Where to Network in Riga?

In Latvia, the English word "networking" is frequently used to describe networking events. Latvian equivalents are also widely used - "biznesa kontaktu rīts" (business contacts morning), "biznesa brokastis" (business breakfast), "kontaktu pēcpusdiena" (contacts afternoon), "zibkontakti" (speed contacts), and so on.

1. BNI Business Breakfasts

This is a networking event with a strictly set agenda and rules of participation. The start time is also fixed - arriving late is not permitted, nor is it considered acceptable to arrive before registration opens.

Event participants (BNI members and guests) meet every week at the same time: 6:45–9:30. Some members arrive as early as 6:00 to prepare for the event and take care of welcoming guests and warm-up conversations over a morning coffee or tea. The meetings are based on 20 agenda points, which remain the same every time and in every country where BNI operates worldwide.

The event is led by the BNI Latvia management team, with one or more public speakers also possible. Attendees must be prepared to introduce themselves publicly by delivering a short elevator pitch.

This is followed by the informal or open networking segment and breakfast, which is typically served by the hotel restaurant or the catering provider of the conference venue. During this segment there is an opportunity to speak with the people you noticed during the formal part and who are important to you or your business.

Photo from BNI Vivaldi business contact mornings, photos by Gatis Orlickis (Baltic Pictures) and from personal archive

Where there is order, discipline is also required. Bear in mind that at this event, both attendance and non-attendance are recorded, as are contact details, and feedback is gathered on how trustworthy a business person you are. Becoming a regular attendee at such an event is each person's own choice - but if you decide to get involved, you must plan the time and resources and maintain a high quality of performance.

Two BNI groups are currently active in Latvia - BNI Wagner (meets on Tuesday mornings) and BNI Vivaldi (meets on Thursday mornings). Number of attendees per BNI morning: 40 to 50. Breakfast participation fee: EUR 10. Working language: Latvian.

2. 19@19 Networking

Networking events held on the 19th of each month at 19:00. The venue may change each time - keep an eye on the Facebook Events section. There is usually a speaker at the event on an engaging topic. Attendance is free but advance registration is mandatory.

Photo from the 19@19 October and November events, photos by Valters Grigāns and Jānis Batarags

Participants are both Latvians and non-Latvians, so the working language is English. An excellent opportunity to practise English skills both by speaking at this event and while networking. Event organisers: Travel Out There.

3. Riga 500

A networking event with a host and programme. It begins with a formal opening and introductory remarks from the organisers. A thematic segment follows, during which an expert or guest speaker takes the floor. Free networking then takes place, which may initially be structured as a "networking game" to get all participants moving and engaged in networking.

The event usually has an after party with drinks and a performance by an artist, musician, or band. The typical time for organising such networking events is therefore late afternoon or evening.

Photo from Riga500 - from the 21 October event at Kaļķu Vārti club

Three Riga 500 networking events have already taken place in Riga - one in autumn 2015 and two in 2016, with the next planned for 10 March 2017. You can register for the event through a dedicated website, and follow developments and news via the Facebook profile. The organisers are foreigners living and working in Latvia. Guest speakers include both Latvian and international presenters. An excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the experience of other countries and to network meaningfully.

Participation fee: EUR 15–25. Number of participants: 100 to 120.

4. Speed Contacts (Speed Networking)

These are rapid entrepreneur meetings during which brief introductions take place, business cards are exchanged, and common ground for future contact is established. Participants - of whom there may be up to 60 - are seated in two rows facing one another, that is, in pairs. Talking and constant rotation of seats around the circle take place simultaneously, upon a trumpet or bell signal.

The rules are simple - one speaks, the other listens. Each speaker has one minute to say what is most important about themselves and their company, and then on command they switch partners.

Photo from LTRK speed networking

In Riga, such speed contacts are regularly organised by LTRK (participation fee: EUR 10 + VAT for LTRK members, EUR 50 + VAT for non-members) and ExpoBiznesam (free, but advance registration is mandatory).

5. Swedbank Business Network Contact Mornings

This, it seems, is the format of networking event most acceptable to the Latvian mentality - but also the least productive in terms of building new contacts. These are usually fairly short (15 to 60 minutes) coffee or lunch breaks, during which participants leave the seminar or conference room to go to a room where a table of snacks and drinks has been laid.

Networking is possible here too, using the successful networking techniques described in the next section. Bear in mind that the people gathered at such an event will mostly be fans of passive information consumption - but there are exceptions. Networking is also made harder by the fact that seminar or conference participants typically re-seat themselves at tables or in clusters according to who they already know. To join such a conversation, you must step out of your comfort zone and, to some extent, also disrupt the comfort zone of these groups.

Photo from Swedbank Latvia

Such contact mornings take place once a quarter. Information is sent to registered Swedbank Business Network users who are also Swedbank clients. Participation is free.

 

If you would like to attend any of these networking events, get in touch and I will tell you more, introduce you to the organisers, or add you to the guest list!

I can let you in on the fact that you will be able to read more about networking and its use in recruiting the right candidates in my book, which is currently being written and will be published next March by Mansards publishing house. Stay tuned!