Feb. 24 ‘Speed Dating’ Event Connects Kane Manufacturers With Businesses
In February, love is in the air here in Kane County — and we’re not talking just about Valentine’s Day 2016.
Kane County will play host to a different kind of collaborative networking on Feb. 24, when it partners with Chicago Metro Metal Consortium and the Illinois Manufacturing Center for Excellence to sponsor a “manufacturing matchmaking event” at Waubonsee Community College.
What the heck is a “manufacturing matchmaking event”? Think speed-dating for manufacturers and users. Participating firms from across the region will have a structured opportunity to network with potential customers and suppliers by sharing information, samples and more. Here is a short news video clip of the recent Quad Cities Manufacturing Matchmaking event which will give you a good sense of the event and you can hear manufacturers talk about its value.
“I made seven connections!” says one manufacturer in the video. “The information was prepared in advance, so companies knew who to look for.”
The Feb. 24 event at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove runs from 9 a.m. to noon. All appointments are scheduled on a first come, first served registration basis, and organizers will try to accommodate all requests. Registration deadline is Feb. 10.
The Kane County Jobs Committee co-chairs Rebecca Gillam and Theresa Barreiro say they’re very happy to play the role of manufacturing matchmaker.
“The Kane Jobs Committee continues to make connections for our local businesses — connections to educational and business programs/training to produce a skilled workforce, connections to financial resources to establish and grow Kane businesses, connections to potential sources of increased productivity and sales for local business,” Gillam said. “We are very pleased to serve the Kane business community through these matchmaking events.”
“This event for manufacturers is designed to help them meet other businesses and discover some of the many resources that area available,” she said.
Details About Manufacturing Matchmaking
- What: 2016 Manufacturing Matchmaking
- When: 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 24 (Registration deadline: Feb. 10)
- Where: Waubonsee Community College, APC Bldg, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554
- Online Signup: www.imec.org/events.cfm
- Cost: $50 per manufacturing company; $150 per non-manufacturing partner
The matchmaking event is a great, local opportunity for manufacturing representatives to meet with potential new customers and/or suppliers; share information, samples, and more that could help secure a new partner for business! Manufacturers arrange for up to seven introductory matchmaking meetings (15 minute appointments) and all meetings are based on registrant selections. Think speed dating for manufacturers!
The matching event is for manufacturers only and industry codes will be verified.
The matching event is part of a series intended to provide manufacturers in metals, machinery, and other similar industries the opportunity to meet with potential new customers and/or suppliers; share information, samples, and more that could help secure a new partner for business.
“Several of the companies I met with can provide a service that my company requires. The connection gave me a direct contact and company background information that is difficult to obtain via the Internet.”
How It Works
- Once registration is complete, a listing of all participating companies will be emailed to registrants.
- Participants review the list and select and rank preferred matches (up to 10) using our convenient online selection form.
- Upon arrival the day of the event participants will receive their detailed matchmaking schedules.
- Formal matchmaking meetings will end at 11:30 a.m. with an opportunity for open matches and networking until noon.
Deadlines for registration are essential (and early) to allow for the matching to be facilitated appropriately. Please be sure to sign up early as appointments will be FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. If appointments are filled, we suggest you stop by the company’s home table during the open match time to set up a later appointment.
Register as a Non-Manufacturing Partner – $150 per company
Companies that do not have a manufacturing NAICS code, are not a true manufacturer, but contribute a product/service to the overall manufacturing process for companies will have the opportunity to participate (also on a first come, first served basis) in an exhibitor forum that will occur in tandem with the matchmaking sessions. Interested parties should register online and select “Partner” as the registration type.
Interested in receiving additional information?
Contact Amy Fitzgerald, IMEC Marketing Manager 309-677-2977 or afitzgerald@imec.org.
SOURCE: IMEC
