Johnston Chamber Members Invited to Speed Networking Event

You've heard of speed dating to meet that special someone, but how about speed networking?

Johnston  members are invited to the first regional speed networking event Tuesday.

The event, sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, allows chamber members from the greater Des Moines area to meet like-minded business people.

"While this is the first regional speed networking luncheon, some of our affiliate chambers have offered this type of event before," said Meg Schneider-Fitz, with the Des Moines Partnership. "It has been well received within those chambers, that is why we decided to pursue this on a regional level."

Guests will have 60 seconds to introduce their organization before moving to a different table, Schneider-Fitz said.

"Once everyone at the table has a turn to share, we will rotate to a new table with a new group of folks and do it again," she said. "It is power networking, really. A few dozen contacts over the lunch hour."

Members are asked to come armed with a 60-second commercial and businesss cards.

"I would encourage participants to take some time to think about what makes their business special, what services they provide that make them stand out from the pack," she said. "You have a short window to make a first impression, so you want it to be as impactful as possible."

Heather Goodwin, Johnston Chamber director, said she's had several businesses interested in the event.

"I think it's going to be a really good event," Goodwin said. "It's a great event for Chamber members to attend to meet other members in affiliate Chambers."

Goodwin said the event is just one of the many designed to get Chamber members together.

"The partnership tries to do different events," she said. "We have Chamber night at Principal Park, we try to get together quite often."

Schneider-Fitz said so far about 100 people have confirmed for the event, but she expects more.

"People do business with those they know, like and trust," she said. "It is our role to provide our members with opportunities to build those relationships."

The event is open to members of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and affiliate Chambers. It takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Best Western Airport, 1810 Army Post Road in Des Moines. Cost is $25.

Registration is online. 

Contact Meg Schneider-Fitz at mfitz@desmoinesmetro.com with questions.