Expo to Host Free Speed Networking Seminar

Date: 15th January 2009

MEDIA RELEASE - Expo to Host Free Speed Networking Seminar

An expo dedicated to showcasing what the wider Manawatu region has to offer as a conference destination, is to host a free speed networking seminar.

According to Holly Thompson, Executive Officer of Manawatu Chamber of Commerce, who successfully piloted speed networking at a members' function in 2008, "Speed networking provides skills for launching yourself into a new circle of people waiting to talk to you. It's a fun, exciting and effective way of making a lot of initial connections."

In the case of conference organisers, being able to speed network is an excellent skill to have, particularly during session breaks. Katherine Huynh, Conferences & Events of Destination Manawatu sees speed networking as a 'must have' topic on conference programmes in 2009. "It helps those in the same industry to get to know each other better. In a world filled with electronic communication, speed networking fills the gap that ice breaker activities used to strive to provide - instant feedback with a smile, or confused frown as the case may be."

Central NZ Conference Expo's speed networking event aims to give people confidence in meeting other business professionals, sparking interactive conversations and building mutually beneficial relationships. Expo organiser, Julie O'Brien of Destination Manawatu says, "Being able to get your message across about who you are and what you do is a very important skill."

How Speed Networking Works
Generally speed networking involves introducing oneself to a 'stranger' within a strict time frame of one or two minutes. Then the participants swap, and the speaker becomes the listener. Apart from a person on the microphone keeping time, no moderation is necessary, because by gauging people's reactions the participants can refine their spiel as they go. After about 10 interactions people have it 'down pat'.

Central NZ Conference Expo
The Expo is a free event for event organisers being held from 10am-4pm at Palmerston North Convention Centre on Wednesday, 11th March 2009.

It is for organisers of any kind of corporate event - from the office Christmas function to the annual conference.

Registrations for the Expo and the speed networking event are being taken online - www.centralnzconferenceexpo.co.nz

ENDS

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