While not technically networking events, wine tastings offer enough people and opportunities to mingle that they're just as much worth going to. The launch party for Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais at New Heights was a case in point.

While there were quite a few people seated or in groups, there were enough people standing around that I was still able to get into conversations easily. It was a different crowd to the usual events I go to, with very few familiar networking faces present. That's exactly why these kinds of events are a refreshing change -- a new crowd and little chance of your competition being there.

Unfortunately, for such a grand launch, the wine seemed bland and was certainly nothing to write home about. Canapes were also quite thin on the ground, though that might have been due to my late arrival.

Connections-wise, I got two or three good leads, from people I would rarely meet at a more traditional networking event. For this reason, expect to see me at more wine tastings in the future!

Familiar faces: 2 (networkers), 3 (others)
Cards collected: 5
Leads: 2-3

An interesting evening learning about how to write more effective business emails. The message was be different -- think outside the box, don't use archaic language, talk naturally in your emails, picture one person you are
talking to, use devices to keep you reading such as brackets and quotes, etc.

Paul delivered an entertaining and energetic presentation

Good opportunity to network before and after the event. I like these events because you are learning something new as well as networking, plus there is some common ground because of the topic or theme of the evening. Makes a change and a nice break from chamber events

NetworkHR Halloween Party
31 October 2006, Air Bar

Quite a good event, with a largely local crowd and interesting entertainment, including a clown and magician double act and a Michael Jackson impersonator. Not many HR professionals though, oddly enough. Sometimes a bit difficult to mix over the music and people flocking to catch the entertainment, but then this was meant as more of a party than a mixer anyway.

Nationalities: Mostly Chinese, a few Australians, Europeans and Americans
Industries: Fine art, medicine, property, relocation, photography, entertainment
Positions: Directors, managers, some assistants
Familiar faces: 3 or 4


YPSN Wine Tasting
2 November 2006, Torres China Offices

Very interesting course on New World wines. Unfortunately not much networking, but that may be due to arriving late. A little networking while tasting wine, but not much.


AsiaXPAT Champagne Mixer
2 November 2006, Jade on 36

Not really a review as such, but more of an impression. Like the last AsiaXPAT Champagne Mixer I attended, it had loud music, lots of seating and lots of small groups at tables chatting. It seemed pretty difficult to break into any conversations due to people already in in-depth conversations and the loud music. By the looks of it, not a bad event if you want to spend time with friends in a trendy location, but not good for mixing.

One of the better things about Oriented's Happy Hours is that they're at a different venue every time, giving a different vibe to each mixer. Unfortunately, this can also backfire, as it did last night.

Rating:

BritCham Sundowner: 12 Oct '06

A good get-together, but a lot fewer people than the usual BritCham events, as evidenced by the seeming lack of prize draw. Probably due to it being just after the holidays, with not everyone back yet. Quite a few familiar faces and people from import/export and media. Lots of Brits, a few Americans and Canadians and a smattering of locals. 6 or 7 familiar faces.

Cost: 120 RMB, including 2 free drinks


NetworkHR: Interviewing Skills Seminar: 20 Oct '06

Aimed at HR professionals, this seminar was a packed house with around 140 attendees, mostly local. Interesting talk about how to interview candidates successfully, with lots of audience participation and moving around. Everyone I spoke to found it very useful. A couple of familiar faces, all organisers of the event.

Cost: Free for HR professionals


New Zealand Mixer: 20 Oct '06

I arrived at this one a little late, but met a big crowd nonetheless. It seems that there's been a move to cheap drinks and free finger food instead of an open bar with a cover charge, or perhaps I just got there too late.

Large crowd, Kiwi for the most part, with a few Brits, Hong Kongnese and locals. 3 or 4 familiar faces.

Cost: Free

If you're a geek, the place to be. If not, at least you can go there to play with Lego...

Pros

• Lots of geeks
• Fantastic food
• Interesting method of organising "unconferences"
• Lego

Cons

• Lots of geeks

Nice view, shame about the (lack of) networking.

Pros:

• Free entry
• Good view
• OK beer

Cons:

• Little mingling and too much sitting down
• Not a very diverse mix -- lots of interns, and almost completely German or Chinese
• Barely publicised

Doesn't hold much of a candle to previous interchambers, due to lack of people, but not bad nonetheless.