Canisius MBA

How do you encourage networking at an event aimed at connecting young professionals and business leaders? The Buffalo-Niagara program staff offered a unique answer to that question this past Thursday evening at their event, “Executives Unplugged”. We played a game! Now, I know that may sound a bit silly, but it proved to be quite effective. Those of us who attended as “young” professionals were directed to collect business cards from each executive in attendance. The first person to collect a business card from each executive won a sushi-tasting dinner from SeaBar. Motivated by the “thrill of competition”, we moved about the room talking to as many executives as possible (without forgetting to ask for a business card).

As I spoke to area business leaders, I was curious about what motivated them to attend these functions. Wallace Smith, V.P. of AAA offered a compelling response; he stated that local business leaders are committed to making Western NY a place where young professionals want to work and helping them become our area’s future leaders. After hearing that, I understood how fortunate I was that these individuals dedicate their time and offer their expertise.

At the end of the evening, I have to admit, I didn’t win the game. To accomplish that, one had to be very good at holding short, concise conversations. Those of you who know me understand that can be difficult for me…

Paula Fox
Canisius MBA Student

BUFFALO, N.Y., January 6, 2009 – The Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Buffalo Niagara 360 program, aimed at regional young professionals and employers, will host its Executives Unplugged event on Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the elegant Brierwood Country Club in Hamburg. The event features an evening of cocktails and conversation with some of the region’s leading executives from companies including AAA of Western & Central NY, Greatbatch, Goldberg Segalla LLP, infoTech Niagara, MOD-PAC Corp, Rich Baseball Operations and representatives from the Erie County Legislature, NYS Assembly and Erie County Industrial Development Agency.

Buffalo Niagara 360 is focused on developing the next generation of regional business leaders. The Executives Unplugged event offers key networking opportunities with leading executives who can offer a wider breadth of knowledge about working and living in Buffalo Niagara. The Buffalo Niagara 360 membership consists of a wide range of experiences, backgrounds and age levels and program events like Executives Unplugged provide young professionals the opportunity to learn about the great diversity of businesses right here in the region.

To get the dialogue going, Executives Unplugged attendees will compete to meet as many executives as they can. The person who talks to the most executives will win a delicious six course sushi tasting dinner from downtown Buffalo’s contemporary sushi restaurant SeaBar.

This Buffalo Niagara 360 young professionals event is open to all. Those interested in attending will need to activate a Buffalo Niagara 360 membership first to register. Please visit the program website to become a Buffalo Niagara 360 member today!

Cost:

• $10 - Mover (Partnership and Buffalo Niagara 360 Member)
• $20 - Shaker (Member of Buffalo Niagara 360 only)
• $40 - Thinker (Non-Buffalo Niagara 360 member)