Program for 2010

As we head into our sixth year of operations, we will continue to expand and evolve our program of events and opportunities for our members and guests.

This page will outline the headline activities, but doesn't include the events etc hosted by our members and kindred organisations that will be occur throughout the year, nor the opportunities that will arise along the way in response to our members suggestions.

Our aim is simple: to create the most comprehensive and welcoming environment in the region to foster mutually rewarding connections.

Evolution of Schmooze

The initiatives this year include:

• New Membership Packages and structure, read more here
• Twitter options to stay in touch and interact with us for both the Professional and SYPG branches, read more here
• Expansion of our activities to Melbourne, and creating a new networking sister organisation in the Illawarra region with reciprocal rights for member
• New Sustainability Interest Group for members, read more here
• Enhanced Referral Program to provide a personalised way to introduce exclusive offers for members, read more here
• Casual Tickets available for the Monthly Schmooze for the first time for non-members
• Complimentary Members-only Networking Skills workshops
• More interviews with leading Canberra Business identities
• Expansion of the Social Branch's program of activities, read more here.
• A higher profile for more PR and advertising during the year
• Refreshing of website content and enhancements: we've already re-written the website over the summer break and look out for new features, articles, and more!

Program of Events

Monthly Activities
Each month, except December, Schmooze will host the following activities:

• The Monthly Schmooze: our flagship events will continue to set the bar for style, vibe and great connections for professional, business and social networking. Several of the events will be joint events with kindred organisations like Canberra Business Point in March.
• Professional Development Workshop: these will be focused on essential skills and insights for new and emerging small business owners
• Member-Only Interest Groups for Sustainability, Marketing & Communications, Small Business Owners and Leadership: to foster new insights and provide a collaborative space for discussions and brainstorming
• Networking Lunch or Dinner: These small events are perfect to cultivate new contacts with your peers in some of the city's leading restaurants.
• Young Professional or Young Entrepreneurs Group events (alternating months): These events provide the perfect environment for under 30's to meet, be inspired by leading young people and learn essential interpersonal skills and connections. Read more here.

In addition, members will be invited to events hosted by other members or kindred organisations at special rates.

SYPG/SYEG

• These two groups will continue to evolve after a successful 2009 with alternating events each month
• The first SYPG event will be in February and the first SYEG event will be in March
• We also offer the opportunity for young professionals to serve on the SYPG Council  for six months and gain fantastic experience and profile, read more here
• A Young Professional Ball is also in the pipeline
• Fostering more connections and profile on the campuses of the CIT, ANU and UC to provide a supportive bridge for new Canberran's and those about to enter the work force.
• We also are on the look out for marketing, PR or event interns to assist us for a couple of months on various projects.

Other Activities in the pipeline

• A Small Business / Government Information Session event in March: this will bring together several local and Commonwealth organisations that provide funding and suport for small business, details will be released soon
• In partnership with the Australian Marketing Institute in May, a small business marketing workshop featuring several expert guest speakers
• A Business Booster retreat for established businesses over a weekend with several inspirational presenters to re-energise your vision, skills and insights for your business.
• A return of our popular Mentoring program, with a refreshed program and focus for members only
• A Schmooze members wine club to offer a varying range of premium wines at great prices.

That's just for starters!

So to get involved please join us or subscribe or think about sponsorship, or contribute an article or idea, we'd love to hear from you!