in developing new projects which might benefit from re-engaging
participants of previous projects.
In addition, the process of identifying the links between
participants provides a means to collate the initiatives which resulted
from the network building initiative. Evaluation of many initiatives