Your Experience at Chocolate & Blues Networking Festival May 25, 2011
I am a big fan of this annual event and have always had a favorable experience. This year was no exception as I was networking almost non stop from 10 until 4.
As a suggested format for this discussion, I would like to share three things I liked along with one suggestion for improvement. I would like to read your 3 and 1. (Or 2 and 1 or 1 and 1)
Three of things I liked:
1. It was well attended. This is a cheap one to include on my list of 3 but it was very obvious there was a good turn out. With that said the attendance number is not the most critical element. It was the fact that I was networking almost the entire time. In fact I missed opportunities to meet more people because many stopped by my sponsor table that I could not meet because I was networking with someone else. Good problem to have.
2. Wider isles. At the event I heard someone say they enjoyed the wider isles because it prevented a "conga line" effect. I thought that was both funny and profound. It provided the opportunity for attendees to stop and talk with other attendees in the isles without the pressure to "move along".
3. Location of event. Broad Ripple is a great idea on which to build. Central to just about anywhere.
One Suggestion For Improvement
Be certain of refreshments available and communicate it via VIP Passes and to sponsors. Unless I just missed it, there was no water fountains to be found so you had to buy $2.00 waters from the banquet facility. (That money did not benefit Chocolate and Blues) As a sponsor I always bring my own beverages but for an attendee who is being encouraged to stay a while, free water to quench a thirst and wash down ALL THAT CHOCOLATE is crucial. So if no water fountains, then find a "Water Sponsor" to ice down tubs of bottled water. Think "hospitality".
Tags: chocolate blues, chocolate blues and business networking festival, connections, contacts, network, networking
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Melissa Cornell on -
wanted to be at this event, but I was at the hospital with my FIL. Looking forward thought to future gatherings!
-
Permalink Reply by Cissi Sherlock on -
I was not able to attend, but one of the members of my church went on my behalf. I told her that we were doing a Christian Flash Mob and asked her to come, but when I wasn't able to make it she went on her own. That made me feel good. I had her ask for Shelley and made my friend (Vickie Anderson Thomas. We attend Healing Streams Word and Worship Center, home of the Drive-by Prayer Vigil) promise to bring me a bag of chocolate candy.
That evening she came to sit by me at bible study. BTW we are studying "Life's Healing Choices" and LOVING it! Well, no know whether she made it or not, I just sat there and watched her struggle with something in her bag. She pulled out a bag and handed it to me. It was full of chocolate candy!!! I just gushed and hugged her the rest of bible study!!!
She said it was the greatest networking event she's ever been to, just as I promised her. And, she did get a chance to meet Shelley.
What a great story.
Mark, on that water tip, perhaps a ministry or organization (or two or three) can sell waters for $1.00 each to raise funds for their organization or ministry, if a water sponsor is not acquired. Shelley can put Operation OpenUP first on the list to fund raise with water at the next CBF!
-
Permalink Reply by Renae J. Williams on -
I always appreciate a free event! I agree with Mark that Broad Ripple is an ideal central location. I was able to go directly from a coaching meeting that was also in the same area. I met wonderful business owners who were friendly and engaging. I came dressed in uniform so most knew my profession. The highlight was meeting a leader from one of the local referral clubs, and being invited to a gathering where I met more enthusiastic and positive business owners. The chocolate was a nice touch also.
Groups
-
Christian Business Men's…
23 members
-
CBNA Event Attendees
23 members
-
Biz Books Reading Club
27 members
THANK OUR SPONSORS
Notes
Blogging Guidelines
Created by CBNA Leadership Apr 2, 2011 at 10:47am. Last updated by CBNA Leadership Apr 5, 2011.
Forum Discussion Guidelines
Created by CBNA Leadership Apr 5, 2011 at 10:08am. Last updated by CBNA Leadership Apr 5, 2011.
Groups: creating new groups on THE NETWORK
Created by CBNA Leadership Jun 20, 2009 at 9:39am. Last updated by CBNA Leadership Apr 5, 2011.
How to use THE NETWORK
Created by CBNA Leadership Aug 28, 2009 at 4:05pm. Last updated by CBNA Leadership Apr 5, 2011.
Badge
© 2012 Created by CBNA Leadership.
