How to make the most of your time at Roundup

Networking is the fundamental reason to attend AME Mineral Exploration Roundup, said members surveyed by the NRG Research Group at Roundup 2018. According to the results, providing networking opportunities for explorers is the most important activity AME undertakes.

“The Ice Breaker and BC Night are the most well attended networking events, but new activities like the Project Generators and Innovation Hubs are creating platforms for attendees to have exploration industry-specific conversations and facilitate the connections and opportunities our members are asking for,” says Simone Hill, director, events and membership.

Networking builds a web of business connections to create opportunities for yourself, your business and your colleagues. Networking comes in all shapes and sizes, but the benefits are universal.

Networking sharpens your elevator pitch.

Networking events require you to introduce yourself repeatedly. Take this as an opportunity to master your elevator pitch, a succinct and persuasive story about yourself delivered in less than 20 seconds. It is a key networking tool and the more you deliver it, the sharper it becomes.

Connections create opportunities.

Canada’s mineral exploration business is a close-knit community and the saying “it’s not what you know but who you know” often rings true. Cultivating relationships takes energy and when it comes to changing jobs or approaching a new business deal, the power of a personal referral from a trusted contact cannot be underestimated.

It’s like LinkedIn, but in real life.

Our industry has seen an increase in remotely managed teams, specialist short-term contractors, flexible working situations and demanding travel schedules. We are becoming socially isolated but networking at Roundup is the antidote, providing camaraderie, a change of scene and new ways to look at problems.

Find your people.

You don’t need to attend every networking event at Roundup to see a return on your social investment. Roundup 2019 has opportunity-focused networking events to suit all interests and personalities, from academic alumni meet-ups, to social events, to happy hour in the Core Shack. Find the events that suit you and you will find your people.

Spread the good vibes.

Networking is an opportunity to encourage and support the people around you. A simple word of encouragement at a networking event could have an immeasurable impact on a colleague. Sharing your stories and offering advice can be uplifting for both participants in the conversation.

Love it or hate it, networking is beneficial. Invest in yourself, hone that elevator pitch and find your people. Think about Roundup 2019 as 6,500 friends you haven’t met yet!