Last month I was especially energized because of all of the new connections I made in my network with industry associates, and because of the revitalization of existing friendships I made at both the GBTA (Global Business Travel Association) annual Convention in Boston and MPI (Meeting Professionals International) annual World Education Congress in St. Louis! Not only did I expand my network, I was able to make introductions that connected people I knew, so that their networks could expand. I have to say that one of the things I really enjoy is bringing together two people that I admire & respect, and seeing them begin to establish a new rewarding relationship. It reminds of the pebble in a pond metaphor. The ripples from the pebble keep radiating outward, just as our networks are constantly expanding.

This week I am participating in the IncentiveWorks conference in Toronto, and I am once again delighted to reconnect with existing friend and meet new ones! In addition to the educational content of these annual meetings, I believe that one of the great benefits of our industry events is the ability to meet new people. To that end, in order to help facilitate new connections during the session I presented on SMM at IncentiveWorks, I built in time at the beginning so that everyone could interact together before the session started.

I find my network very necessary because it:

• Energizes me
• Provides a source for unique and innovative ideas
• Provides me with a sense of belonging
• Connects me with people from all over the world

Having a lot of diversity in my network is necessary for me. I am lucky enough to have a geographic diversity with friends and associates in my network from not only North America and Europe, but also China, Africa, Australia and Latin America. This keeps me from becoming too US centric in my thinking about our industry and allows me to be a global advocate for Strategic Meetings Management.

Additionally, I love that I have a lot of diversity within the professions in my network: meeting planners, travel managers, hoteliers, owners and employees of Destination Management Companies (DMC), Professional Congress Organizers (PCO), and meeting management companies, third party intermediaries, independent meeting professionals, procurement directors, C- levels, owners of technology companies and more! It's great fun!

If you are new at networking, don't worry, it's not that hard! As you prepare for an upcoming meeting, either at a local chapter or a national meeting, develop some conversation starters you can have top of mind. For example:

• If you are standing in line for food, comment on a session you were just in, ask what session they were in
• Ask questions about their perspectives on current industry issues
• Share your thoughts on current events

Also, be sure you can succinctly and proudly describe your job, your company, and your industry. When someone asks you about your job, you will be able to respond effortlessly. Be sure to return the question and ask what their role and company is in order to keep the conversation going!