NCET introduces Wi-Fi Wednesdays
Hot new networking vehicle launched for Reno’s young professionals
Forget the polite small-talk, suits and the “good ‘ole boys” smoke-filled back room deals… today’s young professionals, entrepreneurs and techies are shunning staid, old fashioned networking events for high-octane power events at local hot spots.
On August 22, NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, is coming together with the Reno-Tahoe Young Professional’s Network (YPN) to put a modern-day spin on Great Reno Tahoe’s networking with the launch of Wi-Fi Wednesdays: “Connecting the Connected.”
(NCET and the Vegas Young Professionals are working together to bring Wi-Fi Wednesdays to Las Vegas in September. Stay tuned for details.) 
Wi-Fi Wednesdays is the brainchild of NCET marketing manager Emily Lowe and Robert Payne and Josh Kenzer of Twelve Horses. The trio was looking for a way to expand their professional networks and was weary of the same tired old venues. Wi-Fi Wednesdays was conceived as a bi-monthly high-energy networking opportunity designed to serve the specific needs of and cater exclusively to the influential 21-39 demographic.
“Today’s younger professionals are operating in a business climate that’s a bit different from their older peers,” said Emily Lowe. “A majority of the people in the 21-39 demographic are tech-savvy and many are focused on entrepreneurial endeavors. We’re working to create an environment where enterprising young professionals and emerging executives can come together to share ideas and success stories while forging new business relationships.”
Wi-Fi Wednesdays will be held in wireless venues throughout Reno and will feature entertaining high-tech networking tools. The August 22 premier event will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at The Chocolate Bar at 475 S. Arlington Ave. The event will feature a YouTube video contest and a round of “speed networking,” a twist on the “speed dating” concept that helps facilitate numerous one-on-one introductions in a short period of time. The evening will also feature brief presentations by successful young entrepreneurs and technology professionals.
“NCET works to create and sustain an environment in which high-growth entrepreneurial companies can succeed and flourish,” says NCET CEO Dave Archer. “One way to achieve that goal is to establish networks within the community. We’re excited to support a forum where younger business professionals can come together and create a flow of shared energies and ideas in a casual, aid-back atmosphere.”
Space for the August 22 Wi-Fi Wednesdays debut is limited and reservations are preferred. Those interested in participating in the YouTube contest may submit video links (3 min max) to Emily@NCET.org. Cost 
for the event is $5 per person for Reno-Tahoe YPN members and $10 per person for non-members. RSVP@NCET.org.
The inaugural Wi-Fi Wednesday is sponsored by Nevada’s Commission on Economic Development (NCED).