The life of an event - a request for some online masterminding

Networking doesn't have to be alcohol related. The problem we run into however is where can you fit 60 people and at the same time not pay for the venue. The alcohol creates a draw for the people and an offer to the venue owner of a return on their efforts. I meet every week at a BNI meeting in the morning. Every one is totally sober, but we pay for this. Biznikers seem to be going for the no commitments thing. So my question is how do offer a free venue that can hold a lot of people without a guaranteed return for the venue holder? Art T.

Hi Sierra, thanks for getting this conversation going. I am anxious to see what thoughts and ideas are out there.

For me, I don't have a magic bullet. When it comes to these happy hours with alcohol vs. non-alcohol, it boils down to "different strokes, for different folks".

For Judy and I, even though we like a cocktail now and then, as far as Biznik events, we like the workshops and the smaller, intimate get-togethers. For myself, I get social overload in the large crowds.

But knowing you, I'm sure you will figure out something fantastic. Will be interested in seeing what comes out of this!

One type of venue that hasn't been used for social gatherings other than walk and talk type events is public parks. While only practical for our use seasonally when it warms up, parks have the advantage of being free or cheap (reservation and shelter rental fees).

The energy of a more natural, outdoor setting would be conducive to quality interaction (intros take note).

Food and drink could be on a BYO basis (check on park rules about alcohol). BBQ and potlucks could be organized by those inclined to do all the work that would entail.

Seattle and King County Parks site below.

Volleyball anyone?

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/index.htm

http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks.aspx

Of course, there are still the other 9 months of the year when we need indoor venues.

Sierra, at all three venues you named, I could network there for only brief windows of time, before I just could not hear anymore at which point so there was no reason for staying.

The more the events gained popularity, the smaller that window of possibility, because there were more folks there more early for more noise more soon.

Eventually, I stopped attending at all because I knew that although I would enjoy the mix and mingle and the energy of the crowd, I would not enjoy the battle to hear what people were saying.

As to alcohol, setting aside the "lubrication" factor, I like the glamour of cocktail glasses and the glamour of dressing up a little for a more upscale venue. I guess you might call those elements of a party-like atmosphere (good times).

I'm really happy this conversation is happening, and I am really happy that Sierra is leading it!

I have a lot of thoughts on this...

Venues
As most people know, I am involved with Circus Contraption. We have an amazing venue that is not in use on Wednesday nights. We also have a show we want to promote, and we have a bar.

Purchasing drinks at our bar helps support our 501(c)3 arts organization. The venue is not your traditional bar space, and it could stimulate different kinds of conversation. Chairs can also be moved around to create "discussion circles" rather than being limited to a 2-top, 4-top, or a booth of 6 people.

This kind of thinking about venues is something that needs to happen. Would the Asian Art Museum be willing to have one room closed for an hour for a private networking event? It would be interesting...

What about the grand arcade in the Grand Central Bakery building in Pioneer Square?

Many businesses would like to raise their profile in these tough times. It may be that all it takes is for the right person to ask.

Content
An event where people get together to "network" sounds fine, but how many times can you go to a bar, randomly bump into people, and feel like you are doing good work?

What if networking events had a theme, or a question, or even a game?

What if you went to a networking event where you were required to start every single conversation with, "What do you need today to be successful?" What kind of interesting conversations (and internal thought processes!) would that spark? Call it "Question Night Networking", and have a different question every month.

Context
Every one of us is involved in a constant battle for our time, and we are always trying to figure out the "best" way to spend it.

If I can measure my attendance at a networking event against some sort of tangible goal in my business, then attending is a no-brainer.

What if someone hosted a networking event that focused on a particular aspect of Biznik? For example, "Look at the list of attendees, and write down one question you want to ask each person. Go to the event with your "cheat sheet" in hand, and work through the list."

Or, each person attending an event could be tasked with finding a new Biznik member, and personally bringing them along. (You can see "Newest members" listed on the Members page.)

Maturation
We are driving into new business networking territory. What is "Business networking that doesn't suck", in your definition? How would you manifest that?

As our community matures, there will always be room for people to have happy hours at bars, tea shops, art galleries, and the like. But the trailblazers who have been doing that for a while (Sierra!) will need to carve out new trails in the wilderness.

Hopefully my ideas here have lit some fuses.

And - as always - I am here to help. Call, email, drop in... I'm always open to discussing the topic.

Thank you all for your amazing participation!
- Christian

I like Christian's idea of posing a different question for every event. I also love your grand arcade (in Pioneer Square) suggestion. That is a magical spot!

I don't mind Happy Hours even thought I don't drink but I am with Leila here: it gets hard to hear after a while. Or maybe I'm getting old!? :)

I really want to hear ideas from seasoned professional event planners around venues

Venues are a huge factor in people's decision making when it comes to whether or not they want to attend an event. And Sierra, I do think that when the title and location of the event stays the same for a long time it gets stale in people's minds.

I remember the first description you wrote for your Vermillion event and how packed that event was. It was a new location for you to host your happy hour and your excitement was reflected in your event description. That energy drew so many people.

I want to see more interaction among people than just talking. Which is why I was excited about the Teach Your Talent group I started. Trust builds between people while doing and sharing- outside of our rehearsed assumed selves. This is not to say that Happy Hours are ineffective in getting to know people. Obviously I met most of the people I know from Biznik at Happy Hours, probably mostly ones hosted by Sierra! :)

Honestly I would LOVE to see more daytime events. It is hard for me (and I am assuming other parents) to do so many night events - and it seems that the vast majority of daytime events are booked up and full well in advance. So, if people are looking to shake it up - more day time events would be awesome!