IT TURNS out that a speed networking night starts out much the same way as its romantic equivalent, according to Airlie Beach Chamber of Commerce acting president Mark Beale.

"Whilst everyone was a little nervous at the start, I think everybody relaxed once they realised everybody else was nervous about meeting somebody they hadn't met before, they relaxed and really started to enjoy the networking evening," he said.

Around 20 people turned up to the Reef Gateway Hotel on Wednesday evening for the chamber's first speed networking night, which Mr Beale described as a

success.

"The great thing about it was that those members that were there wouldn't normally network with those people that were on the other side of the table of them," he explained.

"So they really did meet somebody and talk about their business to someone they wouldn't normally meet in their business circle."

Mr Beale said that the idea for the speed networking night came from a survey of chamber members late last year.

"The overwhelming feedback was our members wanted the opportunity to network outside business hours with other business owners," he said.

With the Mackay and Cairns Chambers of Commerce recently hosting successful speed networking nights, Mr Beale said the Airlie Beach Chamber of Commerce thought they'd give it a go.

"So I think the response next time we do it will be far greater, as people see the benefits from it," he said.

Mr Beale also wished to thank the Reef Gateway Hotel for supplying the venue and nibbles for the night for free.