BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Schmooze has a collaborative philosophy. No hard sell, no pressure here, rather we create opportunities for peers to meet, promote their expertise and activities, and have a great time doing so!
By joining the network you can a wide range of benefits which we think are a unique combination for a networking group and offers exceptional value.You can read an overview of our activities with more facets being added all the time, many of which are hosted by our members.
Want to hear what our members think? You can also read more from our members and their experiences here and on Schmooze TV!
Attend most of our events for free or at cost
Yes, that's right. Once you join, nearly all our events are free to attend for members. They often include all catering costs as well, or at least the first drink or two gratis and food (courtesy of our sponsors). Othertimes we offer the event at cost price or at a substantial discount.
Access to several professional development and networking events each month
Schmooze runs about four different formats of events per month, so in theory you could potentially attend over 40 events in a year- there is bound to be several in our program each month that would interest you. We can even stage events for your organisation to promote your expertise. Our presenters are all experts in their field and offer take home insights to assist your career and business
Advertise your events, NEWS and activities on this website calendar for free
That's right, more free stuff. We have on average 2500 unique visitors per month viewing this website (growing at 25% per month), plus the events can be featured in the monthly e-news going to out to over 1500 members and subscribers. So even if you don't come to an event you can get the word out about your professional, social or cultural activities.
Invitations to exclusive Member-only events
In addition to the regular mix of networking, dinners and workshops each month we also run masterclass and social events designed in partnership with our members. These are invitation-only to selected members and are a perfect way to a) get in the right room with the right people, and b) get access to some great ideas and insights from some of Canberra's leading professionals.
We also offer member -only social events and benefits through our Lifestyle Series
Access to the Schmooze Member database outlining the contact details and expertise of our membership
Goodness knows its hard to meet people in this town, so Schmooze offers an online database for its members in our Member Lounge on the website. You can search and browse for new contacts, read their expertise and get in touch. Its a fantastic resource and also enables members to promote their own smarts, products and services.
The opportunity to promote your expertise, events and services to the network through sponsorship, hosting events and presenting
Schmooze members are often decision makers for their organisations PR, marketing or training budgets and love to see new venues. What better way to showcase your venue, or support an event and get access to our members and guests?
Invite colleagues and guests to our events using your Member Passes
Members receive several Passes when they join which are used to come to events, advertise on the website and access other services. Members can use their Passes to bring friends or colleagues to our events and let them experience Schmooze for themselves as well as take advantage of the hospitality and contacts we offer.
The ability to transfer Passes to other members
People come and go obviously, so we can arrange simply the tranfer of memberships onto staff from the same organisation on a pro rata basis upon request.
Access to the Schmooze Concierge Service
Another unique service from 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?
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. Or you can contact us about what sort of contact you’d like to make from the Member database and we can make recommendations for the best person to contact.
EARN PASSES WHEN YOU INTRODUCE A NEW MEMBER
For the most part our members come to us by word of mouth from other members, so to reward those members who spread the word and help the network grow we are introducing a reward program. Unlike Frequent Fliers these rewards you can actually use! For each new member who joins up as \a result of an introduction you make you will receive Two Member Passes.
SPECIAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS
There are also special offers from other members such as discount accomodation,free consultations or special rates for their services or events
Joint Events with Strategic Partners
Schmooze is an outward looking organisation and likes to create more opportunities for our members through working with kindred organisations. Throughout the year we have joint events with a range of professional, cultural and young professional groups.
MENTORING
Members of Schmooze can participate in our mentoring program drawing on the experience and insights of members of the Schmooze Professional Network and strategic partners. We offer the Mentor Pronto! program throughout the year offering a short and sweet opportunity to form a rewarding mentoring partnershipfor a special goal over a month. You can read more about the experiences of our mentoring participants here.
DIVERSITY OF MEMBERSHIP
Finally, Schmooze has a very diverse membership from all sectors of public and private sector, its a perfect entree into the many Canberra 'worlds' that can be so hard to get access to. We also create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to make the meeting of new contacts and pleasurable as possible!
You can read a list of recently joined members here.
