What is Speed Networking?

The concept is pretty simple.
Get a group of colleagues together, make them mingle.

Why Spatial Speed Networking?

  • The Spatial Sciences encompass a wide variety of skills and disciplines.
    We work with people we already know, often this means that we work with people who do the same sort of 'spatial' as we do.
  • For people who are new to the Spatial Sciences, it can be difficult to make contacts with those from other parts of the industry.
  • Speed Networking provides an opportunity to meet a diverse group of people who are all passionate about what they do.

Want to run your own Speed Networking Event?

There are many ways you can structure a Speed Networking event. TheNSW experience suggests that the format you choose should be determined by your target audience.

The Speed Dating Model (two groups - 5 minutes per session) works well for some groups. You do need to have a good idea beforehand who is coming and be able to split participants into two groups - for example, experienced professionals & young / early-career professionals. One group takes up a station either inside or outside your event circle, and the other group will move on spot around the circle in a previously agreed direction every five minutes.

The Safety in Numbers Model If you are not sure of the composition of your participants, or you you have more than two categories in the mix, arrange your venue so that 3-4 people can sit comfortably at every station. Due to the larger group in each discussion, you may want to extend the time per rotation to a little more than 5 minutes. As people get more familiar with the format, you find that 'lurkers' start to engage in the group conversations. As a result, you may choose to expand the amount of time each group has before they have to move on.

Whichever model you try, each transition will feel like a 'rescue' to some and an irritating intrusion on an interesting conversation for others. Don't schedule all the time available for your event as timed sessions. Allow a reasonable chunk of time at the end for people to chase up interesting conversation partners and continue the discussions!