 
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regional Mixers
|
|
One of the major differences between LBN and other networking groups is that LBN recognizes
the need for some of its members to network regionally as well as locally. Regional
Mixers are one of the ways in which LBN creates this opportunity. Regional Mixers bring
together the members of dozens of chapters for a major networking event three or four times a
year. LBN members can sign up for exhibit space at these events.
Several hundred LBN members and their guests attend each Regional Mixer.
Regional Mixers provide you the opportunity to make sales to members of other chapters,
find referral partners, and educate members of other chapters so they can promote your
business. Typically, members arrive at about 8:30AM to set up their exhibits.
At 9AM, exhibit open and those with all day passes
begin networking. Everyone gets
an hour off their feet at a sit-down lunch, but
networking continues. A brief awards
presentation is followed by several more hours of networking as members visit exhibits, learn about
each other, seek out individuals who can help promote their business, and find business
professionals who can assist them with both business and personal needs. Contacts made at
regional mixers lead to both immediate and long term sales, but more importantly they allow
members to link up with individuals in related professions who can be a steady source of
referrals - referral partners. A well developed referral partner relationship can literally
bring tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of business over a period of years.
Preplanning and extensive organizational efforts make it easy for members to connect with
those who can help them most with their business. LBN staff works feverishly behind the
scenes to make it easy for members to make the mixers effective for them. Lists of attendees
are e-mailed to all registrants a few days before the event. Members can access our
database of member information (which is updated weekly) to get contact information for those
with whom they would like to meet at the Mixer. Members of each chapter are assigned exhibit
spaces together at the Mixer so they can help promote each other. Lists of exhibitors and
attendees are available at the mixer to help members find those individuals they would most
like to meet.
Regional Mixers also provide educational opportunities.
During the networking event,
members are sometimes treated to a series of break-out sessions on topics of interest to them.
Topics are pre-selected by polling LBN members.
Professionals within LBN make presentations
in their area of expertise. Brief presentations are followed by open discussion to allow
members to get responses to the questions they need answered. These sessions are not only an
educational opportunity for our members, but also provide presenters the opportunity to
demonstrate their expertise to members of chapters throughout their region.
The best thing about our Regional Mixers is the cost. While expos and trade shows of
the size and quality provided by LBN typically cost anywhere from $150 to $600 or more, the
cost for an LBN Mixer is typically under $100 per person (including
lunch and exhibit
space). Taking into account the business generated, relationships developed and education
gleaned, LBN members find our Regional Mixers provide a return far in excess of both the
cost of attending and their annual membership dues.
SCHEDULE OF REGIONAL EVENTS FOR 2008
MICHIGAN CHAPTERS
|
Event
|
Date
|
Location
|
SE Michigan
Winter Regional Mixer
|
Tuesday
February 26th, 2008 |
Vladimir's
28125 Grand River
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Grand River at 8 Mile Road |
SE Michigan
Spring Regional Mixer
|
Tuesday
May 13th, 2008 |
Club Venetian
29310 John R. Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071
12 Mile and John R. Road |
SE Michigan
Fall Regional
Mixer
|
Thursday
October 2nd, 2008 |
Vladimir's
28125 Grand River
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Grand River at 8 Mile Road |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
