1. Chapter Chat: Hokie Nation Networking Hosted by: Ginny Ritenour, Chapter Program Coordinator, with guests Gwen Harrington, Director of Alumni Relations for Sponsorships, Young Alumni, and Travel, and Katie Marquis, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement December 10, 2014

2. What is Networking? Networking is the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships

3. Why is Networking Important? Networking is the #1 way to find a job Over 60% of job opportunities are obtained through networking Relationships are the catalysts for success

4. Hokie Nation Networking 1.Professional Networking Events 2.General Networking Events 3.Hokie Nation Network

5. Professional Networking Events Geared toward a specific industry Generally hosted by the Alumni Association Sponsored events

6. Networking Event Featuring Finance Arlington, VA, Sobe Bar and Bistro Three corporate sponsors

7. General Networking Events Requirement for Outstanding Chapter Award Can take a variety of formats – not a “one size fits all” approach Geared toward all alumni Denver Chapter example Other examples?

8. Tips for Success Host an after-work networking event and utilize chapter members to facilitate conversations Host table discussions with chapter volunteers to facilitate Host a short panel event Other ideas?

9. Business Cards Have participants drop business cards in a bowl for a raffle prize Send to VT Alumni Association at: Virginia Tech Alumni Association, Holtzman Alumni Center (0102), c/o Katie Marquis, 901 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061, fax to 540-231-3039 or email scanned copies to kmarquis@vt.edu.

10. Hokie Nation Network www.alumni.vt.edu/hnn Online resource Job listings, LinkedIn, webinars, alumni directory, etc. Alumni Career Resources Program Nancy Brittle at nbrittle@vt.edu

11. Sponsorships To help subsidize the cost of various alumni programs, the Virginia Tech Alumni Association is seeking partnerships with quality national corporations. A corporate sponsorship of an alumni networking event provides an excellent opportunity for companies to advertise a product or service, and recruit from a talented group of Hokies. For more information, contact Gwen Harrington, Director of Alumni Relations.

12. Sponsorships Corporate Sponsorship Benefits: Company logo included in media advertising the event (including alumni emails) Company logo included on the Virginia Tech Magazine Sponsor Page: Bronze level Company logo on event webpage Opportunity for company display, signage, giveaways, and brochures displayed at event (materials provided by company)

13. Questions and Dialouge What has worked for your Chapter? Has anything not worked? Other questions/thoughts/feedback?

14. Upcoming Chapter Chats January 10 th, 2015 @ noon – Planning Speaker Events, Greg Fansler and Jordan McCauley February 10 th, 2015 @ noon – Planning Community Service Events, Kelly McCann and Katie Marquis March 10 th, 2015 @ noon – Broadening Audiences for Increased Engagement, Debbie Day

15. Contact us! Gwen Harrington, Director of Alumni Relations for Sponsorships, Young Alumni, and Travel gwenh@vt.edu, 540-231-6285 Ginny Ritenour, Chapter Program Coordinator ginnyrit@vt.edu, 540-231-6285 Katie Marquis, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations kmarquis@vt.edu, 540-231-6343

16. Contact us! www.alumni.vt.edu www.facebook.com/virginiatechalumni www.twitter.com/vt_alumni