Lake Placid is small, but the events and opportunities we all have here are definitely not. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business or community leader, or simply someone with an interest in what’s going on in the region, there is one often overlooked annual springtime event that holds a key to a surprisingly rewarding trove of possibility.
The Business After Hours event, co-hosted annually by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), is that hidden treasure. Each spring and winter, the hosts invite business owners, managers, marketing and sales staff, frontline employees, and community members for a casual evening of appetizers, networking, and learning about what we can expect in the busy seasons ahead.
This May 14 at Roamer’s Café and Bar in the Olympic Center’s Miracle Plaza, a good crowd gathered for this year’s event. Besides a complimentary drink for anyone who RSVPs, this easy to overlook social gathering offers real benefits:
- Community Insights.
As you enjoy a small plate of tasty hors d’oeuvres, you’ll also be treated to a look ahead at the trends, events, and projects impacting our region.
The Olympic Authority’s Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Sponsorships Tait Wardlaw kicked this year’s info session off with the latest on economic impacts and the successes our community’s seen recently and will see in the coming months. Following Tait, Marketing Director Mike Martineau offered a concise update on the available summer activities and attractions important to all of us and our customers. Communications Director Darcy Norfolk wrapped up the Olympic Authority briefing with an overview of upcoming events and what’s new at the Olympic Museum.
ROOST Director of Digital Strategy Jasen Lawrence then spoke on all that’s new with the Lake Placid website updates and social channels. The final report came from ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence who let us all in on trends with our Canadian visitors from what they’re looking at and responding to online to strategies ROOST is leveraging to reach this important audience. She concluded with a brief overview of summer travel trends and ROOST’s other marketing initiatives underway.
Together, these short talks provided insights and understanding that for many can be a difference maker in shaping business strategy. It’s also a convenient and concise way to stay up to date on local happenings. Being in the know in this way helps us all thrive and make the most of our precious time and efforts.
2. Chances to Share Your Story.
We all face challenges in boosting our business’ brands, standing out from the crowd, and even raising awareness of our own personal narratives. This Business After Hours event is yours, too, to showcase all that distinguishes you and your business by engaging others and talking about your mission, purpose, products, and more. Your own story and what inspires you is as important as any, and the many face-to-face interactions you can have at this cordial event offer the best possible opportunities to make lasting impressions.
3. Networking and Connections.
Being part of the community is important for all of us. Our Business After Hours is a cordial evening social event and always a great chance to meet new people, reconnect with others, and be part of the community in a very real sense. Keeping our names and faces familiar parts of the broader community serves us and the overall good of the Village and the entire region.
4. Personal Satisfaction and Pleasure.
Connecting with your community is a natural source of personal rewards that help feel good and prosper. That’s part of the pure enjoyment of being part of an event like this. In addition, there’s also the plain fun and pleasure of other parts of this event, such as the long buffet of good food. There’s something tasty there for everyone to enjoy, and you can just have a few bites or even make a meal out of it. There’s also always live music to enjoy, too. To top it all off, Roamers Café and Bar provides everyone attending incredible views of our beloved Village and our majestic High Peaks.
All told, this annual Business After Hours is always a delightful and delightfully beneficial event. Maybe the best part is you don’t really have to prepare or do anything special besides just come as yourself. You might bring a few business cards or think in advance about who you might meet and what your general message is, but you probably already have that ready.
So when the event comes up again, join us, be your own genuine self, and be ready to listen and engage. The connections you make, the stories you share, and the info you learn will help you continue to grow your business and build relationships around the community.