Instructions for Business Matchmaking Forum

Instructions for Matchmaking Participants

Before the Forum:.

1. Plan ahead - Be prepared to clearly and concisely explain how your company can provide the best solution.
   
2. Have a great capabilities statement - Core competencies, past performance, differentiators
3. Practice your pitch - Be prepared with an “elevator pitch” that briefly highlights business capabilities, certifications, customers, past performance and your unique sales proposition.
4. Prepare takeaway materials - Bring lots of business cards, brochures, capabilities statement, etc
5. Do your homework - Learn as much as you can about the organizations you want to meet with
   

During the Forum:

1. Arrive on time - Please arrive at the start time of the Forum. NOTE: It is not necessary to sign up for session slots ahead of time.
2. Review the Room Map and identify your target Hosts
3. When the sessions start, sit down with your first target Host table, or wait in line near their table - you will have 8 minutes for each session
   
4. Watch the clock - When the bell rings when the time is up, you MUST wrap up your conversation. This is only an introductory session. 
   
5. Exchange contact info with your new contacts.
6. Move to your next target Host table or join the line of Participants waiting (be sure to take advantage of networking time in line)
7. Follow up with your new contacts after the Conference

Instructions for Matchmaking Hosts

1. Arrive no later than five minutes before the session start time to your assigned Host table so you can get set up. Session attendees will be allowed in the room at the start time of the session.
2. There will be a drop-down screen in the room, with a room layout and a timer set for 8 minutes.
3. Once everyone is seated, we will ring the bell and start the 8-minute timer.
4. You will have 8 minutes with each Participant.
5. Once the 8 minutes are up, we will ring the bell, indicating to the Participants that they need to stand and move to the next Host table.
6. We will have volunteers scattered throughout the room that will help monitor time and keep Participants moving through the matchmaking tables.
7. STOP your session when you hear the bell ring and ask the Participant to move to the next Host.
8. If you have 2 or 3 Hosts from your organization at your table, you're welcome to accept 2 or 3 Participants at a time, to help the line move faster.
9. The Matchmaking Forum will end promptly at the end time.
10. If for any reason, you cannot make it to your Host table, please find someone from your department or organization that can fill in for you.