Building Authentic Connections with Humanised Networking

In today's post-pandemic digital reality, attending in-person business events may seem unnecessary when you can access presentations and workshops online. However, the value of attending a live conference extends far beyond the content itself. It offers a unique opportunity to build authentic human connections, experience a distinctive atmosphere, mingle with professionals, and grow networks based on understanding and trust.

For change-makers especially, attending impact-aware events can foster a sense of belonging to a larger movement. Also, it provides a platform to exchange stories and ideas with like-minded individuals who share a common passion for sustainable change and progress in a business environment. It is not a coincidence that at the heart of our Summit, we have embraced the motto, "A stranger is a friend you have not met yet." This phrase serves as a reminder and an argument for engaging with fellow participants who may share a similar vision and drive from various industries with both business and innovation backgrounds.

Recognising the immense value of in-person interactions, we emphasise offering our participants fresh and friendly networking opportunities among the more classic ones. We have designed the following initiatives to initiate natural networking experiences, encourage curiosity in each other, and ensure that attendees make meaningful connections:

Speed Networking. This facilitated activity will enable participants to interact with multiple Summit attendees in short, timed interactions. It offers a fast-paced platform to exchange information, establish connections, and expand one's network in a short amount of time.

Dinner with Strangers. To foster deeper connections, we have pre-booked tables for groups of Summit participants at various restaurants in Gdynia. Signing up for dinner will allow participants to share a meal with unfamiliar faces, offering an opportunity to network and engage in a natural conversation setting. Alongside a standard restaurant menu, participants will receive a list of conversation starters to kick-start the conversation, if needed.

Sustainability Summit Evening. This networking event will bring participants into an experience of relaxation and informal connection. As the backdrop, live electronic music by our special industry guest, Wojtek Ławniczak (elch), will enhance the ambience. Attendees will have a chance to hit the dance floor or just find a moment to clear their minds and make space for the upcoming second day of the conference.

Workshop Warm-up Sessions. Before the workshop part of the program, a warm-up session will be conducted to strengthen participants' readiness for the unknown, fostering serendipity. Through creative tools based on feedback and enjoyment, these warm-ups will incorporate movement and theatrical improvisation to encourage open-minded, adaptive, and receptive perspectives.

All these initiatives have purposefully created a conducive environment and have utilised various tools to help participants connect. Whether introverted or extroverted, the Summit will provide diverse formats that cater to the needs of all attendees.

We believe the true worth of live events lies in the connections and experiences shared among participants. The Summit aims to enable attendees to forge relationships, collaborate, and foster community within the change-making landscape by actively facilitating networking opportunities. So, if you're considering attending the DtB Sustainability Summit, remember there's more to gain from being physically present than just absorbing curated information. Embrace the opportunity to build authentic connections, expand your network, and be part of a thriving community of like-minded individuals which cannot be replicated in the digital realm.