I had a good time and I do not regret going. I met a friend face-to-face that I had not met before, and I made a new friend. I can't help but thinking that the organizers missed an opportunity. The odd thing is that the opportunity missed is the same one as at the first event I attended with Christa.
There was no chance to voice my own opinions or otherwise interact with other participants. A little networking would have been nice. I came loaded for bear with a stack of newly printed business cards, but only passed out a couple. While our e-mail address was requested when we signed in, nobody took down the information of those of us who have or the names of those interested in starting one. It might've been a good idea to put together a list of this information and post that on the SMC website.
As I said, I had a good time and I would do it again. I just would not pass up the opportunity presented.
As always, YMMV.
Scott,
ReplyDeleteI read your post and while this event wasn't intended to be a networking event, there was a half hour before the panelists took to the stage (45 minutes due to snow delays) where people did network, both within the venue and at the food truck, not counting free time afterward where folks did interact.
In addition, the panel itself was open to questions from the audience for the duration, but most felt comfortable submitting them via Twitter.
Perhaps I missed the message you're trying to convey?