Speed networking is a lot like speed dating but without all the freakiness, said Sean Kenny, the networking and communications coordinator for the York County Chamber of Commerce.

Instead of spending five minutes chatting with potential mates, participants in speed networking sessions shake hands, exchange business cards and talk about their companies.

The York Chamber held sessions at the Business and Technology Expo this week, and the Hanover Chamber has plans to schedule a speed networking session in the fall, said Melissa Speal, the public relations director for that group.

The idea is for participants to meet as many people as possible and cut out all the awkwardness.

"If you're uncomfortable meeting people, it forces you to do it," Kenny said.

When there's a time limit of five minutes, it encourages participants to get right to business.

"It's good particularly for shy people or the wallflower kind," Speal said. "It kind of breaks down that barrier. It's a lot easier than just walking up to someone cold at a mixer. Not everyone is that outgoing."

Jody Ashley, a representative of Talus salon in Springettsbury Township, had participated in a few speed networking sessions before attending the one at the expo on Tuesday.

"It's the most worthwhile money and time spent," Ashley said of attending the sessions.

She said she would meet so many more people in the same amount of time through speed networking than she would walking around the booths at the expo.

Most speed networking sessions include between 20 to 30 participants. Half of them sit on one side of a table facing the other half.

When a bell rings or the five minutes is called, one side of the table gets up and shifts one seat to the right. The pattern repeats until those on one side have met everyone on the other.

The sessions can benefit people from a variety of work backgrounds, Kenny said.

"It's good for the

Computer software keeps track of the time and the participants in speed networking so those taking part can go back and track their connections if they want to continue their discussions. (Daily Record/Sunday News - Paul Kuehnel)
person who has been in business 20 years, but it's also good for someone who is new to a company," he said.

Kelly LeMay, an account associate at Inside Out Creative in York, was attending her first speed networking event Tuesday.

Her coworkers had done it before and had encouraged her to try it out.

"I thought it would be fun," LeMay said. "You get right down to business. There's none of the awkwardness."

jmilcetich@ydr.com; 771-2029