About Schmooze
Established in 2003 by its founder and owner, Phillip Jones with a premise of collaboration between professionals, Schmooze has evolved into one of the most innovative and dynamic professional and business communities in Australia. Schmooze offers a personalised way for members to meet their peers, create new contacts, gain access to decision makers and promote their expertise, events or services.
It has grown thanks to the generous support of many sponsors and volunteers who have generously donated their time, expertise and in-kind support.
With a stance of being independent, non-political and innovative, Schmooze offers a comprehensive program for our members and guests through a unique combination of the social and professional in a sophisticated and welcoming vibe.
Schmooze also aims to foster social capital in the region through supporting the arts, charities and social ventures. We also provide a neutral environment that enables synergies to be fostered between individuals and organisations and through joint initiatives. In fact we have become a de facto 'network of networks' with representatives of my professional bodies as members who take advantage of the space we've created to meet and collaborate.
Our philosophy is outward looking and collaborative - so we often work with many other kindred organisations such as professional associations, organisations like Canberra Business Point, or the ACT Government's Live in Canberra campaign, as well as tertiary student associations.
We eschew the old in-your-face business networking model, understanding that our members and guests prefer to get to know each other first and build relations of trust over time in the environment and events we create.
You can also meet some of our members here and view a list of organisations who have joined or renewed this year here.
CONTACT US
Organisation
There is a separate program of events for each of the branches of the network: the Schmooze Professional Network, Schmooze Young Professional Group and a Social Branch. In addition, we offer a range of special interest groups for members, and several professional development seminars and workshops for members and guests. The network is administered and developed by an enthusiastic mix of staff and volunteers who you can meet here.
This diagram outlines the key aspects of Schmooze and our key activities..jpg)
Summary of Activities
Throughout the year we offer over 80 events hosted ranging from intimate dinners and lunches for six, to cockatil functions for over 100, in addition to the events hosted by our members. You'll find out events calendar here.
Our range of activities include:
Professional Development
Schmooze offers monthly workshops for our members and guests for small groups of up to 20 people. The events are presented by members of Schmooze enabling them to both showcase their expertise and provide practical insights that participants can apply in their professional lives.
In the past we've heard from experts on a range topics ranging from managing relationships with Minister's offices, branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation, how to develop a public affairs career, the evolution of the Air Force's branding, issues management, engaging Indigenous audiences, measuring effective communications, emotional intelligence, effective presentation skills to name a few.
We also offer a service to create Master Classes on a commission basis. These are presented in small groups and participants are personally invited by Schmooze to enable the hosts to present their expertise in a targeted and personalised setting.
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Concierge Service
A service that is unique to Schmooze. Have you attended a function wanting to meet a particular contact or someone from a certain organisation but spent the evening talking to everyone else but? Or want to make a connection, but in a confidential and discreet way? The team at Schmooze can assist you!
All you need to do is contact us prior to an event with your request or who you’d like to meet and at the event one of the Schmooze team will make the introduction for you discreetly and then the rest is up to you.
Alternately, we are available to advise you at anytime on the right members to contact, or to advise you on the best way to make the most of your membership.
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The Monthly Schmooze
These events are the flagship event hosted by a Schmooze member each month. Low on formality and high on great contacts, these networking evenings are staged in venues that provide a sophisticated and welcoming environment to cultivate new professional relationships.
These events are held in the last Wednesday of the month from 5.30 to 7.30pm. Attracting and some 80-120 members and guests attend from a wide range of professions and sectors.The atmosphere is more like a sophisticated cocktail function rather than the usual staid networking function and you can see footage of past events here.
Networking Training and coaching
Schmooze offers several ways to develop networking skills and capabilities including a Professional Networking Workshops, and personalised coaching for organisations or indviduals. We also have a range of networking articles on this site.
custom Events
Members can stage through Schmooze, invitation- only events such as workshop, networing functions, or special presentations which are run by our experienced team. A service fee applies as we facilitate these events for our members and act as the go-between so no cold calling is involved.
SCHMOOZE INTEREST GROUPS
These member-only activities are informal gatherings that provide the space for conversation to foster the sharing of ideas and collaboration, insights and profesional opportunities. There are several groups based on sectors and interest including Leadership, Marketing/ Communications and Small Business Owners Group.
The discussions are be structured around a particular topic of common interest suggested by members in advance and provide a great way to make new contacts and share ideas or leads. Please read more about the Groups here.
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Social BRANCH
Schmooze members can use our website and e-news to promote anything of a social, cultural and charity nature. You can also join Schmooze through a social menbership if you just want to make some new friends! Members also enjoy a range of exclusive offers and discounts including travel and accomodation.
We also offer events for our members featuring a wide range of events and servicess including wine dinners,fashion events and much more. Please read more the social program here.
Schmooze Young Professional Group (SYPG)
This branch of Schmooze is for any young professional in their 20’s from any profession or background. The SYPG program offers welcoming events that include networking and presentations from inspiration young professionals and experts on a range of topics.
The SYPG also provides a structured environment for young professionals to learn essential interpersonal and professional skills amongst their peers. Read more about the SYPG here.
The SYPG is run by a Council of volunteer young professionals and interns, and we also collaborate with other young professional groups.
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