Luxury Hoteliers Magazine 1st Quarter 2018 | Page 72

HIGH SPEED CONNECTIONS By Chanoa Tarle INSPIRE SUMMIT ’17 attendees greeted each morning of the two-day event with an invigorating speed networking session in the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. MONDAY: DAY ONE Though not quite eight a.m., the gold and purple ballroom with majestically high ceilings hosted numerous early bird attendees. Some sat to chat right away, while others waited for the official session to begin, catching up on emails or sipping hot brewed coffee and specially-branded Gota bottles of PH- neutral water. Both veteran and first-time speed networkers 72 ILHA enjoyed the flexible, relaxed format. Following a brief introduction, the event kicked off with the first sounding of the bell. The bell would be rung every five minutes, signaling time to move on to a new friendly face. The organic flow kept the activity exciting. Individuals walked into group conversations, one- on-one meetings commenced… it was an excellent icebreaker for two days of events.