I have these crazy ideas jog through my mind around 2:00 am while I am trying to turn my brain off for the day! Recently the idea of speed dating occurred to me as a possibility for a SMUG meeting theme. I loved the idea but struggled with exactly how I would set it up. I drew out countless scenarios of 2-person stations…much like actual speed dating…but I just couldn’t work out the logistics. In the end, I decided to have an open forum with all members seated in a circle facing each other. One of my main goals as JAX SMUG leader is to allow each and every member an equal voice. This is not always easy when you have such a wide variety of experience levels, interests and goals but those things aside we all have something to contribute to others in our own unique way.
Here is how this months meeting played out…
- Set the room up in a full circle with chairs for all members.
- Set a timer for 6 minutes for each topic.
- Named the topic and opened the floor for discussion.
- If people were hesitant about the topic I would start the conversation.
- When the buzzer went off we would wrap up the last person speaking and move on.
LOVED! LOVED! LOVED this months SMUG!!! I can not thank you all enough for your contributions to make this group all that it is. The timer really helped keep the night on track and allowed us to touch on many different subjects. Most members participated. At the end of the night most everyone stated that they really enjoyed the format and how much information they were able to walk away with. Several members voiced that they hoped we would revisit the theme again in months to come. Speed Dating at JAX SMUG = Mission accomplished!
But…how ridiculous is it that a room slap full of photographers didn’t manage to take a single photograph? Go figure! Y’all know I can’t blog without a photo. So, here are a few shots from a gorgeous bouquet of flowers that my dear friend Britt Anderson sent me a couple of weeks ago. Thanks again Britt!
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YEAH!!! I am glad you liked them….I love the contrast in colors :)
Stunning!