London CoS Virtual Speed Networking (8/20)
- Date
- 2024-08-20
- Host
- Chief of Staff Network Event Calendar
About this event
If your calendar is full but your network could use a refresh, this is a smart hour to protect. London CoS Virtual Speed Networking is built for fast, focused conversations with people who understand the work, the pace, and the questions that come with community and operator-focused roles. Instead of one long webinar or a crowded chat thread, this event gives you a structured way to meet new people quickly. You’ll leave with fresh connections, practical perspective, and a better sense of who is doing interesting work across the wider CoS and community ecosystem. About the Event London CoS Virtual Speed Networking is a virtual meetup designed to make networking easier, more useful, and far less awkward. The format centers on short, timed conversations so you can meet multiple people in a single session without needing to guess who to talk to first. This is especially valuable if you like the upside of networking but not the usual friction that comes with it. The structure creates momentum, keeps conversations moving, and helps everyone get face time rather than leaving the experience up to chance. Because the event sits at the intersection of community, networking, and social connection, the goal is not just to collect names. It’s to create relevant introductions that can turn into future conversations, collaborations, referrals, or simply a stronger sense of belonging in the broader professional community. Expect a room full of people who showed up for the same reason: to meet peers, exchange ideas, and make the most of a defined block of time. That shared intention tends to make discussions more direct, generous, and worthwhile. What to Expect The core experience is speed networking, which usually means a series of short one-to-one or small-group conversations. You’ll likely rotate through several rounds, giving you the chance to introduce yourself, hear what others are working on, and quickly spot where there’s mutual relevance. A format like this works best when it stays simple and energetic. You can expect the session to move at a steady pace, with clear transitions between conversations so you spend more time meeting people and less time figuring out logistics. Here’s the kind of flow attendees typically find useful in a virtual speed networking event: A brief welcome to set context and explain how the networking rounds will work Multiple timed conversation rounds with new people each time Space to share what you do, what you’re building, and what kinds of connections you’re looking for Opportunities to note who you want to follow up with after the event The conversations themselves may cover a wide range of topics, including: Community-building challenges and wins Career paths and role transitions Partnerships, collaboration ideas, or local connections Tools, processes, and lessons learned from day-to-day work Helpful introductions to people, groups, or opportunities You do not need a polished pitch to get value from this. A clear introduction, curiosity, and a willingness to engage thoughtfully will go a long way. Why Attend The biggest advantage of this event is efficiency. In a relatively short window, you can meet far more relevant people than you likely would through cold outreach or an unstructured online meetup. That makes it especially useful if you want to expand your network without spending weeks doing it one message at a time. It’s also a strong setting for people who want conversation with substance. Short does not have to mean shallow. When everyone arrives ready to connect, even a few minutes can be enough to uncover shared interests, similar challenges, or a strong reason to continue talking later. You should attend if you want to: Meet peers in a format that makes introductions easy Build relationships beyond your immediate company or circle Hear how other people are approaching similar work Increase your visibility in a relevant professional community Leave with a handful of specific people you genuinely want to reconnect with For many attendees, the value is not just in the number of conversations but in the quality of signal. You’ll get a quick read on who shares your interests, who complements your experience, and where future opportunities might come from. This kind of event can also be a helpful reset. If networking has felt random, slow, or overly transactional lately, a well-structured session can make it feel useful again. Practical Details This event is listed as virtual in theme and format, with the title explicitly describing it as Virtual Speed Networking. That means you should plan to attend online and be ready to participate in live conversations rather than passively watch. The session takes place on Tuesday, August 20 at 12:00 PM EDT. Since it is scheduled at midday in the Eastern time zone, it’s worth double-checking the time in your local zone ahead of the event so you can arrive on time and settle in before the first round begins. A few practical tips will help you get more from the hour: Join a few minutes early so you’re not rushed at the start Use a reliable internet connection and working mic Keep your intro concise: who you are, what you do, and what kinds of people or ideas you’d like to meet Have a way to capture names or follow-up notes after strong conversations Because the event is social and networking-led, your experience will improve the more intentional you are. Come prepared to speak, listen closely, and follow up with the people who stand out. If you do, this can be one of the most efficient ways to turn a single hour into lasting professional relationships.
Who should attend
This is for you if you want efficient, relevant conversations with people in adjacent roles, similar communities, or overlapping professional circles. - You work in **community, operations, partnerships, programs, or a similar people-centered role** and want to meet others who understand the realities of that work. - You’re looking to **expand your network intentionally**, not just add names to a contact list, and you value conversations that can lead to future follow-ups. - You’re new to the London CoS orbit, new to a role, or new to this broader professional space and want an easier entry point than a large unstructured meetup. - You’ve been meaning to do more networking but want a format that is **time-bound, guided, and low-friction**, especially if open-ended virtual events tend to feel awkward. - You want to **compare notes, trade ideas, and hear how others are solving similar problems** across community and operator-focused work. - You enjoy meeting thoughtful people quickly and can show up ready with a short introduction, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to follow up afterward.