Revitalizing Live Events: How We're Redefining Networking in a Post-Pandemic World

As an entrepreneur and host of The Real Bottom Line podcast, I've always believed in the transformative power of live events. They offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growing our businesses. However, the pandemic forced us to rethink how we connect. Virtual meetings became the norm, and while they kept us going, they couldn't fully replace the energy of in-person interactions.

Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with three remarkable individuals who are at the forefront of redefining live events: Menna Riley , ???Tyler Hayden, CSP, BRM (OEE) and Ravi Tangri, CSP, CVP (he/him) . Our discussion delved into how live events are evolving and what that means for entrepreneurs like us.

Rediscovering the Value of In-Person Connections

Like many of you, I felt my networking skills wane during the pandemic. The absence of face-to-face interactions made me realize how much I missed the nuances of in-person communication. Menna, who runs Leading Ladies Networking in Nova Scotia, noticed this shift as well.

"You have to keep doing this, and you're going to get better," she reminded me. "But the second you stop doing it, you're gonna get worse."

Menna paused her in-person events during the pandemic, recognizing that the virtual format wouldn't provide the same value. Instead, she focused on creating online networking training courses, preparing for a future where both in-person and virtual networking coexist.

Adapting and Innovating Amidst Challenges

Tyler Hayden, a keynote speaker and author of 28 books, shared how the pandemic impacted his work. Just weeks before lockdowns began, he had finalized a comprehensive book on in-person team building. The sudden shift could have been a setback, but Tyler saw an opportunity.

"I think we've learned a bunch of things since then," he said. "And I think that there's actually an interest in being in person and being together. So I think we realized what we missed as a result of COVID and of that shutdown."

He adapted by writing a follow-up book on virtual team building and embraced new technologies to enhance online engagement. Tyler's experience underscores the importance of flexibility and innovation in the face of unexpected challenges.

Embracing New Technologies for Engagement

Ravi Tangri, who specializes in "soul engineering," highlighted how the pandemic pushed us to explore new ways of engaging audiences.

"It's about changing the flow so that you are pulling them in," he explained.

Ravi discovered that techniques he once believed were only effective in person could be successfully adapted to virtual formats using tools like Slido.

He emphasized that we're all navigating uncharted territory.

"Nobody alive has managed that,"

Ravi noted, referring to the unique challenges of the pandemic. This shared experience has created a collective opportunity for us to support each other and innovate together.

Introducing the Turning Tides Conference

Our conversation naturally led to an exciting initiative: the Turning Tides Conference . Recognizing the need for a fresh approach to live events, Tyler, Ravi, and Menna have collaborated to create a conference tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs in this new landscape.

"We have access to world-class speakers, world-class content," Tyler shared enthusiastically. "We're using world-class innovative tools to get people to connect, communicate, and grow their business right here in Nova Scotia."

One of the aspects that excites me most about this conference is its customizable experience. Menna is coordinating a "Meet the Experts" segment, allowing attendees to choose sessions that align with their specific needs.

"You can really shape that conference to be everything that you need it to be," she explained. "And the person next to you will walk away with something completely different because that's what they need it to be."

Building a Community of Support

Beyond the individual sessions, the Turning Tides Conference aims to foster a lasting community among entrepreneurs. Ravi is facilitating an "unconference" portion, which encourages attendees to identify and focus on one big idea that could propel their business forward.

"We're actually going to get people to identify what is the one big idea that you think could really take your business the next step," he said.

By collaborating in this way, participants can develop actionable plans and form accountability groups, ensuring that the insights gained don't just stay on paper but translate into real-world results.

Why This Matters to Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on our discussion, I realized that the Turning Tides Conference represents more than just an event—it's a movement towards redefining how we connect as entrepreneurs. Here's why I believe this conference is a game-changer:

• Personalized Learning: With a variety of experts and sessions to choose from, you can tailor the experience to your specific business needs.
• Rebuilding Networking Skills: If, like me, you felt your networking muscle weaken during the pandemic, this is a supportive environment to regain confidence.
• Action-Oriented Approach: The focus on identifying a key idea and developing a plan means you'll walk away with more than inspiration—you'll have a roadmap.
• Community Building: Connecting with other entrepreneurs provides a network of support, knowledge sharing, and potential collaboration.

As I mentioned during our conversation, "I love the fact that it's building a community of other business owners so that we know where to go to ask questions because we may meet someone who's been through exactly what we're facing right now."

Embracing the Future of Live Events

The pandemic taught us many lessons, one of which is the irreplaceable value of human connection. While virtual platforms have their place, there's a renewed appreciation for the depth of engagement that comes from being in the same room.

"It's going to be a really huge opportunity to network, as well as connect with these experts and everyone else at the conference," Menna pointed out.

The Turning Tides Conference embodies this spirit by combining the best of in-person engagement with innovative approaches to learning and networking.

Join Us in Turning the Tides

I'm genuinely excited about what the Turning Tides Conference offers to our entrepreneurial community. It's an accessible opportunity—with support from sponsors like CBDC, Futurepreneur, and Invest Nova Scotia—designed to welcome entrepreneurs at all stages.

"We've got a great room full of supporters," Tyler noted. "

In addition to experts, the people on the main stage, and the experts who you're going to be having coffee with, just by virtue of sitting at a table."

If you're ready to reconnect, learn, and grow your business in a community of like-minded individuals, I encourage you to join us. Let's seize this opportunity to revitalize our networks, embrace innovation, and support each other in navigating the post-pandemic business landscape.

Together, we can turn the tides in our favor.

I'm looking forward to seeing you there and embarking on this journey of rediscovery and growth alongside you.