Networking Breakfast (NeBr)

The Evanston Chamber of Commerce’s Networking Breakfast, or NeBr (sounds like ‘neighbor’), is held on the 4th Tuesday of every month, from 7:45-9:15am. As we do with the Business After Hours, we will occasionally make a change due to special events or holidays (which I acknowledge are special events in their own right), but the 4th Tuesday is pretty set for us.

Each NeBr is hosted by a different member on a rotating basis, and several months of these events have already been booked for 2011. Although we do not charge a fee for hosting the Networking Breakfast, the host donates enough food and beverage to satiate the desires of 40-70 attendees in need of caffeination and, um, pastry-ation.

The Networking Breakfast is a programmed networking event, unlike the more free-form Business After Hours. After about 15 minutes of network mingling, there is a short presentation by the host, the moderator, and perhaps some short announcements from a Chamber member. Time willing, we will go around the room for everyone to give their escalator speech (a bullet-version of the elevator speech). We then get into the program portion of the event, which may include speed networking, small table discussion or working on different networking/speaking techniques.

If you are interested in hosting an Evanston Chamber Networking Breakfast, or any other networking event, please contact Elaine Kemna-Irish or Brooke Saucier at 847-328-1500.

Upcoming NeBrs and their hosts, if known

December 21, 2010 – Design Within Reach (host) / Fraiche Bakery (food provider)

January 25, 2011 –

Business After Hours

The Evanston Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, or BAH, is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 5-7pm. Occasionally we will make a change due to special events or holidays (which I acknowledge are special events in their own right), but the 3rd Wednesday is pretty set for us.

Each BAH is hosted by a member on a rotating basis, and several months of these events have been booked. Although we do not charge a fee for hosting the After Hours, the host typically donates enough food and beverage to satiate the desires of 60-100 attendees.

The Business After Hours tends to be rather free of format, unlike the monthly Networking Breakfast (NeBr). As it is held during the happy hours, so to speak, it takes on the feel of a cocktail party. After about an hour (around 6pm), there is a short presentation by the host, and perhaps some short announcements from a Chamber member or Chamber staff. (Don’t worry, this member is selected well before the event, so you’ll know if you’re on the hook for a speaking engagement.)

If you are interested in hosting an Evanston Chamber Business After Hours, or any other networking event, please contact Elaine Kemna-Irish or Brooke Saucier at 847-328-1500.

Upcoming BAHs and their hosts, if known

December 15, 2010 – Hilton Orrington

January 19, 2011 – Asha Salon

April 20, 2011 – Rotary Club of Evanston/MJ Catering

May 18, 2011 – Hilton Garden Inn/Chicago North Shore Convention & Visitor Bureau