Rutland Chamber of Commerce’s Post

DID YOU KNOW that icebreakers can be used at events of any size? Here’s how: Small Events: - In small events, icebreakers can serve as introductions, helping attendees get to know each other better. - They can break down social barriers and encourage shy individuals to participate. - Icebreakers can set a relaxed tone for the event and create a sense of camaraderie among attendees. Large Events: - Icebreakers can be used at large events to help participants feel more connected in a sea of people. - They can be strategically incorporated into networking sessions, workshops, or breakout groups to encourage interaction. - Icebreakers can energize the audience and grab their attention before a keynote speech or presentation. - They can also be utilized during breaks or transitions to keep the momentum going and prevent lulls in the program. ➡️What upcoming event or gathering could YOU use a fun icebreaker!?

Some of the best events are completely shaped even before the attendees walk in the door. That’s where the magic should really start if you’re hosting events. Let me show you. Imagine registering for a retreat focused on reflection and fellowship. A week later, you receive a children’s book in the mail, with no instructions or message. Just the book from the retreat. The book: ""The Carrot Seed"" The book's message: A boy who diligently cares for his carrot seed despite others' disbelief, eventually leading to the seed's growth. Persistence. Perseverance. Now, imagine the book also happened to arrive at a moment when you were at a low point in your business journey. That you opened the package right after questioning, maybe for the 10th time, why you do what you do. Imagine sitting with that message, in that moment, before you even attend the retreat. The event planners knew what they were doing. They were shaping how the attendees felt, thought, and engaged from the moment the registration was complete. In my latest blog I’m sharing the story of the attendee who did receive that book and just how much of an impact it made. You’ll get an idea for how to replicate that for future events as well. https://lnkd.in/gJPKygkC

Let’s talk about live events…. I know for some, the idea of attending an industry event can feel like a bit much—taking time out of your already packed schedule, spending money on tickets and travel, plus the anxiety around networking with a room full of strangers. Sound familiar?⁠ ⁠ But here’s the thing: every time I’ve been hesitant, I’ve walked away wondering why I ever hesitated in the first place.⁠ ⁠ Attending live events isn’t just about listening to speakers or learning new strategies. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and into an environment that can change the way you think about your business.⁠ ⁠ I get it—taking a day away from your day-to-day feels risky. Spending money on tickets might make you question the ROI. And walking into a room full of people you don’t know can be nerve-wracking. But here's what you might be missing:⁠ ⁠ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: When you step out of your bubble, you gain new ideas and approaches you might never have considered.⁠ ⁠ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Yes, networking can be intimidating. But every time I push through, I leave with real, valuable connections that continue to shape my business.⁠ ⁠ 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳: The investment isn't just for today—it's for the long haul. Those insights, connections, and tools you discover? They’ll pay off long after the event is over.⁠ ⁠ 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁: There's something about being around driven people that can give you that extra push to stop playing small and start moving forward with more clarity.⁠ ⁠ If you've been on the fence about attending an event, trust me—it's worth it. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you step away from the daily grind and invest in yourself.⁠ ⁠ What's been the best industry event you've attended?⁠ Or what is one you really want to attend? ⁠ #businesscoach #businessmentor #realestatecoach #propertymanager #propertymanagement #propertymanagementcoach⁠ #womeninrealestate #mindsetcoach #realestatewomen #realestatewoman #smallbusinessowner #propertymanagementmentor #womeninproperty #sidekicksuccess⁠

In our fast-paced world, attending events is no longer just about showing up and collecting free pens—though I admit, a good pen is hard to pass up! It’s about engaging deeply, forming genuine connections, and soaking in new insights. Each event offers a chance to broaden our horizons, challenge our thinking, and build relationships that can transform both our professional and personal lives. I've learned that real networking magic happens in the quality of our interactions, not the sheer number of business cards we can stuff into our pockets. It’s about creating relationships that bring value, inspire growth, and maybe, just maybe, help us find that elusive Wi-Fi password! Every conversation could spark the next big idea, and every connection might just be the key to something extraordinary. My Takeaway: "Every event is a gateway to discovery. The connections we make and the lessons we learn can be the stepping stones to our next big breakthrough. So, show up, smile, and remember—networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being the most authentic." As we embark on a new week and a new month, let’s remind ourselves of the incredible power of networking and the endless opportunities that come from being active participants in our own growth. Let’s not just attend—let’s engage, learn, and thrive. And hey, if there's free coffee, that’s a bonus! #Networking #ContinuousLearning #GrowthMindset #SundayReflections #EmbraceTheJourney

In-person events can change your life. My company was born because I attended an in-person event - I rekindled an old friendship, and we launched a biz together. Here's why I recommend in-person events for vets 👇 Your network is critical in business. A great network is critical for - ‣ Job opportunities ‣ Resilience & help when times are tough ‣ Ability to raise capital, sell product, and hire great talent Here's why you should go to an in-person event to build your network - 1. FACE-TO-FACE > ZOOM 👉 Zoom is great for initial calls, but meeting in-person accelerates relationships. 2. EVENTS WITH VETS ARE FUN! Our shared service background means no sharp elbows. 👉 We cultivate a spirit of vulnerability and inclusion at our events - I guarantee you'll make new friends and valuable connections. 3. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU BUILD YOUR NETWORK When I attended the first Military Veteran Startup Conference, I never expected it would lead to launching another business. 👉 That in-person event was directly responsible for starting the company I run today. ------------------------------ Join us on 4/25 & 4/26 in Austin, Tx for an in-person event. We have dozens of speakers who are business executives from across industries joining us there - they are CEOs of 8 and 9-figure companies and investors who are looking forward to meeting you! 👉 Register at themilvet [dot] org/events 👉 If you've attended an in-person event in the past, let me know in the comments below and let us know what you got out of it!

