Want to showcase your business?
The Salem Chamber of Commerce is currently putting together its 2013 Meetings Calendar, which includes all of our networking events.
We are looking for business owners who are looking to showcase their business by hosting either a Coffee Connection or a After Hours networking event (please find underneath the guidelines for both). Networking events are great ways to showcase your business to other chamber members. If you do not have the space for an event at your place, but would like to be a co-host/sponsor of one of the networking events, please let us know (Cost: $250)
If you are interested in hosting an event please contact Scott Gibney Jr. at scott@salem-chamber.org or 978-744-0004.
Guidelines
How it works
A Coffee Connection or an After Hours is a joint venture between the Chamber of Commerce and a business host. The goal of these events is to facilitate business-networking opportunities by bringing Chamber members together. Hosting a Coffee Connection or After Hours allows the business to present a positive image to the public, as well as to showcase your facility. As a host, you will have the opportunity to speak during the program to promote your business. Successful Coffee Connections and After Hours have been held in restaurants, on boats, in retail stores, and even in a former warehouse!
Responsibilities of the Chamber
The Chamber organizes and coordinates all of the administrative details and marketing. This includes invitations, publicity, reservations, check-in, and any other details related to the promotion of the event. Chamber staff is on hand at the event to handle any last minute details.
Responsibilities of the Host for an After Hours
After Hours are typically held on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5 pm – 7 pm. These informal networking events encourage members to stop by and exchange business cards and make business contacts.
- The host provides a facility to comfortably accommodate an average attendance of 50-75 people.
- The host provides hors d’oeuvres that can be easily eaten at a stand-up cocktail party.
- Beverages should include beer, wine, and soft drinks in an open or cash bar format (cash bar for restaurants only). Soft drinks should be complimentary.
- The host will provide a table for registration.
- We encourage the host to have a door-prize raffle (ex. Gift certificate). The raffle is enjoyed by the attendees and the host benefits by receiving everyone’s business cards.
Responsibilities of the Host for a Coffee Connection
Coffee Connections are typically held on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 7:30 am – 9 am. The format for Coffee Connections starts with a half-hour of networking followed by an introduction (elevator speech) by all present.
- The host provides a facility to comfortably accommodate an average attendance of 25-40 people.
- The host provides coffee and pastries or breakfast ready to be served at 7:30 am.
- Beverages should include coffee, tea, and juice.
- Host will provide a table for registration.
- We encourage the host to have a door-prize raffle (ex. Gift certificate). The raffle is enjoyed by the attendees and the host benefits by receiving everyone’s business cards.
We want to showcase your business and will do everything we can to assist you including: Providing a list of caterers, rental equipment, or space suggestions. As we only have a limited number of events, please call the staff at 978-744-0004 if you are interested in hosting a networking event.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce Blog 