Business Networking Events

UW alumni express great interest in professional development and networking events. They want to learn how to network, have access to career resources and find out how to conduct a job search or career transition.

• Start small. Don’t try to do too much in one event. Either build an event around one high-profile person or have a panel discussion, but don’t try to do both! The event can be a breakfast or an evening format.
• Content. Think about what industries and career areas would be of interest to local alums. Is it health care, engineering, sales, finance? Once this is accomplished, then you can start to identify potential alumni and friends to serve as panelists and presenters. A sample program format from the WAA: Big Apple Badger Chapter networking breakfast is outlined below.
• Networking, networking, networking. In addition to industry-specific information, people want practical advice about how to network effectively. And so they have something to practice during the open networking period. So have your speakers ( your experts) say a few words about networking tips they find successful. Also, it helps to structure the open networking in some way (e.g., assign different areas of the room to different industries or topics such as career transition).
• Find space/hospitality. Identify alumni who could potentially offer meeting space at their offices at no charge, and others who might be willing to donate or underwrite refreshments.
• Cost. Generally, networking events are affordable ($25 or less) or even free. It’s nice to give WAA members a price break.
• Attendee list. When people RSVP, ask them to provide their industry, business, title, e-mail and phone. Then compile and distribute to everyone at the registration table.
• Program. Put together a program that includes the schedule and information on any featured speakers or panelists. Having a good moderator can ensure your Q&A session runs smoothly. This is one event at which it is important to have name tags with designated industries/fields on them.
• Find a partner. Some chapters have found it useful to partner with other area alumni chapters to sponsor a networking event.
• Evaluation and follow-up. Have participants fill out an evaluation before they leave so you have instant feedback. Also, e-mail them a follow-up thank you.

7:30–8:15 a.m Open Networking, Breakfast and Sign-In
8:30 a.m. Kickoff & Speaker Introduction by chapter organizers
8:45–9:15 a.m. Speakers:
9:15–10:00 a.m. Q&A and Open Networking

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