In-Person Speed Networking | FAQ
What is SpeedChicago Networking?
SpeedChicago Networking is traditional speed dating - minus the dating. Strictly for business professionals looking to expand their business and social circle. A structured and casually sophisticated offering which allows you to connect to all the participants - five to six minutes at a time. Rotate from business professional to business professional in a comfortable and inviting setting - just your speed.
How are you different from typical networking events?
Rather than being tossed in a room to stand around and fend for their own business contacts, guests of ours can enjoy a seated, relaxed and efficient opportunity to meet all the professionals in attendance.
Business professionals who are also found to be delightful and lovely - can expect complimentary invitations to future events at no additional charge. We look at your interactions with staff, hosts and fellow attendees. When business professionals stand out for being the epitome of professional, the world of SpeedChicago Networking is theirs.
What type of people can I expect to meet?
Accomplished individuals just like yourself. Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, legal or medical professional, in the finance, real estate or entertainment industry - our attendees cover a wide range of professionals at the top or on the ladder of success in their particular industry or profession.
How do I reserve my place?
Simply select the EVENT SCHEDULE tab on the homepage for a listing of our events. Simply register online and you're all set! No paper tickets are required. You will be sent a confirmation from us and your name will be noted on our Guest List.
Is this a dating or singles event?
It is not. This is event is strictly business intended for professionals to expand their business, social or enterprise contacts.
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Do you screen the attendees?
Generally - we do not screen those whom register. We do however - greatly value the input and feedback we hear from participants about each other. If we meet a participant or learn from fellow participants - that one is not someone that others or ourselves would enjoy meeting - we will respectfully decline current and/or future participation.
Are you affiliated with any 'Meet-Up' groups?
We think 'Meet-Up' is a lovely free service that gives those of similar interests the opportunity to connect. We do question businesses that promote their events through "Meet-Up" groups - only to redirect you to their own website. Some companies tout that they partner with many organizations including Craigslist offerings and 'Meet-Up' groups for their events. We do not.
What happens if the event is sold out?
We wish we could accommodate everyone! Unfortunately, the fun goes quick! You can email info@SpeedChicagoNetworking.com for information as to the process of being added to the wait list. Also, it is a good idea to keep checking back on our website as sometimes reservations become available at the last minute. We are continually updating our event calendar.
What time should I show up for the Event?
Published start times can be found in the event description. Please try to avoid doing anything unsafe in your attempt to arrive to the event on time - we do like to wait for all participants to arrive. This may cause an event to start late but we feel a perfect opportunity to have a lovely refreshment, settle in and mingle should you wish.
Do you offer booths to promote a product or business?
We do not. While we understand many companies like to offer such sales offerings at their networking events - we prefer to keep the evening about making great business and social connections rather than being sold on products or offerings.
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What is a SpeedChicago Networking ‘Connect-Card’ match?
A ‘Connect-Card’ match means you checked each other on your 'Connect-Card'. Your email address and first name will be exchanged with this person or persons 24 hours after the event. Only business professionals whom garner matches are notified approx. 24 hours after the event.
How long will I chat with each business professional I meet?
Typically you will have 5-6 minutes at a time. Sometimes, for our larger events, this may be shortened by 1 or 2 minutes to accommodate all of the business professionals in a timely fashion.
Can I return for free if I don't get a match at an event?
We take a different approach to returning guests; those that receive matches, are quite popular and absolutely lovely - are often invited back with discounts or with our compliments. This ensures a fabulous pool of business professionals that others want to meet.
Is Food included with my SpeedChicago Networking ticket price?
From time to time venues may provide light nibbles for the guests. This is at the venue's discretion.
How long does a SpeedChicago Networking event last?
The length of an event is based on the number of guests in attendance. Generally, our events last about 2 hours including intermission.
Can I come with my co-workers and/or associates?
Our hosts will gladly accommodate seating for all ticketed members of your party. If you would like to be seated together please let us know.
How Many People Will I Meet?
SpeedChicago Networking events vary in size, anywhere from 14 - 28 professionals register for any given event.
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Can I pay without doing it through the Internet? Register/Info
Payment can only be accepted through the website. We only accept payment via our secure and encrypted checkout systems. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly at 1-866-WE SPEED.
What if I don't have the ability to act like a lady or gentleman?
Oh dear - how unfortunate. We do have a zero tolerance for any rudeness - of any sort. We attract such great professionals but find - as in life - not everyone is ideal. Our professionals are also our product and we go to great lengths to ensure everyone meets professionals like themselves. Behavior short of lovely will result in a business professional being banned from the company. This may upset some but we feel our attendees as a whole appreciate the extra effort and we hope you do too.
Can you tell me more about your promotion for Cancer Awareness?
We are super excited to announce our partnership with The Joan Gaeta Foundation for Lung Cancer Awareness. Our 'Night For Suzanne' is a great way to give back and make great business connections while doing it! Donate to the Joan Gaeta Foundation or any Cancer charity of your choice in the amount of the ticket price - let us know you did - and we'll add you to the guest list of your desired event. It's that simple.
For additional questions, feel free to contact us at info@SpeedChicagoNetworking.com