Cheers! Raising a glass to an IABC virtual happy hour

IABC UK & I started a monthly informal networking evening earlier this year. The 2 evenings we ran were both well attended; communicators attracted to the opportunity to meet and chat to their peers with no pressure, the same time each month.

The usual drumbeat of face to face activities was never going to survive COVID-19, even before lockdowns became more formal. For us as a chapter, just as we had momentum with a series of events they were no longer possible. So we had the idea why not try them virtually? Now that might be easy enough for a more formal webinar but an informal networking evening? We also recognised that communicators are super busy right now, really earning their stripes as they guide their stakeholders through this crisis. 

We wanted to create an online experience which encouraged communicators to join with a like-minded group and relax, share and chat. In fact the only difference as we saw it, was this time you’d have to bring your own drink. 

Some of our great board members got together to plan how we might make best use of the time. After all if we did attract a good number we wanted to make sure that, much like at a real pub, everyone could join conversations with different people, listen and share their opinions. 

And what a brilliant experience! Almost 30 communicators joined us. Whereas our face to face events meant you needed to be in London on the night, this time we attracted communicators from all points of the UK; and even one from Texas! 

Understanding how the Zoom platform offers such a range of facilities meant we could talk as 1 group, or in small groups and share experiences of dealing with the current situation in a constructive and thought provoking manner. 

Most importantly we could also have fun. In keeping with the informal nature of the evening we ran a pub quiz (with a range of fantastic virtual prizes) and we ran some polls to check how people were feeling and how much they enjoyed the evening. 

The feedback was great both on the night and since on social media. As one attendees said “That was such a good event. Really valuable and left me with the warm and fuzzies. Just what we need right now!” 

The demand seems to be to run these every fortnight - which will challenge us to keep it fresh and equally enjoyable - a challenge that feels well worth rising to. Simply offering our current and future members some downtime seems like a pretty good offer right now! 

Next one on 9 April. Joining details following shortly.