When planning your next corporate event, take a moment to think and reflect on what your guests may want out of the experience. Here are 4 things that attendees ACTUALLY want at corporate events and trade shows: ✔️ Useful take-home items and swag: Invest in high-quality, purposeful takeaways that provide value to guests! Items like digital resources, workbooks, chargers, and tote bags are cited as most appreciated. ✔️ A personalized experience: Attendees want a flexible event schedule and the ability to curate their own experience. Examples would include breakout sessions, opt-in exercises, or meditation rooms. ✔️ Relevant education: Guests want to feel like the event was a good use of their time. Providing content that is informational and beneficial to your audience will make your event worth-while. ✔️ Facilitated networking: Creating fun and educational networking parameters can help guests with all personality types participate and meet new people.

At Sledge, what we love most about working in this industry is the people we get to meet. Whether it’s the hospitality team at the venue we’re at, suppliers, other agencies or clients, everyone has their own unique experiences to share. Learning from others and building relationships is essential for success. But it’s also led to great friendships and collaborative efforts to improve our collective offering through innovation and sustainability initiatives. 🎉 While we meet people through our own client events, we also attend external events, speaking sessions, podcasts, roundtables and other industry gatherings, helping us to build new connections with our peers. 🌍 We’ve built relationships through travelling on fam trips, social media, parties, venue showcases, client work, volunteering and even our own personal events, where friends might introduce us to a fantastic new venue. Not only is it incredibly exciting to learn from so many different people’s expertise across the world, you never know when those relationships might come full circle, leading to an incredible opportunity. For us that might mean a new client, an invite to speak at a meaningful event or a new charity partner to work with. Or it could mean the start of a friendship or a mentoring journey. As the economic and political landscape continues to make the road ahead less clear for businesses, it’s more important that we hold on to the relationships we have and keep building. Together we’re stronger as an industry! #Sledge #SledgeEvents #Relationships #Eventprofs

As an MC, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how powerful attending events can be—not just for networking, but for real, lasting personal growth. The energy in the room, the conversations that take place, and the connections made are all amplifiers for personal transformation. Every time I host an event, I watch people leave their comfort zones and pursue possibilities for growth. Here’s how attending events can impact you on a deeper, more personal level: -------------- 👉 It boosts your confidence: I’ve seen people walk into events feeling uncertain of themselves, but by the end of the day, they’re engaged in conversations, sharing their ideas, and networking like pros. 📍Being in a room full of unfamiliar faces forces you to gain confidence. Engaging in meaningful discussions, introducing yourself, and expressing your opinions all help you improve your interpersonal skills, which boosts your self-esteem. You leave not just with business cards but with a stronger sense of self. -------------- 👉 It broadens your worldview: Every event brings together a diverse set of individuals, ideas, and experiences. When you attend, you expose yourself to various viewpoints, cultures, and ways of thinking. This exposure to other points of view is a strong driver of personal development, allowing you to mature in ways you may not have anticipated. -------------- 👉 It gives you access to potential mentors: One of the most rewarding aspects of attending events is the opportunity to meet industry leaders and seasoned professionals who are eager to share their experience. 📍Whether it's a simple talk during tea break or a more formal networking event, these interactions can help you make important professional decisions or even clarify your future steps. -------------- 📌 The next time you’re invited to an event, don’t just think about the agenda - think about the personal growth that awaits you. Take the leap, show up, strike up those conversations and watch how it transforms your confidence, creativity, and connections. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from attending an event, and how has it impacted your growth? #BuifeNomeh #eventhost #mc #LinkedInMasterclasswithBright

Events. If you are a speaker, coach, consultant, expert, or thought leader, you've heard that events are the path to scale, to grow, to take your business to the next level, to put the money in the bank, but there is a long way from "I think I should have an event" to those results. I've heard too many stories of wasted time, little to no leads, a lack of audience, no sales and frustration over the time, team and tech required for a successful event. Next week, I will co-hosting the event SIX FIGURE EVENT MASTERY with fellow Event Expert Steve Eriksen of Event Raptor, and we are going to pull back the curtain on the to events that can make significant impact on your business and on the lives of the clients you want to serve. Join us for 3days in the actionable BootCamp, and let's turn your event experience into results and not frustration! Endless leads, enrollment at scale, and let your next event story have a happy ending!! Comment EVENT in the comments for the link and provide a unique code for a deep discount.

When planning your next corporate event, take a moment to think and reflect on what your guests may want out of the experience. Here are 4 things that attendees ACTUALLY want at corporate events and trade shows: ✔️ Useful take-home items and swag: Invest in high-quality, purposeful takeaways that provide value to guests! Items like digital resources, workbooks, chargers, and tote bags are cited as most appreciated. ✔️ A personalized experience: Attendees want a flexible event schedule and the ability to curate their own experience. Examples would include breakout sessions, opt-in exercises, or meditation rooms. ✔️ Relevant education: Guests want to feel like the event was a good use of their time. Providing content that is informational and beneficial to your audience will make your event worth-while. ✔️ Facilitated networking: Creating fun and educational networking parameters can help guests with all personality types participate and meet new people.