Opening (5 minutes)

• Welcome and Introductions: Warmly welcome everyone to the event and express excitement for facilitating a valuable networking experience. Briefly introduce the purpose of the session – to build meaningful connections and expand participants' leadership circles.
• Icebreaker: Ask participants to share a recent professional accomplishment they're proud of, highlighting how it showcases their leadership potential.

Guided Networking Activities (20 minutes)

• Structured Introductions: Facilitate a round of introductions where each participant shares their name, role, and a key area of interest or expertise. This sets the stage for deeper connections.
• "Speed Networking" Rounds: Divide participants into smaller groups for brief, focused networking sessions. Provide prompts or questions to guide conversations, such as:
  • "What is a current challenge you're facing in your manager role?"
  • "What are you currently learning or developing in your leadership journey?"
  • "What resources or support are you seeking to advance your managerial skills?"
• "Expert Exchange" Session: Group participants based on shared areas of interest or expertise. Encourage focused discussions and knowledge sharing within these groups.

Facilitated Discussion and Reflection (15 minutes)

• Discussion Prompts: Guide a discussion on the following topics:
  • "What are the benefits of building a strong leadership circle?"
  • "How can you nurture and maintain meaningful connections with peers and mentors?"
  • "What strategies can you implement to leverage your network for professional growth?"
• Reflection and Action Planning: Encourage participants to reflect on their networking experiences and identify one or two actionable steps they can take to further develop their leadership circle.

Closing (5 minutes)

• Key Takeaways: Summarize the key points discussed, emphasizing the importance of intentional networking and building a supportive leadership circle.
• Call to Action: Encourage participants to continue nurturing their connections, seeking mentorship, and actively leveraging their network for professional growth.

Additional Tips:

• Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Set a relaxed and approachable tone for the event to encourage open dialogue and connection.
• Provide Name Tags and Resources: Provide clear name tags and a resource guide with contact information and useful networking tips.
• Encourage Follow-up: Suggest participants connect with new acquaintances after the event.
• Offer Feedback: Gather feedback from participants on the event to identify areas for improvement.

Note: This conversation guide is a starting point and can be adapted to fit the specific needs and interests of the group. Be creative with networking activities, prompts, and discussions to foster meaningful connections.