MESA Industry Networking
Thursday 23rd July 2026 - "PERFECT STRANGERS" NETWORKING MASTERCLASS
Our high-energy 90-Minute MESA "Perfect Strangers" MasterClass took place with Maarten Vanneste, Author, Speaker, Consultant and President of the Meeting Design Institute where we discovered how one simple technique can completely transform the way people connect, learn, and create value in any gathering.
"The topic was great, so is Maarten and it's really interesting to hear the perspectives from others in our industry who are perhaps on the supplier side or association/memberships side, which I very rarely get to hear."
Laura Lucas, Managing Director, UKSV Creates
"Even in the middle of summer, MESA gathers an impactful crowd of meeting designers and planners open to transition and transform events in more impactful and meaningful gatherings."
Evelien Aernaudts, Business Development Manager, ABBIT Meeting Innovators
"This was a great event as it brought so many different types of industry professionals together, where we could all learn, share, and network."
Alastair Greener, Generational Communication Speaker, Generationally Speaking
"This was fun and engaging. Somehow, CAT was used for all of us online and it worked."
Marija Malinić, Co-Founder, Mamma Consulting
SUMMARY - MESA's "Perfect Strangers" MasterClass - July 2026
Your Questions Answered - MESA's "Perfect Strangers" MasterClass - July 2026
YOUR FREE COPY OF THE "PERFECT STRANGERS" EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Thursday 24th July 2025 - OUR SUMMER NETWORKING - MESA'S BIGGEST NETWORKING EVENT EVER!
"The Engagement Equation: Before, During, and After the Event" 👉 How to keep attendees engaged at every touchpoint — not just on event day. It was open to all industry colleagues (registrations hit 100 exactly!) and we had fast-paced small group meetings to discuss engagement strategies before, during and after the event, with delegates sharing their tips at the end.
Moderated by Gordon Glenister, Co-Founder of MESA.
summary - EVENT ENGAGEMENT CHECKLIST
"Thank you for hosting this networking session, it was a great success. It was time well spent meeting a few new business connections in the breakout sessions".
Al Mercuro, Strategic Marketing & Client Engagement Advsior, Genesis Exhibits, USA, MESA Member
"As an event tech provider, we’re usually behind the scenes,not in the crowd. But Mesa’s networking event flipped the script. Even theshort breakout sessions sparked meaningful conversations. It reminded us of what great event design feels like from the attendee side".
Kerem Baran, Co-Founder & COO, Eventpack, USA, MESA Member
"MESA has been able to put together a high-energy networking session, with so much interaction in only an hour! This was fabulous."
Jelmer van Ast, Founder & CEO, Conference Compass, Netherlands, MESA Patron Member
"MESA's Biggest Networking Event Ever was a fantastic experience. I made 15+ valuable LinkedIn connections and had meaningful conversations with key industry professionals. A must-attend for anyone in the meetings industry."
Lauren Ashley Wolfe, Director of Marketing, RD Mobile / Results Direct, USA, MESA Member
"That was a truly great educational and networking experience—more like a family gathering. Just what an association should be: collaborative, fun, and insightful for all participants. The atmosphere was fantastic".
David Ralita, Account Manager - Strategic SaaS Sales EMEA, Infor, Prague
"Like always, MESA gives the platform and space for everyone attending to share their opinion and give contribution uninhibited. It was illuminating, very insightful and so much fun."
Maja Misic, Co-Founder, Mamma Consulting, Serbia
"The recent MESA networking event felt like stepping into a curated constellation of the events world – each person a star, each conversation a spark. Thanks to Sandie’s warm invitation, I had the chance to join as guest, and was genuinely moved by the openness, energy, and diversity of the community. The mix of perspectives – from logistics experts to creative producers – opened new windows for collaboration and reminded me why we do what we do."
Marija Malinić, Co-Founder, Mamma Consulting, Serbia