On Thursday, April 25, 2019, the BABCPHL Young Professionals Group (YPG) hosted the eighth annual panel discussion and networking event: Need for Speed – Around the World in 90 Minutes. The BABCPHL in collaboration with the Chilean, French and Irish Chambers of Commerce offered an exciting evening of speed networking with global professionals at Philadelphia’s premier whiskey and go go bar – the Trestle Inn. Industry experts led a brief discussion about the importance of networking; how to pitch yourself and your business; and how to deliver the perfect elevator speech. Following introductory remarks, attendees rotated in small groups so each person had the opportunity to interact with as many attendees as possible. Guests brought plenty of business cards to exchange with executives representing various industry sectors with operations throughout the world. Volume and energy were running full throttle; questions between participants were flying across the tables in both the front and back rooms of the Trestle Inn for 90 minutes. More than 60 people played the game, rotating every eight minutes to meet additional contenders.
Jay Jumper, Partner at Pepper Hamilton and BABCPHL Programs & Events Chairman welcomed guests and introduced the topic and speakers. Jay explained this is one of our signature events. “Each year we choose a different topic to present – today we will be speaking about professional networking, the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts is one of the most important components of professional success.” The art of active listening and the ability to promote oneself are very important components for self-advancement and achievement. After a brief intro about the topic, Jay turned the microphone over to our three panelists.
Kyle Elliott, Senior Associate from Miramar Global Executive Search discussed the importance of a good and memorable pitch by speaking about Miramar and his role with the company as an example. Jason Walker, Financial Advisor, Accredited Asset Management Specialist, Raymond James & Associates and BABCPHL YPG Co-Leader, is an expat Brit living and working in Philadelphia. Jason has been involved with the BABCPHL for a few years, and having lived and worked on both sides of the Atlantic, was the perfect person to talk about networking across the globe and the differences in networking styles depending upon culture/country of origin. Jenna Buretta, Vice President – Retail Business Banking Team Lead, HSBC Bank USA, has experience in various domestic and international markets. Jenna enjoys spending time in the US as well as in the UK; she presented an example of how professional networking has paid off for her and her career.
When speakers wrapped up, Jay explained the rules of the game and round one of speed networking commenced. There were four or six players at each table. People sitting opposite each other were matched each round. Each time the bell rang, half of the people at each table moved to a new table, and half remained, maximizing the number of individuals each guest was able to interact with throughout the night. It was a raucous and fast paced event! While the game ended after seven rounds of speed networking, attendees remained long into the night, continuing to informally network, and enjoy the beer on tap as well as the specialty whiskey sours.
Special thanks to sponsors: HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Miramar Global Executive Search and Pepper Hamilton LLP, and to Ian Cross, BABCPHL Marketing & Communications Chairman and proprietor of The Trestle Inn for hosting our signature annual YPG event.
Click here to view photos from the event.
