BathSPARK

Xmas BathSPARK (brought to you by iPrinciples and Eden Ventures)

December 4, 2012 · 6:00 PM
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David Montrose

Thanks to the organisers for last night. I agree with the help networking. I'd like to put forward the idea of doing something along the lines of speed dating, or 'speed networking'; that way we'd all have an opportunity to talk to everyone in the room and swap numbers with anyone with a mutual benefit - after which, it would open up to the general drinks we had last night.
Later on in the evening when most people had grouped into threes and in a circle with their backs out to the room it felt awkward to interrupt the conversation. It was great for meeting people generally, but for those of us looking to network - especially for me to say "Hi, I'm an app interface and UX designer" and for them to say "I'm a bioengineer" and for the conversation to be immediately awkward - there was a lot of social gambling involved. Lots of nice people, but I'm sure I missed out on talking to a few people I could help out and vice-versa because of it.
Anyway - Speed Networking for BathSparks, please!

2 · December 5
- Chris Lucas
  
  David, your second paragraph in particular was my experience also. Got a bit awkward (and a tad cliquey) towards the end... That said, I did get a lot out of it and am looking forward to the next one. :-)
  
  1 · December 6
- Lily Smith
  
  Without wanting to sound too cheesy :-) your opinions really do count and the BathSPARK organising team do try to take all our feedback into account for the next event. I'm sure there's something we can do to improve the experience and we definitely don't want to alienate anyone with cliquey-ness! I have some ideas on how we retain the social aspect and harness the networking aspect more which I'll discuss with the team at our next planning session. Many thanks!!
  
  0 · December 6
Jamie Middleton

Nice surroundings, nice free beer, nice people. Will definitely come to a BathSPARK again!

0 · December 5
Dominic Tristram

Good crowd and atmosphere. If I was being picky I'd have to agree with what others have said - the music was just a little too loud.

1 · December 5
Gavin Weeks

Personally I think people put too much pressure on networking and not enough on social. I enjoyed catching up with friends and having a few drinks, as is customary with Xmas parties worldwide.

0 · December 5
- View all 10 replies
- David Montrose
  
  Presumably that's because you don't need to network as much as the rest of us…?
  
  0 · December 5
- Gavin Weeks
  
  I like to network as much as anyone but there is little more boring than people only talking to you if you can "help" them or they can sell you something.
  
  0 · December 5
- David Montrose
  
  Agreed - but that's not networking. Networking is about encouraging relationships between businesses or individuals with mutually beneficial skills.
  
  0 · December 5
- Gavin Weeks
  
  Thanks for the definition there, not really my point though. Most networking events are about who can sell something to someone. Eg a designer finding a new client. I prefer a more social environment, rather than going into an event such as this aiming to make some business. There are specific "speed dating" style events in the area, I like BathSpark method as they are, social and a community of talented individuals and businesses with great stories, I dont see it as an event to promote sales and make money. That's me personally obviously. Tha is again to the great sponsors and folks involved for putting on a great event once again.
  
  0 · December 5
- Garry Pratt
  
  If we have something on badges we can choose like 'I'm interested in...' then it's open
  
  0 · December 5
- Garry Pratt
  
  Sorry didn't finish - like 'I'm interested in...drinking/chatting/business ideas/design/Prefab Sprout....' whatever anyone wants to put. David - could we do this via our profiles so no writing on the night.
  
  0 · December 5
- Katrina James
  
  I can see both sides here - and we're always looking at new event ideas so maybe there is a way we can cater for both requirements... I'm making a note of all of these ideas and will take them to the next BathSPARK meeting. As a side note - have you seen our (new!) monthly Techie Brekkies... they are set to be more focused events, so keep an eye on upcoming themes.
  
  0 · December 5
- David Montrose
  
  Hmm… ok, not sure there's any reason to be rude, Gavin; you did imply that networking is people just trying to sell something. However, I think what we're getting here is 'each to their own'.
  
  0 · December 5
- David Montrose
  
  - which is fine.
  
  0 · December 5
- Gavin Weeks
  
  Apologies, I didn't mean to sound rude.
  
  0 · December 5
Paul Lewis

Nice to meet new faces and old friends!

0 · December 5
Richard Godfrey

Fantastic! Thanks to everyone involved in organising and our fellow sponsors!

0 · December 5
alastair lee

Nice to see everyone!

