Too often networking is superficial and awkward. Fake smile, feeble handshake, business card exchange = empty experience. Connecting with professionals, especially from other disciplines, may feel forced or intimidating, and it takes a smart setting for good business relationships to be built.

At the Alumni After Hours networking event, there’s beer, wine and dessert—three things that will inevitably help you loosen up and enjoy getting to know recent graduates or professionals already entrenched in Buffalo’s business culture.

The biannual event, hosted by the Alumni Relations Departments at Buffalo State College, Medaille College, University at Buffalo, the College at Brockport, Daemen College and Niagara University, will be held at 6 p.m. May 31 at the Hyatt Regency, 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo.

Admission is only $15 if you register by Friday (May 25), and it rises to $20 after. RSVP through each individual office of alumni relations contact below. The price includes two drink tickets, appetizers, dessert, water, soft drinks and juice. Needless to say, you’ll be hydrated and won’t be networking with a parched throat.

—Buffalo State College
—Medaille College
—University at Buffalo
—College at Brockport
—Daemen College
—Niagara University

According to the Alumni After Hours press release:

This gathering will bring established alumni from a variety of professions to share wisdom, information and advice with young alumni in the WNY area and answer general networking questions as well as those questions related to specific professional areas.