Awkward Evaluation Networking

So I’m planning a new evaluation networking series. Skip down the page for more info.

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but COVID has done a number on our networking events.

Yes, we’ve been having virtual replacement events. But many of those are in the form of traditional webinars. There is a speaker who gives a talk, answers a few questions, and then boom, event over.

And sure, those events are valuable. But it’s not really the same thing as the live meeting.

With a virtual event you can get the same speaker to deliver the same talk to the same audience. But it won’t feel the same. And it won’t be the same. Because we almost always take something for granted when we host live in-person events.

That awkward 10 minutes where you are sitting in the room before the talk, and you strike up that conversation with the person in the seat next to you. The long line at the Starbucks filled with fellow conference attendees. That 15 minute chat you have with the professional acquaintance as you walk towards your car after the event. Overhearing the one on one conversation of the two people sitting next to you, one of which is talking way too loud, but then realizing a point of shared interest.

The things that we sometimes gripe about with live events are also incredibly important parts of our social experience. Sure it can be awkward or annoying, but so many of our close relationships are born out of awkward moments or shared somewhat annoying experiences.

Yes, this is my argument, I am making a call for more awkwardness and discomfort in virtual events.

Okay, but is this really all that critical?

Yes.

Here’s why.

If you already have a solid network, a job, a social circle, and a client base, then the shift to virtual has probably been just fine.

Now if you are an evaluation consultant without enough clients, a graduating evaluator without a job, or just a social creature who feels a little out of touch with the rest of the human world, then the shift to virtual has probably been taking its toll.

And a series of webinar talks is probably not going to make a big difference.

Free Evaluation Networking

Here is the plan.

I’m going to launch a virtual networking series.

Each event will open with a short talk 15-20 minutes followed by 10 minutes of Q&A. Then we’ll have 30 minutes of somewhat awkward breakout group networking.

It won’t be recorded, so if you don’t show up there is nothing to watch later. But that also should let you feel free to talk without worrying about showing up forever on the web.

What kinds of talks?

Book/Paper Talks – An evaluation author of some type (defined loosely) will present their work.

Job Talks – A working evaluator will talk about their evaluation job. The idea here is to just give an idea of the many different things self identified evaluators actually do for a living.

Consultant Intros – A consultant will introduce their business, what they do/who they serve.

Interested in giving a talk? Reach out and let me know.

When will it launch?

I’m going to launch it next week with a pretty informal, and probably extra awkward, kickoff on June 2.

Then on June 9 I’ll have my first actual presenter.

Interested? You can register here. And yes, it’s FREE.