Open Connect

I went today to the networking event organized by Dragos Roua, Open Connect, which was held in a Starbucks. It was extremely interesting.

Dragos started this event in the context of his habit of getting his work done in Starbucks and seeing different people there (don’t ask me why 🙂 ). He thought it might be interesting for people to meet over a cup of coffee and, slowly, this turned into a pretty formal meeting – every Thursday at 9:30, in Starbucks Mall Vitan, people come to talk to each other. It’s a very well structured and moderated event, which has become a reference in terms of networking events in Bucharest. 80 people came today and it seems their number is growing. I wonder how long they’ll fit in Starbucks and where will Dragos move the event once the size of the place gets too small.

I think such an event was necessary. I tried to create something similar through ARIES some 3 or 4 years ago, but I wasn’t succesful. Dragos – otherwise a controversial guy – managed to do it very well. This was Open Connect’s 23rd week and it’s going off without a hitch. I’m beginning to write in short sentences 🙂 .

Anyway, it’s a place where many people, who are eager to talk, come and meet. I’ve learnt many things, I’ve also shared many things and – to the extent of the time I have available – I’ll go on other occasions.

Congratulations!

(English version by Teodora Popescu)