Networking is awkward", because it feels like the other person wants something from you - this is has come about simply because there is no formal construct to how networking should be done that everyone can follow, thus a myriad of approaches are made, and sometimes what can be intended as polite comes across... awkward, which sets off our internal radar and stymies what could be a great discussion and relationship.

So, at AFQY, we fix that.

We fix it with a few simple ways that we ask you to conduct your engagement and discussions, and how we ticket the event - so please read and be prepared to partake in the AFQY Way.

AFQY Way of Engagement:

"Meet the person": Get to know the person, as a person, not their job, or title by using the first couple of questions to share about yourself and learn about them. The questions you ask will help them understand you as much as the answers you give - such as
1. "What do you do outside of work -Rugby or ballet, Motorcross or Cross Stitch?"
2. What do you get up to on the weekend?"
3. "Seen a good movie lately?"
4. "Have you been to an AFQY event before?"
No Selling - you can talk about business, thats why we are here, but after you've 'meet the person' then as conversation develops - work discussion naturally comes in, but all/any pricing, offers, pitching is not allowed and risks being red-carded for 3 events. We expect you to self manage this.
No flicking cards out - you can't give a card or details out, but you can ask for a card after you have had a good yarn - and all going well they will accept your request, if not, then its a sign you haven't hit the mark.
You can't ask what a person does until the 3rd question - again meet the person, not their suit, the first two questions help you discover who you're talking - uncover commonalities be it rugby or ballet or origami our diversity makes us inclusive before finding out what someone does.

AFQY Ticketing:

If you are a Provider (Vendor, Disty, Reseller, Consultant, Recruiter) then you must purchase a ticket for and bring an a Tech End User (CIO, CTO, CDO, CISO, Prog/Proj/Prod Manager, PM, BA, Dev, DevOps, etc etc) and put their name in the ticket - restricted to one person per non-sponsoring provider.
Please don't use the free ticket - thats for our Life Members, as it states, "These are for named life members", so don't choose the free ticket, it will be refunded and the action is not very "AFQY". If you can read that that is a free ticket, you can read that it isn't for you if you're not a life member ;-). All good?

Last event video - get an idea and please see ticket types for your correct ticket.

The format helps explain the event, and Ryan will greet you at the entrance, welcome you and connect you to a bunch of people and your first conversation. We consciously make you feel welcome and able to speak to anyone, and you will, as will everyone else... relaxed atmosphere with a fair bit of humour... we all have a good time talking and connecting.

Event Format:

5.30pm AFQY is officially open - Ryan will great you at the entrance - get a stamp to get your drinks on the bar tab
6.00pm Official Welcome and Introductions
6.10pm Back to "Meet the person" no-selling networking
7.00pm Check in "How many have you met tonight you didn't otherwise know before tonight?"
7.05pm Back to the last bit of connection making yarning
7.30pm Official Close
7.35pm I am off the clock and ready to yarn ;-) so stay

Who is invited to attend:

We invite Tech-End-Users to join us for an afternoon of of AFQY networking.
Food and beverages are provided - finger food with beers, wines and softdrinks

Event Partner:

Simon Scott from Acquire

Venue Partner:

North Wharf - change of location

The AFQY Way:

No Selling - the process is get to know the person as a person first, then as you develop conversation tech and work naturally comes in, but all/any pricing, offers, pitching is not allowed and risks being red-carded for 3 events.
No flicking cards out - you can't give a card out, but you can ask for a card after you have had a good yarn - relationship first.
You can't ask what a person does until the 3rd question - again meet the person, not their suit, the first two questions help you discover who you're talking - uncover commonalities be it rugby or ballet or origami our diversity makes us inclusive before finding out what someone does.
If you a a Provider (Vendor, Disty, Reseller, Recruiter) then you must purchase a ticket for and bring an a Tech End User (CIO, CTO, CDO, CISO, Prog/Proj/Prod Manager, PM, BA, Dev, DevOps, etc etc) and put their name in the ticket - restricted to one person per non-sponsoring provider.
We R.O.A.R. Reserve the right of admission