Business Network Chicago is an organization dedicated to bringing together Chicago professionals and facilitating valuable networking exchanges. Through a variety of special interest groups and large scale networking bashes this mission is accomplished effectively. Here is a direct link to the networking calendar which is updated frequently: http://www.bnchicago.org/Calendar.php. Though the remainder of this article is focused on the IT networking luncheon, it is important to note that BNC events are not limited to specific industries for anyone who is hearing about the group for the first time here.
The IT networking group meets on a monthly basis in Chicago. This is a luncheon for anyone in the IT industry to network and hear a valuable presentation. Expected attendance is between 50 -100 for each event and dress code is usually between formal and business casual. As a former technical recruiter, I would frequent this group and often submit qualified candidates I met there for my open positions. These are relationships which I still maintain today! A unique networking format is used at this event. At each table you will have 15 min to mingle and exchange business cards before moving to the next table. It is organized in such a way that you will go to your next assigned table and ideally meet 20-30 people in a very short amount of time with little or no redundancy. You can expect to meet people at every level of the industry, CEO level on down to Jr. Programmers, and there will certainly be a few people you will want to follow up with in greater detail after the event. The potential to meet so many new connections makes this a must attend event for anyone in the Information Technology Industry.
Jean Pickering does an excellent job selecting great locations with an ease of access in the city of Chicago. The ticket price, typically $25-30 is justified every time in the quality of the food and presentation alone! Registration for the upcoming event on June 16thclosed this afternoon at 4:00PM, but as I previously mentioned, it is worthwhile to attend these events next available meeting. Due to the demand and the fact that lunch has to be paid for in advance, these are not the type of events where people can walk in at the last minute. The next meeting will take place in August and the topic will focus on social media tools for marketing yourself and/or your company. Jean can be reached at the following email address: jpic333@hotmail.com if you have any questions about the upcoming BNC IT luncheons or a series of workshops that she is sponsoring throughout Chicago. Try to attend one of these lunch meetings if you are in the IT industry at any level. If not in IT, go to the BNC website and find a group that is a better match with your needs.
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