One Stop Schmoozing

Meet new people and make a name at Worcester’s Entertainment and Media Industry Networking Mixers

By Kevin Hyzak

March 2005 – Have you ever seen one of those commercials where mortgage lenders just start showing up at some guy’s door right after the mentions refinancing to his wife? Or the perfect used car falls from the sky right in front of an interested buyer? Networking in Worcester just got that easy.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally Central Mass has monthly entertainment and media industry mixers. These events are the equivalent of online banking or one stop shopping for musicians, models, artists, club owners and anyone else who doesn’t know the meaning of a 9-to-5 day. Whether you want to get your name out, find someone with a common interest, turn a business idea into a reality or simply meet some new and interesting people, these mixers are a great opportunity. Everyone you could ever want to meet in Central Mass can now be found in one place.

Peter Caputa, from www.whizspark.com and one of the PULSE’s “25 to watch in 2005,” and Duncan Arsenault, a member of several bands and the force behind www.volcanoboy.com, started organizing these events in January. They wanted to bring together people who could help each other — a support group so to speak (with a bar).

These mixers are definitely not “strictly business” affairs. Far from it. Picture a bar or club filled with promoters, guitarists, break-dancers and modeling agents. I’m not talking about an annual meeting of engineers here. These events are wicked fun.

The networking mixers are the perfect environments for starting conversations with complete strangers — everyone there shares a common interest in entertainment and is expecting to meet new people. Whatever your interest, you will be able to find a likeminded individual in the relaxed and receptive atmosphere created by the organizers of the events.
SPQR, an italian caffe on Winter Street, hosted the latest mixer and no one would have guessed it was only the second such event. The first was held at the Boston Billiards Club in January. But already wordof- mouth and media exposure has turned the networking functions into a powerful business tool and a great social outlet.  

People from all areas of entertainment were on hand — promoters, advertisers, musicians, artists, owners, designers and DJ’s. Pam from “Believe in You!” was passing out her card to anyone interested in making a career in modeling. The Orphanage Crew was describing weekly events for amateur break-dancers in the area and talking about an upcoming show. Members of Brookfield, Giraffe and the Bee’s Knees were hanging out. Erik Godin, owner of The Lucky Dog, was there to scout for new acts. The café was packed with talent. Plus, there was a killer cheese
pread. A different club hosts the Entertainment and Media Industry Networking Mixer on the first Monday of every month. Stop by the Lucky Dog between 8 and 10 p.m. on March 7 to get a taste of\ what’s going on.

Check out www.volcanoboy.com , www.whizspark.com or www.wormtownnightlife.com to find out about future events and other Worcester happenings.