Networking Like They Mean It

December’s annual New North Summit drew professionals anxious to be educated, to be inspired, and – most importantly for some – to make connections. More than 800 business leaders from 18 counties within Northeast Wisconsin gathered at the Kolf Sports Center on the UW-Oshkosh campus for the half-day event (see page 12 for more on the New North Summit), and organizers clearly answered the pleas from last year’s attendees.

“The feedback we received spoke loud and clear – people wanted more networking time. We took that request seriously,” says Joey Reader, event coordinator for the Summit and owner of A-mazing Events in Little Chute.

This year’s event offered attendees three opportunities to network: at the morning registration, mid-morning breakout session and the conclusion of the day’s formal presentations.

The day was designed around a football theme, kicking off with “pregame” activities at 7 a.m. Eager networkers drank coffee and ate breakfast as they mingled until
the program began at 8:30.

Will Van Moorleghem from Design Office Interiors in Hortonville was at the event when the doors opened.

“Networking was the primary reason I came,” says Van Moorleghem. “I had a very positive experience. I made new contacts and also ran into people I’ve known for years but haven’t seen in some time.”

Another twist to the annual event, an hour “half-time” breakout session, was held mid morning. Information traditionally shared on the main stage was incorporated into the four corners of the venue. These areas were boxed in with some of the over 650 feet of black drape used within the sports complex. Tall banners lured networkers into each corner with New North hot topics: Targeted Growth Clusters, B2B Collaborative Initiatives; Educational Attainment; Small Business and Entrepreneurship and NEW Manufacturing Alliance All-Stars.

“These four corners communicated the information going on with each of the New North’s task forces while fostering an open networking atmosphere,” says Reader. Few would hit all four corners in the hour. Many got caught in conversation. Other attendees chose to spend the hour in the squares where their interests were.

After a keynote address and CEO panel, attendees followed the group to the final event of the afternoon, Taste of Entrepreneurship. New North Executive Director Jerry Murphy, wrapped up the informational portion of the event by offering attendees his parting words of advice, “Network like you mean it.”

This “post game” time was another prime opportunity to make connections. “Taste of Entrepreneurship” allowed attendees to walk around to the different vendors, picking up easy-to-eat delights, while striking up a conversation with those around them. Individuals moved with the line, circling the room full of food vendors, such as Chinese in tiny take-out containers, buffalo wings, bite-size sandwiches, dessert samples and more. Some stood to talk. Tables scattered throughout the room brought groups of people together. Conversations started with, “What are you having? Where can I find it?”

Taste of Entrepreneurship was also a time for caterers and restaurants to shine. Northeast Wisconsin Entrepreneur Day (NEW END) has been sponsoring this much-anticipated event for the last five years; two years ago NEW END and New North decided to join teams because of their mutual interest in networking.

American Digital Cartography, Inc. (ADCi) employees have attended the New North Summit since its inception.

“There was a combination of things that brought me here today,” says Barb Wenninger from ADCi. “I was interested in the networking opportunities as well as listening to the high profile speakers and CEO presentations. We’ve also come to show our support of the community.”