0 · December 5
Gavin Weeks

I am sure there were plenty of people that could have benefited my business and visa versa but I simply fancied leaving work behind for a bit and having some fun!

0 · December 5
John Bradford

Name badges are great, not so sure about 'job titles' as some of us wear many hats! :)

+1 too noisy to chat :(

0 · December 5
- View all 5 replies
- Garry Pratt
  
  Perhaps we could choose a statement/phrase instead of a job title...'I'm interested in.....' or similar
  
  0 · December 5
- Ken
  
  hmm, i have to say I don't think it is a great idea....
  
  0 · December 5
- Ken
  
  I like the fact that I can just ask ppl about what it is that they do. It is a simple conversation opener and much easier to learn about them than trying to read text on their badge?
  
  0 · December 5
- Simon Stansfield
  
  I'd agree. Knowing someone's name is great, but being able to spot why you're there is more important- I want people to know I'm there looking to find people who want help to grow their business. For example ;-)
  
  0 · December 5
- David Maher Roberts
  
  For the very first BathSPARK we had coloured stickers that people could stick on their badge. Red for techie, blue for product, yellow for design, etc... and we also had a "Looking for ______" area to allow people to add whatever they wanted. This worked ok, but did make the queues really long at the start as it took a lot longer for people to get their badges.
  
  0 · December 5
Katrina James

Thank you all for coming - and for the feedback. Its really useful to get your thoughts on things like venues and name badges. We'll have a chat about some of these ideas ahead of the next event and see what is possible :-) Keep making suggestions!

0 · December 5
Garry Pratt

Flying visit from me, but great event as always. I agree that something on badges identifying what people do or are interested in would be v useful

1 · December 5
- Tim Cockle
  
  Who knows - may be soon we can have augmented reality with little profiles floating over our heads. I would be tempted to suggest everyone wear hats with little icons on springs but I think that might be pushing it.
  
  1 · December 5
Mark Talboys

Full of Christmas cheer, Thanks again to the organisers

0 · December 5
Ken

Good event. Looking forward to the next one and hopefully meet the rest of the members!

Agree with some of the other comments about it being very difficult to have a conversation because of the noise and music.

0 · December 5
Doug Laughlen

great. wonderful to finally get to an event and meet some talented and fun local people

0 · December 5
john

Great venue food and drink, and great venue for the xmas meetup. Would like to see some help with networking. I have to meet a lot of people to find any covering in similar areas as me. Such a huge cross section of the industry is represented.

0 · December 5
TiaCarrWilliams

Food was good but not quite enough of it. Prosecco very good (and I drink a fair amount to know). People met..lovely but couldn't really have a conversation.

0 · December 5
Jonathan Sowler

Excellent - many thanks to the sponsors...

0 · December 4
Tim Cockle

Great first event for me - nice buzz plenty to talk about

0 · December 4
Brian Liu

Hi Katrina,

Apologies for the late notice but Nicola and myself cannot be there tonight. Please take us off the list.

0 · December 4
- Katrina James
  
  Hi Brian, no problem - thanks for letting me know. Have a good Christmas and we hope to see you at the March event.
  
  0 · December 4
Andy McCreeth

Katrina, David, Dave & Lily... I am so sorry for extreme late notice, but I'm stuck in a session that's going to end way later than I'd hoped, and won't be able to make it back to Bath in time for tonight's festivities :-(
I hope someone else can attend in my place... and have a darn good time!
Have a great one,
Andy

0 · December 4
- Katrina James
  
  Hi Andy, no problem - thanks for letting us know. Hope you're not stuck for too long! If you get back earlier than expected feel free to pop in. All the best
  
  0 · December 4
Andrew Thomas

Would like to attend but will be in Xi'an China.....

0 · November 27
Lee Maggs

Katrina. Would it be possible to reserve a second spot for a work colleague?

Many thanks

Lee

0 · November 5
- Katrina James
  
  Hi Lee, they would need to be registered - can you ask them to fill in the registration form and questions to become a member, and then they can join the group. Thanks.
  
  0 · November 5
- Lee Maggs
  
  Ok katrina. Will ask him now. Many thanks for the quick reply
  
  0 · November 5
Richard Hill

Would love to be there but will be in RUH for knee op. Have fun :-)

1 · November 4
- Katrina James
  
  Sorry to hear that - we'll make sure we have a drink for you though! Best of luck with the op Richard.
  
  0 · November 5