I pride myself in attending every networking event that I`m able to hear about, but since today is my mom`s birthday (and the family is actually able to get together tonight), I`m going to have to pass on the HRMA networking event being held tonight. From what I can see, it`s going to be a great event.
It`s hosted by giftcertificates.ca. I`ve attended events hosted solely by HRMA and those with external funding, and must politely say that as a participant, you can feel the difference between externally-supported events and otherwise. The biggest difference is not how professional the event is organized, but rather the number of activities planned for the event.
I know that for those who are new to networking, the idea of being asked to participate in prepared activities may already make your palm sweat, but honestly, activities help! This is especially true for those new to networking. From experience, and you can imagine that this is so – the more participation there is, the better these activities work. Further, the better executed by the evening’s organizing committee, the more comfortable the crowd, and the more participation.
Some of those afraid of networking say it’s because it doesn’t feel genuine. But as you move through the evening’s activities, you create a bond with participants, making the action of creating new connections feel more natural.
The premise of this particular networking event, being held two days before Halloween, is that of a murder mystery. Participants are teamed up with HRMA Advisory Council members and urged to solve the mystery.
In my opinion, this is going to be the greatest opportunity to extend your network all season. Not only are icebreakers written into the event`s agenda perse, but from the moment you enter the room, you`re going to meet an advisory council member. Knowing some council members myself, these are kind, welcoming and well-connected individuals who love to get to know people. They also have unique specialties in HR that make for great conversation and that are simply compelling. One council member I met in May specialized in speech pathology while at university and now she helps professionals who have immigrated from overseas improve their language skills as an HR consultant.
I`m so happy to be with my mom on her birthday – I`m gonna have a great night. But I strongly urge anyone with a slight inclination to attending tonight`s Mystery Networking Event – which is still accepting registrants – to attend. At $10.50 for students and HRMA members or $21.00 for non-members, this is the ideal event to attend for those who are new to networking or slowly gaining confidence as a networker.
Posted by Geraldine Sangalang 
