The South Wales Chamber is aiming to host the largest facilitated networking event in Wales as an impressive opening to its annual Business Exhibition on 14 June.
The South Wales Chamber is hoping that approximately 340 businesses will attend its facilitated networking breakfast at Cardiff City Stadium as a prelude to the Business Exhibition that will then take place throughout the day.
The O2 sponsored event is aiming to be even bigger than last years’ when 318 businesses flocked to the stadium to make the most of the networking opportunities available.
As with last year, the event will be divided into zones with businesses moving between tables within each zone to maximise the number of fellow professionals they meet. Dedicated hosts will be on hand to make introductions and facilitate the networking.
Graham Morgan, director of South Wales Chamber, will be the event’s main host. He said: “Last year was our inaugural event and it was a great success. There was a real buzz about the place and the feedback we received was very positive.
“We have therefore increased capacity this year, and hope that the event is going to be even bigger and better! We’ve also made a few tweaks to the event format to streamline and improve it even further.
“In today’s competitive environment, businesses have to use every trick in the trade to give themselves the edge. With so many people in one place, we hope that business connections of real value will be made.”
After the networking event, the businesses will be entitled to free entrance to the South Wales Chamber’s annual exhibition, where more than 90 businesses are taking a stand. A big focus this year is on the international market and, during the exhibition, there will be a series of free seminars around international themes.
Graham Morgan continued: “Owing to the impact of today’s tough economic climate, Welsh businesses need to internationalise to maximise their competitive advantage.
“International trade has always been high on our agenda – and was a central tenant of our recently launched manifesto. We believe that the economic recovery in Wales can be achieved with support and direction, which is why we have attracted some important key note speakers who will be talking about the international theme as part of our seminar programme, and why we have a dedicated international zone in our exhibition.”
Sarah Whitticase, sales manager at the Dragon Hotel in Swansea city centre, attended last year’s event and will be returning this year.
She said: “It was a really beneficial experience for us last year as there were a lot of corporate businesses in attendance that could use our conference or restaurant facilities. The set-up was also useful as everyone was moved around from table-to-table, so you got to network with a lot of different people.
“The event provided us with a great opportunity to spread awareness of our brand amongst a captive audience, which can only be a good thing in helping to grow the business, so we’re looking forward to going along again this year.”
Tim Fry, recruitment consultant with Adecco’s Cardiff Branch, also attended last year’s event. He said: “I was impressed by the number, quality and size of the companies who attended last year. Generally, at networking events, you get to meet representatives from 10-25 other companies but the Chamber Of Commerce Event was like attending ten networking events in one! With the variety of different companies in attendance I’m sure there will be something for anyone looking to publicise and develop their business.”