I'm considering approaching the Virginia Conference on World Trade to see if they'd like to insert some structured networking into the program. Specifically Ignite Speed Networking (www.IgniteSpeedNetworking.com). We've had tremendous success with it at other conferences. It's a very comfortable and fun way for attendees to get to know 30-50 people right away. This will be my first year as an attendee (and I'll be attending regardless). So my que... [read more]

I saw a short, interesting blog entry on how to approach conference networking, and I thought I would share it. http://personalbrandingblog.com/networking-at-conferences-part-1/

Mike Ogilvie: Leslie, Thanks for the link. It's a great three-part article! I see too many people not taking advantage of the tremendous opportunity for networking at conferences.

The 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Brazil have and will create a variety of opportunities for Virginia based companies in transportation and basic infrastructure including urban water and sanitation projects. Furthermore, with the USTDA designating Brazil as the 2008 "Country of The Year," we should expect continued government support for U.S. exporters of goods and services to Brazil. As such it would be nice to see a conference panel o... [read more]

Kevin D. Schroeder: