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.

And JUST ANNOUNCED: Our (FREE) Kick Off Party, Tues 8/18, 5-7p at Crush It! sports in Grapevine details here: https://go.allevents.in/efizz

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

• Success Champion 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

• “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 Ninja LIVE Improv Challenge, guest hosts: Claire Billingsley, Vicki Cravens & Christopher Mock

• Uncomfortable, Unexpected networking scenario encounters in real time
• Focus on adaptability, listening and responding with grace or crazy? We'll see!
• Judged? Uh, OF COURSE! But we'll keep it friendly 😉

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 – 3:55 PM | Floors Open: Real Talk Networking

Moderated by respected local networking business leaders

• Tori Begg & Tim Mata - Mind & Machine
• Donnie Boivin - Success Champion Networking
• Jack Kearney - Mid Market Professionals WEST
• Toni Caruso - eWomenNetwork

Open-floor discussion on:

• What’s broken in networking
• What actually works
• What needs to evolve
• Honest, unscripted, high-impact conversation

3:55 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