SayPro Networking Session Guidelines

Event: SCSPR-75: Empowering Community Leaders Through Strategic Partnerships
Date: February 25th, 2025
Location: SayPro Community Leadership Center (Hybrid Event: In-person & Virtual)

Overview of Networking Sessions

The Networking Sessions at SCSPR-75 are designed to provide participants with a structured and purposeful environment to make meaningful connections, share ideas, and explore potential collaboration opportunities. These sessions will be facilitated in both in-person and virtual formats, allowing all attendees to network effectively.

Each session will be guided by specific objectives to ensure attendees have the opportunity to connect with others who share similar goals, challenges, or areas of expertise. The goal is to foster strong partnerships that can lead to impactful, community-driven initiatives.

General Guidelines for Networking Sessions

Purpose:
- The primary purpose of these networking sessions is to connect participants with community leaders, organizations, corporate partners, NGOs, and other stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships.
- Encourage a collaborative mindset and open communication for sharing knowledge and exploring synergies.
Session Format:
Each session will consist of breakout groups (in-person and virtual) where participants can meet and interact in smaller, focused environments. Each breakout group will have a facilitator to ensure the session stays on track and that every participant has an opportunity to contribute.

In-Person Networking Sessions

Structure:

Group Size: Each breakout group will consist of 5-6 participants to keep discussions manageable and ensure meaningful engagement.
Time Per Session: Each session will last for 20-30 minutes.
Facilitator Role:
- The facilitator will introduce the session’s objectives and provide discussion prompts.
- Facilitate introductions, ensuring every participant has the opportunity to share their background, interests, and goals.
- Keep track of time to ensure each participant has equal opportunity to speak.
Topics for Discussion:
- Introduce yourself and your organization.
- Share the most pressing challenges your community is facing and how strategic partnerships could help.
- What resources or expertise are you looking for in a partner?
- Share examples of past successful partnerships.
- Discuss potential synergies between participants’ work and how you could collaborate in the future.

Icebreakers (Optional, if needed to facilitate initial introductions):

“If you could partner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?”
“What is one project you’re currently working on that you’re passionate about?”

Follow-Up Actions:

At the end of the session, participants will be asked to exchange contact information (e.g., business cards or email addresses) or connect on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
Participants will be encouraged to schedule a follow-up conversation after the event to explore partnership opportunities further.

Virtual Networking Sessions

Structure:

Platform: The virtual networking sessions will be hosted on the event’s official virtual platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or a similar platform).
Group Size: Each breakout group will consist of 5-6 participants in virtual rooms.
Time Per Session: Each session will last 15-20 minutes.

Facilitator Role:

The facilitator will manage the Zoom rooms and ensure participants are divided into appropriate groups.
Facilitate the introduction process and provide discussion prompts.
Ensure participants stay on track and are given the opportunity to speak.
Encourage active listening and constructive conversation.

Guidelines for Virtual Networking:

Mute/Unmute Etiquette: Please mute your microphone when not speaking to avoid background noise.
Camera Use: It’s encouraged to keep your camera on for better engagement, but if you prefer not to, please make sure to actively participate using the chat.
Chatbox Usage: Feel free to use the chatbox to share resources or information during the session.

Discussion Topics for Virtual Networking:

Introduce yourself and your role in your community.
Share a community-driven initiative or project that you’re currently working on or are passionate about.
What types of partnerships or collaborations would benefit your project?
Are there any specific challenges you are seeking advice or support on?
What resources or tools are you looking for in a partner?

Follow-Up Actions:

Participants should be encouraged to exchange email addresses or LinkedIn profiles for future collaboration.
Virtual Networking Rooms will stay open for 10-15 minutes after the session to allow participants to have additional informal conversations or ask further questions.

Networking Session Etiquette

To ensure that networking sessions are valuable and respectful, we ask all participants to follow these guidelines:

Be Respectful of Time:
- Adhere to the session’s time limit to ensure all participants have a chance to share their thoughts.
- If you need to leave a session early or join late, please do so quietly and respectfully.
Active Listening:
- Pay attention when others are speaking and refrain from interrupting.
- Show respect for others’ perspectives, even if you disagree.
Engage with Purpose:
- Focus on building meaningful connections and exploring potential partnerships, rather than simply exchanging contact information.
- Be clear and concise when introducing yourself and your work.
Be Open and Collaborative:
- Approach these sessions with an open mind and a collaborative attitude.
- Listen for opportunities to offer your expertise, share resources, or connect others who may benefit from working together.
Follow-Up:
- After the event, follow up with any new connections you made. Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message to continue the conversation and explore partnership opportunities.

Networking Facilitator Tips

For those facilitating the networking sessions, here are some tips to ensure the experience is productive and engaging:

Start the Session with Clear Instructions:
Provide a brief overview of the session’s goals, the structure, and the time limits.
Encourage Everyone to Participate:
Ensure all participants have the chance to introduce themselves and share their thoughts, especially those who are quieter or less confident.
Keep the Conversation Focused:
Remind participants to stay on topic and avoid side conversations that may distract from the main purpose of the networking session.
Wrap Up with Actionable Steps:
At the end of each session, summarize key points, highlight any potential collaboration opportunities, and encourage follow-up discussions.

Final Notes

The networking sessions at SCSPR-75 are an integral part of the event’s success, providing valuable opportunities for connection, collaboration, and partnership-building. By following the guidelines and participating actively, all attendees can maximize their experience and contribute to the development of impactful, sustainable partnerships.

We look forward to seeing you connect, learn, and grow with other like-minded individuals!

SayPro Networking Session Guidelines