A Unique Networking Experience That is Made Better by the Holidays

Photos of the Ugly Sweater Speed Networking Social can be seen here!

Friday night brings about many parties. And the holidays brings about even more...themed parties. The phenomena that has swept the nation's closets came back again this year. Yes, friends, it's ugly sweater season. 

Many got all spiffed up in their sweaters, sweater vests, and matching head gear to come out to the 5th annual Ugly Sweater Speed Networking Social put on by the NWI Leaders (Young Professionals Network) in mid-December. It's a free and festive event that brings out young men and women for a chance to network and have fun at a great place like It's Vegas, Baby!, one of the many great spots at the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel and Spa.

"This is our annual social that we have every year. We get together and celebrate and talk about everything that we did throughout the year and then our future goals for the year to come," Charlie RobertsAVP Indirect Lending Officer for Horizon Bank said. "We try to keep this as casual as possible and we encourage as much networking as possible. And we like having it at the Blue Chip because they are always taking care of us."

Founded in 2010, the NWI Leaders is a group of young men and women who serve as a resource for other young professionals who wish to be successful career-wise in the region. People in their 20s and 30s usually take part, engaging with like-minded individuals to create contacts and friends.

So guests stood in two long lines and faced one another. Like speed dating, all were given a limited amount of time to talk, and then they switched and moved on to the next person in line. The twist here was that instead of making romantic relationships, the goal was to create business relationships. Speed networking is a much better idea than speed dating. It's more productive and almost zero heartbreak.

On top of great networking opportunities, it was a friendly sweater standoff. Guests voted on what they thought was the best ugly sweater and the winner was crowned, literally, and bestowed with a trophy for having the ugliest sweater. A sash was given to the runner up that read, "Almost as Ugly Sweater".

"Every year we get together at Christmas time. We do speed networking to meet people that you wouldn't normally meet, and it's great because it gets the young professionals out there networking," Kristina Hughes, Loan Processor for Horizon Bank said.

One doesn't normally associate these comically popular wardrobe additions to business success. The NWI Leaders feels that thinking outside the suit and tie is important. Wearing these ridiculously heart-warming sweaters makes people laugh, it relaxes the atmosphere, and it's a fabulous ice breaker. 

 If you would like to find out more about being part of the NWI Leaders, visit their website

If you would like to find out more about having your next party or event at the Blue Chip Casino, click here!