Chicago for-profit firm Network after Work is attempting to break into Hartford, staging a second inaugural event after its first attempt was buried by snow.
The company, which operates in 33 cities, will begin holding networking events open to all industries at popular nightlife destinations monthly throughout Hartford.
Having events at new, lively locations and open to individuals at any level in any profession helps the company standout, said founder James Miller.
“Most networking groups have events with the same people at the same places,” said Miller. “Network after Work events never become stale because each one offers an exciting new experience, while still being an effective time to expand ones professional base.”
The original inaugural event took place on the same February weekend as snowstorm Nemo, which caused attendance to suffer. The new event will be 6 p.m. April 9 at the Black Bear Saloon in downtown Hartford.
Avi Smith, who runs We Care Computers of West Hartford, went to the first event and plans on going to the next one to help develop his business.
“Despite the storm keeping some people away, the event was great for me,” said Smith. “There were people from outside Hartford and even the state, which is very rare for Hartford events. It was something unlike any other networking I have done here.”
Smith has been spreading the word to colleagues about the event to generate interest.
“From what I saw and hear the group is doing new and exciting things,” Smith said. “There were people from industries you don’t usually see represented at events like this. Big name companies sent people, and there were people in aerospace engineering and other high tech fields there. It was more than just the typical small businesses and banks.”
Network after Work expects to be in 50 cities by year’s end and plans to hold events internationally in 2014. This national presence is another advantage, giving attendees a trusted forum to network away from their home city, said Miller.
“One women who attends our events in Indiana came to events in Boston, Providence, and Hartford to scout for clients and potential partners, when she was looking to relocate her business,” said Miller.
Network after Work will enhance Hartford’s already event-centric networking scene, said Julie Daly Meehan, executive director of networking group Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
Despite potentially sharing a base of young professionals, HYPE, which unlike Network after Work holds free events and does not require an RSVP, does not look at the group as a threat, Meehan said.
“Networking can be seen as competitive or cooperative,” said Meehan. “At HYPE, we take the cooperative approach. A calendar on our Web site is designed to get the word out about other group’s events. Any networking event is always good.”
In a city the size of Hartford, it is important to have a large network, and new events help, said Meehan.
“Each monthly event in the city like, First Wednesday, First Thursday, and Creative Cocktail Hour attracts a different crowd,” Meehan said. “Having a new event where people can meet a new crowd allows people to create an even larger network.”
The new platform will enhance Connecticut’s economy as well, said Adam Ney, assistant director of public affairs for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.
“Anytime there is a new opportunity to form communities and make business connections helps, especially in a down economy,” Ney said. “The CBIA may even benefit if local public officials turn up and get a better sense of what industries and businesses are up to.”
Chambers of commerce and Rotaries form a backbone of networking in the state, but Ney said he is optimistic about what events like Network after Work’s have to offer.
“They could really allow for networking communities to grow and spread,” he said. “If their environment allows for it, attendee response and level of participation will be there.”
Tickets from Network after Work event are $10 if pre-paid, $15 with an RSVP at the door, and $20 at the door without RSVP. Tickets for the February event will be accepted April 9.
