Global Networking Night: More Than 4,000 Valuable Connections for IE Alumni

IE Global Alumni Relations hosted its pioneering Global Networking Night, a virtual, speed networking occasion connecting alumni in 10 professional sectors, including international relations, consulting, healthcare, and finance.

Some 4,235 connections were made by alumni during the event’s 1.5 hours.

The event stems from the Virtual Speed Networking series, which follows the same format on a local scale. It strives to help create quality connections with fellow alumni, based on sector, with whom they share experiences and interests.

"Virtual Speed Networking inspired Global Networking Night, and the results blew us away," said Elizabeth Stallard, Director of Alumni Integration & Engagement for IE Global Alumni Relations. "Weeks later, I'm still receiving messages from alumni who are eager to know when the next Global Networking Night will be."

This global edition featured 537 registered alumni through Ring Central, from 39 different countries.

Hosts in Madrid, Bogotá, Dubai, and Geneva welcomed attendees to each super sector, advised them on making the most of each round, and showed them around the software.

"Prior to Global Networking Night, many people assumed that the pandemic had killed online engagement by creating Zoom fatigue," said Stallard, "I, on the other hand, had proof, thanks to our Virtual Speed Networking series, that if you can create professional value for alumni online while delivering it in a fun way, people will give you hours of their time."

The event had a 61% attendance turnout rate, and the average time spent networking surpassed an hour.

Each ‘super sector,’ encompassing various fields, had a dedicated virtual speed networking space where alumni met one-on-one during 4-minute segments.

"Participating in the Global Networking Night for the tech sector was a highly rewarding experience for me," said Pankhury Harbansh, IMBA alumna, "I had the chance to connect with professionals across various positions and locations within the tech industry, including senior executives and C-suite officials., and I was able to secure several follow-up meetings with key figures, including officials from companies like Telefónica."

IE Global Alumni fosters opportunities that fully leverage the alumni network for valuable connections. October 29, the Brussels Networking Night will offer another key local networking event for the community.