The American Business Council- AmCham Kuwait (ABCK-AmCham Kuwait) hosted its second Virtual Speed Networking Event on Tuesday, November 24, in collaboration with its event Research Partner- Oxford Business Group, and sponsored by Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre Kuwait, Al Rifai Arabia, and Dylan’s Candy Bar.
The event started off with opening remarks by ABCK-AmCham Kuwait’s Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Events Committee, Mr. Pete Swift, welcoming everyone and speaking about the event’s uniqueness, and the success of the virtual speed networking event that was done in October as the first of its kind for AmCham Kuwait. To finalize his greeting, Mr. Swift gave a special welcome to Oxford Business Group and thanked Millennium Hotel & Convention Centre, Al Rifai Arabia, and Dylan’s Candy bar, for being the Sponsors for the voucher gifts, which were raffled at the end of the event.
Membership Manager, Ms. Paola De La Roche provided a brief in regard to what ABCK-AmCham Kuwait’s goal is, which is to support Kuwait in leveraging business and industry to find creative, effective solutions to the challenges Kuwait faces in this time of crisis, in its recovery, and in achieving its New Kuwait 2035 vision. AmCham Kuwait strives to support Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to improve its global competitiveness ranking, and support Kuwait’s goal of being a financial and trade hub that is commercially attractive for investment. She also spoke about the role of the Member corporations, which has allowed them to become a voice for American business interest in the State of Kuwait and encouraged participants to join the Chamber as Corporate Members.
Ms. De La Roche briefed participants with ground rules and suggestions before the actual one on one networking started. The AmCham Kuwait team recreated the efficiency of an in-person networking but this time, in an online environment using Zoom Break-out rooms.
The event was a success as it provided participants an innovative and fun way to meet other Members and business professionals in a fast-paced environment. Members and non-Members enjoyed their conversations and making new contacts. Virtual Speed Networking is the newest way for people to connect with one another. It has been proven to be a successful way to go about speed networking, as the meetings are fast, they take up less time, and it is a reliable means of obtaining key information efficiently. The concept of virtual speed networking has brought together advantages of the face-to-face meetings, while eliminating the need to travel, geographical constrains, and it has allowed people to meet others at the comfort of their place of choice. Through ABCK-AmCham Kuwait’s Virtual Speed Networking Event, participants were able to discover new business opportunities, build connections, and exchange/gather information. By participating, they were able to meet like-minded individuals, and connect with different businesses and industries.
The networking event concluded with a raffle draw which consisted of prizes by Millennium Hotel & Convention Centre Kuwait: one night stay for 2 people and their 2 children (below 6 years old) at their Delux Room which included breakfast, and 2 vouchers for two people for breakfast/dinner at El Público, which were presented by the Sales Manager, Mr. Mena Raouf. Prizes were also donated by Al Rifai Arabia, which consisted of 5 vouchers to be used at their stores, which were presented by the Regional Marketing Manager, Ms. Dina Diab. The final prizes were donated by Dylan’s Candy Bar, and the prizes were two “Party Buckets”, which were presented by the Store Manager, Mr. Elie Chalhoub. The 3 representatives announced the winners and thanked all for participating in this event.
Considering the positive feedback, AmCham Kuwait (ABCK) will be hosting this event monthly.