Lose the February Blues Munch ‘n’ Mingle

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Written by Jess Bennett, IABC/Toronto Student member and volunteer, Seneca College

My first IABC volunteering experience was at the Lose the February Blues Munch ‘n’ Mingle taking place at Chimichanga, in the Yonge and Eglinton area, on February 17, 2009.

In keeping with the Mexican theme of the restaurant, attendees played a bold and successful networking game whereby groups represented different Mexican cities, from Guadalajara to Monterrey.

Upon grouping into their respective cities, team members were challenged to meet as many participants as possible from other municipalities. The team to collect the greatest number of business cards was deemed the winner and prizes were allotted. According to the post event survey, the majority of attendees reported making at least 10 or more new contacts with an impressive 93 per cent planning on keeping in touch with these people.

IABC/Toronto volunteer Marie Fitzpatrick-Hall, ABC, organized the event and did an excellent job in selecting an appropriate venue, which generated a terrific turn out. Her attention to detail was evident in various aspects of the event, from the popsicle-stick signs she constructed for the city groups, to the delicious and plentiful Mexican food we savored after the networking game. IABC members also responded positively to the free cocktail included as part of their event fee.

96.3 per cent of attendees felt that they received great value from going to this event with a whopping 100 per cent indicating they would recommend this type of event to a friend or colleague.

At Chimichanga, the atmosphere was cozy and relaxing which promoted effective networking.

The room was an appropriate size for the number of professionals that attended. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of engagement that these members had with one another.

Overall, I thought the event was both a great success and a genuinely fun diversion in the middle of the workweek. I made some great new contacts and left with my pockets stuffed with business cards.

Many thanks go to Marie Fitzpatrick-Hall, ABC, for organizing an excellent event. I look forward to attending and volunteering at future IABC events.

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