Cross border networking event – Did it work?
December 29, 2009 in Events, Featured by Stephen Hewitt
The cross border networking event which took place on the 21st December 2009 between Belfast and Dublin was a test to see if a cross border networking event would work and find out if there would be any problems with such an event.
Well, we definately had problems but it still worked to a point. Some of the problems we had included:
Bad Weather
A lot of people that were meant to be attending both sides of the border were unable to make it because of the bad weather conditions. However, thanks to Jackie from Whats On NI www.whatsonni.com, she made the link from Belfast possible but instead of the arranged location, it was done from her own home.
Faulty Equipment
Some of the equipment which we used was faulty such as the web cameras, but thanks to Janet Cavanagh www.twitter.com/janetcavanagh for bringing a web cam ready netbook which allowed the Belfast location to see what was happening in Dublin.
What was discussed?
Once everything was up and running, the following ideas were discussed:
- Get other business networking groups involved such as the Digital Circle, open coffee and business camp events.
- To use a normal business networking event which is taking place and link to it from another location.
- The use of large screen projectors and speakers to allow a large number of event attendees to see and hear what is happening at another location and visa versa.
- To have guest speakers at two locations who would be able to answer any questions which are asked from more than one location.
What Next?
We are now looking for any business events which will be taking place in Northern Ireland and link to it from a location somewhere in Dublin. If you have a business networking event or seminar taking place in Northern Ireland and would like us to arrange a live link to it from Dublin, please feel free to contact us.
Thankyou to the following:
What’s On Ni: For arranging the location in the north and spending time before the event doing small tests to make sure that it was working. Then spending time do the link up from Belfast from her own home.
Digital Hub Dublin: For providing a location in Dublin completely free of charge and providing an excellent setup and internet facility.
Grounded Graeme: For providing a location in Belfast which no one attended due to the weather. Sorry!
Janet Cavanagh: For attending the event in Dublin and providing her thoughts and ideas.
Contact Us
If we have not mentioned anything here or have your own thoughts and ideas about a cross border networking event, please feel free to contact us.
