Models used for new media 'networking' events.

Examples of new media ‘networking events’ events
• http://www.futuresnetwork.org.uk/ - Futures is a new network for design professionals based in Merseyside. They target designers working in the communications field: graphic design, web design, advertising, interactive media and related services such as illustration and commercial photography by hosting a series of seminar events, networking and an online membership scheme and webspace for members’ portfolios to be showcased.
• http://www.wedesignforum.co.uk/ - The West of England Design Forum seeks to establish a dynamic community, which meets, shares knowledge and furthers the value and development of design in the area. We’ll tell you what’s happening and when. Membership is free. Activities include quarterly lecture series, regular monthly social evenings, portfolio surgeries for new graduate designers.
• http://www.thinkandadrink.com - Think and a drink is the monthly get together for the North East's digital industries. Each month the event has a Think - Presentations on topical issues affecting the sector; and a Drink - A get together in a local bar to discuss the issues and meet other people from the sector over a pint and some nibbles.

All three of the above events organisers go about hosting the events in similar ways. They usually theme the nights with a question to start up a topic of conversation e.g. “Who is designing our future? – The challenge facing designers in the West of England”. Some events are free to members and a cover charge is applied to non-members. Drinks, nibbles, and music are provided to give the event a more relaxed atmosphere. Guest speakers give talks to encourage discussions and everyone mingles with everyone else which makes feel less staged.

If I was putting on an event in Cardiff I think it would be best to have it in a pub that hosts live music so that everyone feels relaxed and you have some entertainment so that it doesn’t feel like all work and no play.

http://capcabal.net/2ndTuesday/
http://pulver.com/party/
http://spacestudios.org.uk/All_Content_Items/Events/New_Media_Networking_Event/
http://drewmeyersinsights.com/2006/09/27/all-about-blogs-new-media-networking-event-october-4th/
http://networking-guided.com/topics/networking-events.html
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/en/Directory-Listings/Networks/?PageNum=1%26subjectarea%3dDesign+networks
http://www.designenterprisenetwork.net/design_events.html
http://www.wedesignforum.co.uk/events_xmas_party.asp
http://www.thinkandadrink.com/