5th annual ConnectFest26 XGames! Connect. Collab. Compete.

"Epic!" "Industry Best ⭐️ " "If I hadn't been there myself I wouldn't believe it 😳 "

(the reviews you'll likely see on 8/22 😂 )

This 5th year of ConnectFest takes us to new heights and, trust us, you'll want to make every minute of this.

Supported by Mid Market Professionals in partnership with other top-tier networking communities:

• Success Champions Networking
• Mind & Machine

This will be interactive & full-on experiential! Why? We learn by doing!

Get ready TO DO

AGENDA:

8:15 – 9:00 AM | Check-In + Warm-Up Networking

• Muffins & coffee 
• “AM Stretch” at 8:30am

9:00 – 9:10 AM | Opening Ceremony

• Welcome from Mid Market Professionals
• Overview of “Connect. Collab. Compete.” format
• Intro sponsors & partner organizations
• Icebreaker prompts + agenda

🔥 GAME BLOCK 1 (9:10 – 10:25 AM)

Game: AI for Networking Showdown (Family Feud Style) by Stryde Digital

• Teams compete answering real-world AI + networking scenarios
• Live scoring, high energy
• In partnership with "Mind & Machine" (Tori Begg & Tim Mata)

9:55 – 10:25 | Post-Game Power Discussion

• “How AI is changing relationship building”
• Practical tools, prompts, and shortcuts
• Audience share: what’s working NOW

10:25 – 10:35 AM | Break + Open Networking

🔥 GAME BLOCK 2 (10:35 – 11:40)

"Name the Name" – Guest Host Human Phonebook Memory Expert, World Champ: Ron White!

• Fast-paced rounds testing recall of names, businesses, and details
• Reinforces one of networking’s biggest pain points
• Memory techniques that actually work
• Positioning yourself to be remembered
• Micro-habits for stronger follow-up

11:40 – 12:10 PM | Lunch + Sponsored Spotlight Moments

• Casual networking
• Optional sponsor activations or mini-stage moments

🔥 GAME BLOCK 3 12:10 – 1:25 PM | WHO Do You Need to Know – Referral Auction led by Jay Maymi

• Attendees submit needs in advance
• Live, rapid-fire “auction” of connections, resources, and referrals
• Realtime ROI on your networking experience
• 
  

1:25 – 1:35 PM | Break + Open Networking

🔥 GAME BLOCK 4 (1:35 – 2:35 PM)

Game: Networking Team Improv "Adjusting on the Fly", guest hosts: Claire Billingsley & Vicki Cravens

• Uncomfortable, Unexpected networking scenario encounters in real time
• Focus on adaptability, listening and responding with grace or crazy? We'll see!

2:05 – 2:35 | Post-Game Power Discussion

• “Thinking on your feet in business”
• Collaboration vs competition in networking ecosystems
• Audience takeaways

2:35 – 2:45 PM | Break + Open Networking

🎤 2:45 – 3:45 PM | Floors Open: Real Talk Networking

• Moderated by respected local networking business leaders
• Open-floor discussion on:
• What’s broken in networking
• What actually works
• What needs to evolve
• Honest, unscripted, high-impact conversation

3:45 – 4:00 PM | Closing + Awards

• Winning teams recognized
• Key takeaways + call to action
• Promote post-event mixer

🍸 4:00-5:00 PM | Pool-side Post-Event Mixer

• Relaxed environment to deepen connections
• Music, cocktails, continued conversations poolside
• Sponsor visibility continues

Sponsorships available - contact Sheryl Powers [email protected]

This is an MPowered Production