Speaking Opportunities

Business Breakfast Networking (BBN)

Thank you for your interest in joining us to present as an expert in your field on relevant business issues that affect our Chamber Members. Please contact our office to find out the date of the next available BBN speaking opportunity.

As you are aware, BBNs are promoted through the use of eBroadcasts. Guest speakers are required to provide a brief bio and a short summary of their presentation at least a month prior to their presentation date. Relevant photographs are also appreciated as they make promotional pieces more attractive and interesting.

Presentations should be 15-20 minutes long, non-advertorial, and will be followed by a question and answer period. Please note that a BBN speaking opportunity is not intended to be a sales pitch for your company; this is not an opportunity to present your company's infomercial. The hall is equipped with a microphone, a speaker system, and a projection screen. Any other audio/visual equipment required (including laptops) should be provided by the speaker.

If you haven't had the chance to make it out to any of our past BBNs, come and see for yourself what a great opportunity speaking can be. BBNs are held on the first Thursday of each month from 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM. Register online at www.barriechamber.com - the cost is $18 and it includes a guest speaker and a complete hot breakfast. Members are encouraged to bring their flyers, brochures, business cards and other promotional material to share and display. After the speaker, attendees have the chance to introduce themselves and their companies before the networking session.

Our BBNs are a great way to start the day with your fellow Chamber Members!

If you have any further questions or would like to be booked as a BBN speaker, please contact the Chamber office at (705) 721-5000 or email chadmin@barriechamber.com.

Workshops & Speaker Series

We book workshops and speaker series at various times throughout the year; the scheduling is generally determined by topic and/or availability of a speaker.

If you believe that you have a presentation that would be of interest to Barrie Chamber members, please feel free to submit a proposal to chexec@barriechamber.com. Your proposal should include the following:

• Title/Topic
• Format (interactive workshop, PowerPoint presentation, etc.)
• Anticipated length of presentation
• Brief summary of presentation
• Draw for attendees (what they will learn, what would encourage people to sign up, etc.)
• Description of interactivity (particularly important for workshops)
• Brief bio of speaker
• Presentation requirements (projector, microphone, etc.)
• Speaker fee (if any)
• References from other Chambers or groups that have received the presentation (if available)
• Contact details for booking (phone, email, etc.)

All proposals will be reviewed, and we will follow up with any speaker(s) that we wish to book.

Hosting a Business After 5

A BA5 is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month as a venue for our members to network with the local business community & their fellow members. The events are hosted at a different member's place of business each month. Our BA5's are always free to members and their guests, and are always fun. Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar are available at each BA5.

Hosting a BA5 is an excellent way to get noticed amongst the membership. You'll have an opportunity to showcase your business to your fellow members. Average attendance varies between 100 and 150 members. If you're interested in hosting a BA5, contact the Ann Chamaillard of the Chamber office at 705.721.5000 x 221.

A Suitable BA5 location meets all of the following requirements:

• can accommodate up to 250 people for a large event
• has sufficient parking for attendees
• can have a bar (Chamber will obtain license and run bar)
• has adequate washroom facilities
• has coat racks/cloakroom (very important during cooler seasons)

Responsibilities of the host: (at the expense of the host)

• arrange for a suitable location from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., with premises ready by 3:45 p.m. on day of event
• provide company logo and any event related details (music, entertainment, etc.) to the Chamber office at least 8 weeks prior to the event - email to chadmin@barriechamber.com
• provide any changes in contact information or venue to the Chamber office as soon as they become available to ensure that the event can/will still be suitable for a BA5
• provide hors d'ouevres/refreshments for attendees
• provide three Chamber Bucks draw prizes (one valued at $100, and 2 valued at $20 each)
• provide 3 large tables (minimum 6' long, with table cloths & skirting) and 3 chairs to be used by the Chamber for attendee registration and for the bar
• clean-up after event

Please note:

• Confirmation is subject to site inspection by BA5 committee. Members are permitted to host a maximum of one BA5 in any 24 month period. Members may co-host a BA5 event with another member to gain exposure and share costs.

Responsibilites of Chamber office:

• advertise event in Chamber Connection newsletter and/or eNewsletter
• advertise event by email/fax to members
• provide online registration on Chamber website (www.barriechamber.com)
• procure license and run bar for any unlicensed venues (if your establishment is licensed, please be sure to indicate this on the form that you sign and fax back to the Chamber office)