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Manchester’s Internet Industry Networking Events Gaining Momentum
Added: (Thu Oct 02 2008)
Manchester 2nd October 2008: Internet Facilitators (IFL) www.internetf.co.uk, Manchester’s leading colocation provider, has been holding a regular series of networking events aimed at internet industry professionals. The events have been taking place in Manchester City Centre every two months, with the final event of the 2008 calendar scheduled for November 6th 2008.
Matthew Edgley, IFL Sales Manager comments
“Like most professionals today we had experience in attending networking events, but felt Manchester was lacking a regular networking event specifically for professionals within the Internet Industry. Existing events seemed to focus on a particular en-vogue subject or topic and seemed too sales-orientated to be considered a true networking opportunity. We wanted to build a series of events with a regularity that would bring a strong social element to a business orientated function. With a focus on conversation, we wanted to encourage a relaxed, non-pressurised, yet professional environment, conducive to an effective networking atmosphere. Four events on and it’s proved to be a real success, with our views quite obviously shared by many others in the industry.”
The events have been held in well known Manchester bars and restaurants on Thursday evenings, providing a subsidised bar and buffet style food for all guests. Recently, the event has found a regular home in the private suite of the Living Room Bar, a well-known and high-class venue. Each event accommodates up to 80 attendees, and registrations are often closed early due to the event’s increasing appeal.
Edgley continues
“We have found the events develop a momentum of their own. Within days of announcing the date of the next networking evening, places begin to fill up straightaway with previous attendees looking to assure their place is reserved – usually bringing colleagues or customers to subsequent events – so we see an organic build up of numbers. With an emphasis on quality rather than quantity, we ensure exactly the right mix of people within the room, from service providers and network specialists to hardware suppliers and web designers.”
The event has quickly attracted high-profile sponsors such as NTL:Telewest, keen to be associated with the only event of its kind in Manchester.
NTL Telewest’s Barry Watts states;
“ntl:Telewest has supported the networking events from their inception and we have found them to be a very valuable arena to meet businesses that are based throughout the UK. It is good to meet on a social scale and have an informal conversation about how we can work with their business and provide added value to them by utilising the services we provide on our national next generation network”.
As the events move on into 2009, IFL plan to move to larger venues as both regional and national interest increases. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For details on the next IFL Networking Event please visit www.internetf.co.uk/events or contact Matthew Edgley, IFL, 0161 275 1102 / matt.edgley@internetf.co.uk
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