CCNG meetings provide a unique opportunity to share ideas, solve problems, and grow as a professional. Attendees are professional peers and advisors who are there for the expressed purpose of giving and getting support. Here’s a summary of ideas and tips from CCNG Members on how you can get maximum value from attending CCNG meetings and events.   

Come with a purpose
Have a goal for your time. Commit to introducing yourself to 10 new people. Bring back 3 new ideas on a program or policy you’re planning to implement. Get introduced to a “trusted advisor” from a peer you know and respect. Setting goals doesn’t inhibit the social exchange—it enhances it.

Come early
Arrive early and get a chance to meet the Local Coordination Team members and others on the program for the event. You might even offer to help set up or staff the "registration table" as a way to meet even more people. It can be easier to have conversations before the room gets full.

Have an elevator pitch for you!
Have a simple, short answer for Who are you? What do you do? Where do you work? What are your areas of focus and responsibility? What are you interested in discussing today?

Give before getting
Be willing and ready to share your experience, expertise, insight and opinions. You’re a resource too! Become a valuable part of other people’s network and they will enthusiastically become part of yours.

Don’t sell
If you have something to sell … don’t. Instead, communicate your expertise and your willingness to share it. Build relationships and the rest will fall into place.

Participate
The more you give the more you get. The more you participate—in discussions, Q&A sessions, table conversation—the more knowledge and perspective you will bring back from the event.

Ask questions
Take advantage of the incredible expertise you have in the room. Ask lots of questions and write down insights and observations. Take a notepad for notes and don't forget your business cards.

Continue the conversation
Remember, you won’t get everything accomplished at the event. Be sure to follow up with those you've met, keep in contact, share information, and offer to help in any way you can. Collect business cards or use the online Member Directory to continue the conversations you started at the event.