If you’re not putting yourself out there as often as you’d like, next month’s Redblacks Summer Rush may be the perfect chance to finally get in the game.
As many as 400 folks will gather at the Infinity Convention Centre on Tuesday, August 27, for what’s being billed as the city’s largest networking event.
The evening is being organized by and for Ottawa’s emerging generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
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Business development managers Josh Raganold from Welch LLP and Keaton Ambrose from construction company Chandos are back as co-chairs, joined by a couple of new faces: Jonathan Gilman, owner of Ottawa Interlock Repair, and Talia Silvestri, a branch manager with TD Bank.
They plan to build on the excitement and energy from last year’s inaugural event.
“Last year, we had an amazing turnout and, this year, we can’t wait to go even bigger and better,” said Ambrose during an interview with his co-chairs on the field of TD Place Stadium – home of the Ottawa Redblacks. Players with the football team will be part of the networking action, particularly those athletes with an interest in business and entrepreneurship.
“They’re really keen to attend,” said Lisa Nicholson, senior manager of special events and sponsorship for OSEG Foundation, of the players’ participation. “They are beyond ready to help, and want to help.”
Redblacks Summer Rush will be raising funds in support of the OSEG Foundation’s Redblacks Back to School Initiative. Organizers hope to raise enough money to provide at least 200 kids from low-income families with backpacks and essential school supplies.
The co-chairs will also be backed by a committee of volunteers helping to spread the word and getting friends and colleagues to come out to Redblacks Summer Rush.
“It’s a very easy lift for our committee members and an easy way for them to get involved,” said Raganold. “The whole idea behind this event is to get the next generation interested in raising money and fundraising for good causes.”
Organizers have the support of at least 11 community partners, including Young Black Professionals, Beyond Networking, BOMA Emerging Leaders, Ottawa Young Construction Leaders, Young Professional Network – National Capital Region, Ottawa Business Journal/Forty Under 40, Ottawa Board of Trade, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, OSEG Foundation, 100 Men who Care and Youth Services Bureau.
As for sponsors, TD, Minto Group, Vittoria Trattoria, the Tannis family, Chandos, Southgate Dental and Dymon Storage have so far signed on.
Southgate Dental is co-owned by Dr. Nalin Bhargava, an Ottawa dentist who’s planned and executed numerous charity galas over the years. In recent years, he’s taken more of a mentorship role in his efforts to inspire and engage the next generation of leaders to become community volunteers.
“Nalin is taking a step back and letting us do more this year,” said Gilman, who was recruited by Dr. Bhargava to be part of the volunteer committee for the launch of Redblacks Summer Rush in 2023. “Last year, he kind of just surprised me and said I was on the committee,” said Gilman, who ended up loving the event and having a lot of fun.
Silvestri was asked to be a co-chair by OSEG Foundation executive director Janice Barresi, who used to work at TD Bank prior to joining the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group organization. For a time, she was Silvestri’s boss. “I learned so much from her,” said Silvestri, who was honoured when her former mentor reached out. “I knew it was such a good opportunity and that I would love being involved.”
Silvestri said she can’t wait until the big night. “I’m just so excited to see all our hard work come together.”
What’s unique about Summer Rush is that attendees are guaranteed to meet new people through its series of speed networking sessions.
Attendees will be divided into groups of eight, with each group spending 20 minutes mingling with others at their assigned table, accompanied by a table host. Once 20 minutes are up, participants will go their separate ways and meet an entirely new group of networkers.
The key to successful networking is to be approachable and relatable. “It’s a learned skill, to be able to pick up a conversation with new people, and this is a great space to test those chops,” said Keaton.
There was a snafu at last year’s event that led to participants sticking with the same people, but organizers are confident the glitch will be resolved this time, and have local technology consultancy i4C helping them out.
The networking is intentionally being done in groups rather than one-on-one to take the pressure off individuals, said Raganold. “This way, other people can add their thoughts, turning it into more of a sea of conversation.”
The event is also bringing together a wide variety of industries under one roof, allowing participants to meet people they might not usually cross paths with. “It’s the next generation of business owners and movers and shakers,” said Raganold. “Building these relationships early is so key.”
Raganold, who attends his fair share of networking events, suggested participants prepare three or four questions to keep in their proverbial back pocket in case the conversation lulls.
Networking can feel awkward at times, but it’s a valuable opportunity to build connections and expand your professional circle, he added. “Everybody is just as nervous as you are. We’re all in the same boat; we all just want to get to know each other.”
Tickets for Redblacks Summer Rush are $75 each and include food, two drink tickets and networking opportunities.
