When I was first invited to Only Connect a few years ago, I was a little dubious about evening networking with 400+ people. How was that going to work and how could I possibly benefit? I took some advice from a friend who had previously attended and booked in for the speed networking, as an icebreaker. I got to meet people in advance, find out if we ‘connected’ and later in the evening had nice warm contacts to spend more time with. As a result, we have directly benefited with some nice new business. Only Connect is also a great way to catch up socially, with a good mix of other networking connections I have made. This is my 5th event and I am very much looking forward to both the event and the additional exposure that sponsorship will bring.

“I set up my private chef and corporate event catering business, Tara’s Table, 3 years ago and it has gone from strength to strength – thanks to networking. I networked like crazy for the first two years and came across the wonder that is Jamie Breese and Only Connect.

I took the decision to sponsor Only Connect in my second year, and I had the opportunity to provide canapés for the event at the Colston Hall. What a great decision it was! As a result of dong this event, I am now a recommended caterer at The Colston Hall and I’ve secured jobs with top local firms and had so much recognition as a result – people still say “You did Only Connect, didn’t you?” a year on.

If you’re starting out in business, or just want to give your business a massive boost and instant publicity, I’d highly recommend becoming a sponsor of this prestigious, growing event.”

I go to Only Connect because it’s a great way to meet people and have a night out, while swapping cards and chatting about work in a relaxed setting. You never know who you’re going to meet. At the last OC, I not only made a new client, but also bumped into an old school friend!

As someone whose life is spent meeting interesting people from diverse backgrounds all over the world I tend to shy away from networking events outside Office hours. However on hearing about Only Conect through speaking to friends who had been to a couple of the previous events,  I jumped at the chance to get a ticket. I was welcomed with a choice of bubbles, whilst co-hosts came up and were very friendly, explaining how the event would pan out whilst showing me round the venue. Just talking amongst friends and with the occasional casual introduction from the co-hosts, I met guestss who were interesting and charismatic, multidisciplinary and were successful both in their work lives and play. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, will definitely be attending more and hope that the future launches in Oxford and Cardiff go equally as well.

Just a quick email to say that I had a really excellent time at the Connect event on Friday. I’ve made some excellent business contacts whilst having rather a lot of fun at the same time. It’s an excellent format and certainly much needed in Bristol. I look forward to the next one.

The informal but well organised environment of Only Connect led to us securing an excellent client in the form of Origin Publishing (high street magazines) and it is now leading to excellent further opportunities within a major international media publisher.

Thank you for another great night of connections at Only Connect. Something really quite different. It is important, as the marketing director of BIBIC, to be ‘out there’ and connecting with new people and making new friends, whilst subtly raising awareness of our organisation’s ongoing activities

I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the Only Connect 12 at The  Living Room last night. Great venue. Superb  ambience. I felt valued by the alert and efficient staff.  You and   your co- hosts were warm, welcoming, attentive and great at introducing  me to people who could potentially move my business forward.

I have attended a number of Only Connect events including the the very first. Only Connect 14 was typical in attracting a diverse and dynamic crowd of business people. I met business coaches, film makers, company directors and graphic designers. There are definitely useful connections to be made in a fun, unstuffy environment. The organisers are to be commended on another professionally run and entertaining event.

Amazing atmosphere, well-chosen locations and an invaluable opportunity to swap stories with interesting and friendly people.