Leaders of Tomorrow Social: Speed Networking Night
By Anthony Nerada
On Jan. 14, the third floor of Coast Coal Harbour Hotel was abuzz with conversation during the first Leaders of Tomorrow event of 2015.
Right from the start, there was energy in the room, with guests equally nervous and excited to begin the program. From the selection of delicious food and beverages in the lobby, to the charismatic MCs for the night, everything seemed to be setting the mood for what was to follow.
At the ringing of a bell, tables of six commenced in a quick six-minute conversation, whether one-on-one or as a group. Topics of discussion were open to anything under the sun. Education, career paths and plans for the new year were just some of the engaging themes floating around the room.
For those warming up to the intense night of networking, icebreaker questions were placed in the middle of each table to spark conversation. However, more often than not, the cards were figuratively tossed aside quickly as mentees and mentors became more comfortable with one another.
Each speed-networking table proved to be a unique experience. From accounting to communications, conversations were never the same. As the night progressed and each round seemed to get shorter by the minute, mentees and mentors had the unique opportunity to dive into their lives without the formal networking questions that sometimes restrain even the most savvy of conversationalists.
When it was time to switch tables, laughter filled the air as conversations hesitated to end, only having just started. Admittedly, it sometimes took several bells for tables to get up and move on to the next round.
The night also welcomed back some notable alumni from the Leaders of Tomorrow, many of whom now serve as mentors in the program for 2015.
It's safe to say that everyone walked out of the event with something valuable in their pocket. Whether it was a new friend, a stimulating conversation, or a handful of business cards, the LOT Speed Networking event was a great way to kick off the new year.
