Amplify Recap: Networking in Hot'lanta
Posted by [email protected] on Jan. 31, 2023 / Subscribe 0
Networking in Hot’lanta at SMPS Amplify
This past July marked the 6th SMPS national conference that I’ve attended and was the first time the conference was back to meeting in-person since the pandemic. It was amazing seeing so many familiar faces and finally having an opportunity to properly catch up with fellow SMPS members after such a long hiatus, which truly made this year’s events feel more like a homecoming than a conference.
As is the norm, the conference was jam packed with a ton of talented speakers and sessions to attend, but my main purpose in attending has always been for the networking opportunities. The conference built in several mini-networking opportunities in between the programming sessions themselves, but in my opinion the evening reception events were truly the stars of the show.
The opening night of the conference featured an outdoor patio happy hour where we were graced with some beautiful weather, and not the sweltering summer humidity Atlanta might be known for! Drinks were flowing, conversations were lively, and the energy of the event truly felt like a reunion of close friends rather than professional acquaintances. Following the event, folks were left to make their own dinner plans, but as is the norm upon everyone’s return the majority of attendees regrouped at the hotel lobby bar in order to keep the festivities going!
The second night of the conference featured the networking main event at the World of Coca-Cola where guests could tour an interactive history lesson about the iconic beverage brand, sample exotic soda flavors from around the world, and celebrate with their fellow SMPS friends on the dance floor. The highlight for me was watching the craziness as people danced their way down the large spiral staircase each met with thunderous applause and encouragement from their supporting onlookers. While the booming DJ may not have provided the best atmosphere for deep, one-on-one conversation, one couldn’t deny his ability to get (and keep) a good party rolling!
The last day of the conference featured more than a few attendees licking their wounds from the night before (another staple event for any national conference I’ve attended!) however things wrapped up on a strong note, and as is customary there was a parade of people saying their goodbyes and well wishes as we look forward to regrouping in Austin next year. If this year’s events were any indication as to what we can look forward to, SMPS Amplify 2023 is definitely an event you will not want to miss!
Alec Gleson
Director of Business Development
TOKY
2022-23 St. Louis Chapter - Membership Director
MEMBER PERK: Want to attend the SMPS Amplify A|E|C conference for free? SMPS St. Louis offers a conference scholarship to Amplify A|E|C and other SMPS conferences. Learn more here.
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