Vancouver’s Biggest Ever Networking BBQ Party

It was a pleasure to attend the Vancouver’s Biggest Ever Networking BBQ Party, on July 21st, 2011. Just about 400 entrepreneur attending with the intent to networking in an unusually bright summer evening at one of Vancouver’s premier event hall with an spectacular view of Vancouver evening skyline.

Things that went very well.
• Every one showed up with a very upbeat mood.
• Got in touch with many old acquaintances and met many new entrepreneurs.
• Amazing hospitality and acknowledging the difficulties by the event host.
• Free Coat Check

Things that could go very well.
• Waiting line at the entrance at the ground floor. Someone from the host group should have been outside, informing guests about the long wait to get into the venue.

• Waiting line to get the food. It is unacceptable. People coming to network, waited for food over two hours in the food line. If they wished to network, they lost their place in the line. In the next event, this must be radically changed. It’s a waste of valuable time for everyone. If I was organizing this event, I would have hired a clown or magician to keep people engaged on the line rather than getting bitter about the event.
• The PA system did not work at all.
• There was no MC, which is a must to keep this crowd entertained and grounded.
• I refused to stand in line for the food and when there was no waiting at the food line, I went to get my meal. But they ran out of food by then. Only beef burger and sausage left, nothing else.
• Mini trade show participants, I hope it worked for them even only few people went around the trade show tables. Because, everyone was on the food line.
• 60 seconds power tips should have been scrapped, under the existing circumstances.
• Many people missed their door prizes, because food was on their mind and they were outside the room.

Suggestions:
• Rent a PA system
• Hire a professional MC
• Find a way to avoid the waiting line at any cost
• If it’s a party and there is live performance, gather talent from guests and arrange for them to perform.
• Think outside the box for networking events. It does not have to be all pitch and trade show.

Anyway, we all learn from experience. Despite all the unexpected short comings, I would definitely give this event an A+.

Now, I am looking forward to an email from Jewel Ballroom and Sidetrek Productions about Vancouver’s Biggest Ever Christmas Networking Party. Thanks to Julie, Stacy, Jonathan and all the MeetUp organizers who supported this event.