Personal stories make Business Exchange a different way to network

Since 2018, business professionals have been introducing themselves at the Chamber’s Business Exchange event. You’re probably thinking of elevator speeches and business cards. Well, not exactly. Although you should bring those cards!

“We want to bring people together to make personal connections first,” said Rick Davis, facilitator and emcee of the event for the past 8 years. “Because we know that if you get to know someone personally, you’re more likely to do business with them,” he said.

This popular Chamber event has participants get together in groups of 6, and give a short, personal speech about themselves. As the groups rotate 2 more times, there are quirky questions to engage the groups – favorite foods, movies and other topics that make for lively conversation.

 “After the event, I encourage people to reach out in a personal way to the people they connected with. If someone says their favorite food is chicken gyros – there’s a great opening line,” Davis says.

“What makes Business Exchange different is the intentional format,” said Holly Katko of UConnect Solutions, Inc. “The rotating, small-group discussions eliminate the awkwardness of traditional networking and create space for meaningful dialogue. You’re not competing for attention—you’re collaborating, listening and learning about each other’s businesses in a way that naturally builds trust,” she said.

Davis says what’s really different about the event is that it gives people a reason to talk about each other, too. In a good way, of course. “This event is unique every time. I feel like it’s a 50/50 mix of frequent flyers and new people. Participants always have different questions to answer and the opportunities will unfold as they say more about themselves. This year, we’re also hoping to do a little refresher to help participants learn how to better introduce themselves. I always encourage people to begin with an interesting fact or story instead of leading with a title and where they work,” he added. “I even tell people to end with their name instead of starting with it.”

Katko agrees that these differences keep her coming back. “Business Exchange is one of the few networking events where I consistently walk away having real conversations. It’s structured enough that everyone participates, but relaxed enough that you can actually get to know people beyond a quick elevator pitch. Every time I attend, I reconnect with familiar faces and meet new professionals I may not have crossed paths with otherwise,” she said. “It’s been instrumental in expanding my network in a way that feels authentic and sustainable.”

The Chamber’s next Business Exchange is coming up on February 19 at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Moline. “So, get ready to talk about yourself – this is the place!” said Davis. Participants will leave with a complete contact list of attendees. Early registrations get a $5 discount.