One of the things we’ve heard frequently over the years from Miami’s more seasoned researchers is that they miss the days of the Old Miami Inn, where OARS would organize occasional get-togethers. It was an opportunity to hang out, with no particular agenda, but still manage to come away with new connections, and maybe even new collaborators.

Although we can’t bring back the Miami Inn, we are trying to revive the spirit of those informal gatherings with a series of program-free networking events. The first event took place last fall. Dubbed “Networking in the Club Lounge” for its location in Goggin Ice Center’s Club Lounge, it was a gathering of around 40 research-active faculty who enjoyed drinks and heavy appetizers on OARS while catching up with existing colleagues and getting to know new ones.

We are repeating that event again this fall. The Second Annual Networking in the Club Lounge event will be held this coming Tuesday, October 29, from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Registration is open through Monday.

In addition, we are organizing a series of no-host events at local restaurants. The first of these was held September 12 at Books & Brews in Oxford. It was sparsely attended, but the faculty who came were new to Miami and enthusiastic about their research and about meeting potential collaborators. We are hoping for stronger turnout at our next gathering, on Tuesday, November 12, from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Cru Gastro Lounge.  No registration is required. Menus and pricing are available on the restaurant’s website.

What are your thoughts about these informal opportunities for research networking? If you’re a Miami University researcher, please let us know in the comments.

Networking image by Gordon Johnson via Pixabay. Wire connections image via Max Pixel. Both used under Creative Commons license.