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CHAMBER CHAT: Workshop teaches networking skills

NANAIMO – Chamber of Commerce's new Lightning Talks series focuses on networking during inaugural meeting.

By Kim Smythe


If you’ve never felt totally comfortable at a meet-and-greet or networking event, have we got something for you.


Introvert or extrovert, seasoned schmoozer or wallflower – you can learn how to have fun at business socials, attract business contacts through improved networking and communications skills, and leave a positive wave when you network with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s new professional development workshop series.


Work that Room is the title of the chamber’s first Lightning Talks event at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on Thursday (March 6), 5-7 p.m. VSP Media is co-presenter of the event.


The evening opens with a no-host bar to allow time to meet and network with the presenters.


Then, four fast-paced, eight-minute sessions get underway:



  • Work That Room – Networking Basics with David Hatchman of VSP Media;

  • Comprendo/No Comprendo – Networking with ESL clients and colleagues with Gavin McConnell of VIU;

  • Elevator Up! – Nick West of Enable Business Consulting teaches you how to create your own  infomercial;

  • Who Was That Guy with Shawn Hildebrandt of Steve Marshall Ford who also bring his “Zigster” persona.


Twelve lucky guests will be invited to present a Lightning infomercial – a 45-second elevator pitch with Lightning Evaluations provided as part of the high-energy, multi-faceted workshop and networking evening.


After the workshop section, guests can immediately practice what they’ve learned with continued networking. A no-host bar and live music presented by Dave Hart are part of the evening.


Tickets are $24 or $19 for members of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Leadership V.I. and Young Professionals of Nanaimo.


Please visit www.lightningtalks.ca or call 250-756-1191 for tickets.


For information about other upcoming 125th anniversary events, please visit www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca.


Kim Smythe is CEO of Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.