4 minute read
Chamber Events
The Chessington Expo is now in its third year, it was set up to shine a light on the south of the borough, celebrate local business and build a community through networking and support. As with most events in 2020 this expo cannot take place as a face to face event due to the pandemic but following the success of taking the Kingston Business Expo online, we are committed to continuing to provide an opportunity to showcase the local business community to engage, recover and grow stronger.
The Expo is focused on bringing the local businesses together, offering visitors the opportunity to network and build relationships. It will also deliver valuable business seminars and inspiring local success stories. All businesses are welcome from large corporations, SME’s, start-ups and entrepreneurs based in or looking to do business in the borough.
It will include a variety of seminars, round table discussions, exhibitors, and speed networking. The challenge of taking events online and keeping them engaged is a big one, but we believe the expo offers a really fast paced, pro-active online experience, allowing attendees to connect face to face (on screen) and make real life connections.
With the recent announcement that more people can expect to remain working from home for at least the next 6 months, the use of technology for networking and events has become part of our everyday work experience. If you haven’t embraced it yet, you surely will need to remain visible and active in your business community.
The expo is free to attend, simply register online at https://www.accelevents. com/e/ChessingtonBusinessExpo
Still not sure? Well here is the feedback from attendees at the Online Kingston Expo:
“I thought it worked excellently - in fact I probably made more connections then actually being face to face! - maybe an online version is something to consider even when all social distancing is back to normal?”
“What a phenomenal event. So much to do. Thank you Kingston Chamber of Commerce, this is a truly brilliant achievement.”
“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from an online event but it really was brilliant! How on earth you managed to provide such a seamless online experience I will not know, but it was incredible ...”
The Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce
chamber events Teeing off in 2020
Like many other events, the annual chamber golf day scheduled to take place in March 2020 had to be postponed due to the pandemic however we were lucky enough to be able to re-schedule the event for September and actually hold a real in person event!
Restrictions meant that numbers had to be limited and teams had to remain socially distanced but despite the increased hand sanitising and mask wearing, it was so nice to actually be out at a venue and talking to people again. Surbiton Golf Club had done a great job of setting up a covid secure environment, all players felt very safe attending and as a bonus, the weather was perfect.
Surbiton Golf Club has a heritage stretching back to 1895 and is regarded as one of the best presented in Surrey. The 6056-yard (par 70) course offers a surprising test – with narrow fairways, subtle greens, plenty of mature trees and changes in elevation, making it a worthy challenge for the four teams competing for the Chamber Trophy 2020:
Ellen Fermie Clint Whittaker Paul Bateman Patrik Nilsson
Howard White Chris Maloney Sean Arulrajah Martin Pocock Justin Pinches Andy Oliver Jason Lurie Chris Churchman
Peter Greenwood Bruce Burrowes Jerry Irving
Following the round of Golf, teams were able to enjoy a delicious dinner in the clubhouse. It was a close contest but the winning team players; Justin Pinches, Andy Oliver, Jason Laurie and Chris Churchman were crowned the Chamber Champions for 2020. Chris was also the lucky winner of the nearest the pin competition and took home the bubbly!
Chamber Events – Get Involved
It looks like Virtual events are here to stay for the foreseeable future and we continue to offer a range of online networking, training, and social opportunities. While we still hear the phrase ‘I don’t do online networking’, more and more small businesses are realising that they have little choice, for now at least, while others are loving the online experience and fully engaged with the new normal. Whatever your viewpoint, we encourage you to get involved and give it a try! It might not be the same but it really does work and is surprisingly productive.
Plus, you don’t need to travel or get dressed up (but please do get dressed!) or worry about those awkward moments when you walk into the room and don’t know anyone. Take a look at our website for all our upcoming events and those run by our members
