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October 23 - 25, 2007
Organized by IBM Haifa Research Lab
We all try to use conferences as an opportunity to network. It's not always easy to walk up to someone, introduce yourself, and exchange a few words. You're never sure if it's a good time or if the other person is open to meeting you. Somehow it was easier in grade school when the teacher said "OK, now everyone turn to your right and introduce yourself to the person sitting beside you." That's exactly what speed networking is about-networking in an easy-going painless environment.
Speed networking, based on the original idea of speed dating, brings together individuals who gather for professional conferences to meet different people. It will help you make contacts, spark collaboration, and multiply your networking experience.
Don't forget to bring your business cards—and smile!
Q: What is speed networking?
Speed networking is based on the round-robin dating phenomenon that started over 5 years ago to help singles meet and marry.
Q: What are the advantages of speed networking?
Each participant will make at least 6 professional connections during the half hour session-- without the need for uncomfortable ice-breaking.
Q: How will speed networking work at the Haifa Verification Conference?
During an extended coffee break, participants gather in the lobby. The speed networking facilitators explain the rules to the group before the networking begins and provide an example of a good and bad exchange.
When the bell rings or whistle blows, each participant is asked to 'pair up' with someone they don't already know, who is standing nearby.
They have 5 minutes to get acquainted, exchange business cards, and find out what they have in common. It generally works well if each person takes 2 minutes to talk about themselves and one minute to discuss areas of interest. Even if you can't do business together, often you will be able to refer your partner to someone you know and vice versa.
At the end of 5 minutes, the facilitator rings a bell or blows a whistle and all pairs stop their conversation. The participants then look around and hook up with another person they don't already know and begin to get acquainted.
After 30 minutes, each participant has met 6 people they didn't know before.
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