Networking Events: Are Chambers Behind the Times

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Networking Events Are Chambers Behind the Times?

• Presented by David Martin Nicole Paczkowski
• Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead

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The Plan

• Why Change?
• Helpful Tips to Increase Networking Event
  Satisfaction
• Some New Event Ideas
• Lets Here From You

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If its working, why change?

• To stay relevant
• To appeal to a different audience
• Once your events have hit their attendance peak,
  it is already too late
• If you dont, your competition will

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6 Ways to Increase Event Satisfaction
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1. Force the Issue
In Networking Events, More is Better

• Hook a how to program onto an existing event
• Assign table numbers upon registration or put
  people into teams
• Assign event buddies
• Conversation starters
• Progressive Networking Lunches or Speed
  Networking Events

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2. The Wow Factor
At least once a year, throw out all the stops

• - Bring in a high quality speaker or live
  entertainment
• Order the filet mignon
• Engage the audience with interactivity and
  increase the fun factor
• Dont be afraid to take chances!!

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3. Bring in the Big Wigs

• Invite appropriate CEOs and Public Officials
• Get them to buy in
• Strategically place them throughout the room
• Encourage interaction

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4. Make it Meaningful
Its all about whos in the room

• Set correct expectations and market appropriately
• Provide registered attendees with tools to
  connect
• Give them opportunities for follow-up

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5. Create the Atmosphere
Its all about whats in the room

• Everyone remembers the food
• Visually appealing locations
• Safe environments
• Background music

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6. Make them a Little Uncomfortable
Fear bonds people together

• - Take them to the ropes course
• - Get them up and moving
• - Make them work together
• - Incorporate ice breakers

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Then Now

• Golf Outings
• Black Tie Galas
• Wine Tasting
• Trade Shows
• Community Parades

• Mini Golf Outings
• Green Events
• Coffee Crawls
• Tech Shows
• Healthy Community Events

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Then Now

• Innovation Awards
• Podcasts
• Young Professionals Network
• Facebook

• Award Luncheons
• Brown Bag Lunches
• Old Boys Club
• Face to Face Networking

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Then Now

• NetPartys
• Collaborating

• Business After Hours
• Competing

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Lets hear from you!
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Additional Resources

• www.conventionindustry.org
• www.corbinball.com
• www.ises.comwww.meco.org
• www.meetings411.com/
• www.meetingsnet.com
• www.mn-meetings.com

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Thank You!