Business After Hours is a Chamber of Commerce and Warwick Daily News initiative to allow the business community to get together socially, once a month, between 5.45pm and 8pm, at the premises of a local business. The host business each month also has an opportunity to showcase their business.

 "Official business" on the night should be kept to a minimum though, as these nights should be seen as a social occasion with an opportunity to learn more about other local businesses and a chance to network with other business people, rather than "another b.....meeting". If the official speeches exceed 10 minutes we run the risk of boring at least some of the attendees and our attendances at future Business After Hours nights may be affected.  Where appropriate, tours of the premises should also be encouraged and this gives an opportunity for additional questions to be answered and more information given to those in the group with a special interest in the host business – without boring those less interested in the host business.

Numbers
If space or other constraints are an issue, the host business can nominate the maximum number they can accommodate for the night. The Warwick Daily News staff will accept the RSVPs if you prefer or they can be directed to one of your staff. We urge those attending to RSVP to assist with catering and so that you have an indication of the attendance. This can also be on a "first in..." basis if numbers are to be limited. Although a general invitation will be sent to the business community, as it is your business being showcased, you may like to personally invite staff from some of the businesses closely involved with your business. This will help to ensure that we have a good attendance on the night.  If you wish, the Warwick Daily News will be happy to create (at no charge) a flyer you can distribute electronically, with your accounts or directly to your top customers to ensure that you maximise the potential of your BAH function.

Any Warwick business can volunteer to host a Business After Hours function. The host business is responsible for supplying food and drinks for the gathering and in return has 10-minutes to deliver a presentation promoting their business. This should cover the history of the business (who/what we are, what you do, staff numbers, plans for the future etc) so that the guests leave with a better understanding of what that business contributes to the overall Warwick business environment. But PLEASE stick to the timeframe – we want the accent to be on socialising.

Responsibilities
Chamber of Commerce/Warwick Daily News: We will promote the event, through advertising and emails to Chamber members. A Warwick Daily News executive will be the MC for the night and will introduce your nominated speaker/presenter to give your business spiel. For catering reasons, attendees will be asked to RSVP and the host business will have an indication of the expected attendance, several days before the event.

Host Business
The host business provides beer, wine and softdrink, glasses, plates/serviettes and finger food. Because of the time of night, most attendees will treat this as their evening meal, so the choice of food supplied should keep this in mind. The drinks should be available when attendees arrive and food should follow during the next two hours. Some businesses spend a lot – others a little – the choice is yours. But hopefully the cost should not be too high in return for the good PR you are generating for your business.  Giving out clip on or stick on name tags as your guests arrive will help to make newcomers feel more welcome and encourage them to mix more freely. These can be made up in advance from the RSVP list.

Further info
Please contact our Business After Hours organiser, Warwick Daily News General Manager, Peter Read, on 4660 1302 or 0408 316 441.