Have you ever wondered how to create truly meaningful connections at events, beyond the superficial exchange of business cards? In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Michel, Vice President of Professional Connexity at Velvet Chainsaw, to explore the art of fostering genuine relationships and community at conferences and gatherings.Reimagining the Welcome ExperienceWhy first impressions matter more than you thinkInnovative strategies for making solo attendees and first-timers feel instantly at homeThe power of recruiting an "army of connectors" to facilitate meaningful interactionsThe Role of MCs in Building CommunitySarah reveals her approach as a "content weaver," explaining how:MCs can set the tone for genuine connection from the moment attendees enter the roomSimple techniques like call-and-response can transform passive audiences into active participantsThoughtful facilitation can bridge the gap between speakers and attendees, enhancing content retentionBeyond the General SessionLearn why Sarah believes concurrent sessions are the untapped goldmine for networking, and how to:Train speakers to facilitate peer-to-peer interactionsDesign education sessions that foster connection without sacrificing contentCreate opportunities for meaningful dialogue throughout the eventThroughout our conversation, Sarah challenges us to rethink our approach to event design, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in creating spaces and moments for true connection. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on how to transform events from mere information exchanges to catalysts for community building and personal growth.Whether you're planning your first gathering or looking to revitalize a long-standing conference, this episode provides actionable strategies to create events that resonate deeply with attendees and foster lasting relationships.Are you ready to move beyond transactional networking and create experiences that truly bring people together? Tune in to discover how focusing on "connexity" can transform your events and leave a lasting impact on your community.

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