Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

July 15, 2022

Networking mixer events aim to boost business

PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED The business community networks at a recent Collaborative Connecticut mixer event.
By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Organizers of Collaborative Connecticut, which was formed last year to bring business people together, hope to attract more people to its monthly networking events.

According to Michelle McQueen, founder of amplifyHERscience at Yale, and co-founder of Collaborative Connecticut, the mixers provide an opportunity for business folks from around the region to meet each other and strategize on initiatives that help support women and underrepresented groups in science, innovation and entrepreneurship.

McQueen said since the inaugural mixer was held in Nov. 2021, which drew about 45 people, attendance has grown to more than 100 people from more than 30 area businesses and organizations.

“These events bring people together for productive conversations and potential collaborations,” McQueen said. “Although we come from varying backgrounds: academia, industry, startups, venture capital, economic development, pharma, biotech, engineering and more, we understand that the only way to further our individual organizations' missions is to strengthen connections and enhance collaboration.”

Women in Bio - CT and amplifyHERscience at Yale co-founded Collaborative Connecticut, and there are now 12 additional organizations on the sponsorship committee.

Matt Storeygard, managing director of one of those sponsors, Connecticut Innovations, said the mixers are a “fantastic” regular gathering point for Connecticut’s burgeoning health care and life sciences industry.

“It has become the go-to regular meet-up where entrepreneurs can trade knowledge, investors can find new opportunities and friends and colleagues can connect and collaborate,” Storeygard said. “It’s been particularly welcome as we are all grateful for the return of in-person networking and events.”

The mixers are held once a month, typically the third Thursday, at different venues.

“The innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Connecticut is experiencing a renaissance, and these events are a prime opportunity to meet and connect with people from different backgrounds and with different skill sets that may help inform or influence your own professional journey,” McQueen said. “The event’s core organizers and sponsorship committee facilitate introductions for newcomers, and we encourage an open networking circle atmosphere.”  

McQueen added the events are also a must for college students looking for inspiration or internship opportunities, as Yale faculty and staff are always in attendance.

“All are welcome; it’s very much an open door policy,” she said. “Anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and business in Connecticut is welcome,” McQueen added. 

The next monthly mixer is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 21 at Il Gabbiano, 501 Long Wharf Dr. New Haven.

The events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Click HERE to register. Although COVID restrictions have loosened, the mixers are fully vaccinated events.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF