Bettakultcha is infamous for its evening spectacular events. But did you know it also does daytime networking events too?
Here’s everything you need to know in a handy FAQ format below.
Interested in speaking at a Bettakultcha daytime event? Get in touch at Bettakultcha@gmail.com for more details.
I’ve been invited to speak at a Bettakultcha networking event in partnership with Leeds BID or Nexus – what is it?
It’s a lunchtime networking session usually held in a venue in the centre of Leeds where four or five speakers use the Bettakultcha format to explore a theme that is relevant to the audience. The speakers deliver their five-minute talk within a half hour period set in the middle of a ninety minute networking session.
What is the Bettakultcha format?
The three rules of a Bettakultcha talk are: 20 slides, 15 seconds duration and no sales pitches.
What are the themes?
They vary for each networking session but they’re deliberately left open to interpretation so speakers can have flexibility in choosing their subject matter and angle of approach.
What is the purpose of the talks?
Networking events can benefit from having a structure that encourages attendees to talk to new contacts in a relaxed and natural fashion. If speakers at the event have raised fascinating insights or ideas, the audience will want to discuss the points amongst themselves afterwards. The talks therefore, should ideally be aimed at encouraging conversation amongst the audience.
It’s not about being an expert then?
No, the audience members come from varied backgrounds and have different interests so they’re looking for useful ideas or insights. The speakers can be experts in their own field and can draw on their knowledge if they want to but it’s about sharing the most interesting aspects of their knowledge without being too technical. It may be that you’re not an expert in a subject but have strong opinions about one of the themes and want to make a case about it – that’s okay too.
So I can be outspoken or challenging in my talk?
Absolutely, the audience members want to hear cutting-edge ideas as well as fascinating predictions. For example: one speaker with an art background spoke about the ethics of autonomous weapons – the prospect of such a reality raised many questions that attendees wanted to discuss. Another speaker poked fun at some of the less useful inventions technology has produced – your talk doesn’t have to be serious, audience and speakers want to enjoy themselves too!
No sales pitches?
These networking events are attempting to walk the talk and redefine the perception of what a networking session is. They recognize that people in business are human beings too so the speakers aren’t there to sell their organization or their products; they’re there to promote new ideas and insights.
What’s in it for me as a speaker?
Sell yourself as an engaging speaker. The events attract large audiences representing a huge range of professions and skills. An engaging speaker who entertains and informs the audience will make a deep and lasting impression on them.
Okay, I’m interested in speaking, what’s next?
The networking events (and the evening social events) are publicised in the Bettakultcha newsletter so if you want to be guaranteed of keeping abreast of them all then sign up for the newsletter here.
If you want to speak at one of the events then email Ivor Tymchak (ivor@tymchak.com) who co-ordinates Bettakultcha’s daytime events.
ABOUT OUT NEXT EVENT
Our next Bettakultcha daytime networking event is in the works…watch this space.
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Theme: TBA
And remember you don’t have to be an “expert”, just passionate about this topic.
Get in touch with Ivor at Bettakultcha@gmail.com and/or
ivor@tymchak.com
Thank you for reading and we hope to see you soon!