Life In Internet

We’re unswerving advocates of all things digital, and fancy ourselves as rather forward-thinking in social media and online communications of all flavors. But we’re also people. And as people, we like to see other people – in person. Sure, technology can offer a substitute for some face-to-face interaction, just as Tofurkey is served on many Thanksgiving tables. Much of the same nutritional content is there, and it’s a laudable effort. But compared to the real thing, it doesn’t pair nearly as well with chardonnay.

Shop.org Regional Dinners, on the other hand, offer conversation as bright and complex as a bottle of Napa Valley’s finest, insights as satisfying as a beautifully marbled porterhouse, and networking as rich as a chocolate lava cake. Regional Dinners put the “Mm” in Community and add to the “bene” in your Member Benefits (though, with the popularity of bacon-wrapped filets, they don’t contribute as evenly to the “fit” in your Benefits).

In 2010, Shop.org will host 29 Regional Dinners in 15 cities across the country. They are free for retail members to attend, though in truth the free isn’t what makes them priceless. They provide a casual yet focused environment to network with retail peers, unencumbered by an agenda. Attendees love them because they offer the immediate gratification of a satisfying conversation with a like-minded professional, and because they pay the long-term annuity of personal contacts to reconnect with when an outside perspective or recommendation is needed.

See the 2010 Regional Dinner Schedule here. If there isn’t one near you, you might find one coinciding with an industry event you’re attending. Yeah, we’re stalking you around the country. But we’re bringing steak and scotch, so we didn’t think you’d object.

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“Know your Member Benefits” is a series designed to shed some light on some of the perks, savings opportunities, exclusive content and other assets provided with your Shop.org membership. Feel free to forward these posts to your digital retail teammates, as your membership benefits extend company-wide.