Free wine, fresh meet: Business networking event put together by students

By Kris Lapenskie

lape0037@algonquincollege.com

Algonquin business administration and marketing students received first-hand experience in the business field by hosting their third annual networking event at the Westin hotel on April 2.

“It’s called the ‘Fresh Meet Networking Event,’” said Andrea Nellestyn, the chair of the marketing committee for the event. “Fresh Meet is new, it’s raw. It’s something you can sink your teeth into.”

With industry professionals present from businesses including Cisco Systems to Zip.ca, there were many opportunities for motivated students to land jobs at large companies.

“It’s a place where students can network with industry professionals and get feedback and advice and possibly a job,” said marketing student Mario Dimas.

The event was entirely put together by Algonquin students.

The event featured free wine and appetizers. A live band performed cover songs as the students tried to mingle with the guests. Some said they found the experience easier than others.

“I came off to an awkward start,” said one student, John Beaupre. “But you just have to let your inhibitions go and just be yourself and jump in.”

As the night went on, class professor Wendy Threader commented on her students success.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about students so far,” said Wendy. “They have to stop clumping though and start moving around the room by themselves.”

For most, this was the first experience at a real networking event.

“It’s really intimidating,” said another student, David Sorrano. “This is the first time at something like this for me.”

Students were divided into four groups or silos, each in charge of a different part of the organization effort. The four silos planned marketing, logistics, fundraising, and the guest list.

The marketing silo came up with solutions to issues like the event name, promotion and event materials. The logistics silo came up with the location and service preparation. The fundraising silo raised all money gathered for the event. And finally the guest list silo confirmed RSVPs and did everything from placing cold calls to asking friends and family for guests to attend.

Nellestyn said she is impressed at the success of the event.

“I am very proud of what we’ve done,” she said. “This was truly an experience.”