Montreal Tech Entrepreneur Breakfast Going Strong

March 13, 2007 by Ben Yoskovitz 21 Comments

This morning we held our 2nd Montreal Tech Entrepreneur Breakfast and we had a solid turnout. Lots of new faces which was great to see, and some old ones too.

A few people to check out:

Just a handful of the people I connected with today. I didn’t get a chance to speak with everyone and I think that’s the fatal flaw of the location — it doesn’t lend itself to moving around, sitting in different places and connecting with more people. Once you sit and your food is brought you’re a bit stuck.

So I’m looking for alternatives — any ideas?

A couple of people suggested a buffet-style place where roaming is easier, or a more lounge-like / cafe atmosphere where it’s less about sitting and eating and more about socializing.

I’m open to any suggestions people might have.

The next Montreal Tech Entrepreneur Breakfast will be on Tuesday, April 10th at 8am. So we’ve got some time to pick a better location.

I’m also going to bring a notebook with me for everyone to write their contact info and blog info (like they do at Yulblog) so I can post a list of people that came with their links and start to build out a solid list of Montreal bloggers.

If you came this morning, thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed yourself. And we’ll see you April 10th.

Scott

Have it at Schwartz’s so I’ll have an excuse to make the drive up to Mtl!
Scott

Have it at Schwartz's so I'll have an excuse to make the drive up to Mtl!
Jorge Ramirez

Hi Ben, You know? I’m curious about what do you talk in this meetings.

Saludos!
Jorge Ramirez

Hi Ben, You know? I'm curious about what do you talk in this meetings.

Saludos!
Ben Yoskovitz

Scott – I don’t think we could fit 30 people very comfortably into Schwartz’s … are they even open at 8am? I don’t know, but now I want smoked meat!

Jorge – people get together and talk about all kinds of things. A lot of introductions are made because people don’t necessarily know each other. People talk about the work they’re doing, technology, etc. I got into a debate with Mat Balez about content and promotion (+Twitter). It’s generally a good time, and a good way for people to exchange ideas, contacts and find ways to help one another out.
Ben Yoskovitz

Scott – I don't think we could fit 30 people very comfortably into Schwartz's … are they even open at 8am? I don't know, but now I want smoked meat!

Jorge – people get together and talk about all kinds of things. A lot of introductions are made because people don't necessarily know each other. People talk about the work they're doing, technology, etc. I got into a debate with Mat Balez about content and promotion (+Twitter). It's generally a good time, and a good way for people to exchange ideas, contacts and find ways to help one another out.
Fred

Missed out today… Just couldn’t get up in time for this one… I’ll have to make the next one.
Fred

Missed out today… Just couldn't get up in time for this one… I'll have to make the next one.
heri

i agree with you that it’s quite difficult to meet everyone.

however, i think you don’t have to meet everyone. i prefer to talk more with someone, know what he or she is doing, what he is looking for, what I can do with him/her… it takes time to know somebody.

what i mean is I don’t see the event as just a pure networking where you get to collet business cards. i went there to have connections with like-minded people. having a breakfast is a good way to know “in depth” somebody.

although I agree the place could be bigger, and that you could definetely find something more appropriate.
heri

i agree with you that it's quite difficult to meet everyone.

however, i think you don't have to meet everyone. i prefer to talk more with someone, know what he or she is doing, what he is looking for, what I can do with him/her… it takes time to know somebody.

what i mean is I don't see the event as just a pure networking where you get to collet business cards. i went there to have connections with like-minded people. having a breakfast is a good way to know “in depth” somebody.

although I agree the place could be bigger, and that you could definetely find something more appropriate.
Scott

Ben, I have a great Schwartz’s story for you: we were there having lunch listening to the mens’ hockey team take the gold at the Salt Lake Olympics on the radio. The place was dead silent. It was definitely a Canadian moment.

At least you’re close enough to get smoked meat easily when you’ve got the craving. I’m stuck in Toronto, where you can’t get good smoked meat or hockey. 😉
Ben Yoskovitz

Heri – I’m with you – it’s not about meeting every single person. But I know a couple people I wanted to connect with and didn’t have the chance.

If we can find a place where there’s a bit more flexibility of movement that might be interesting.

Scott – that’s a great story. I feel for you in TO, but then again the hockey here ain’t particularly exciting either. *grin*
Scott

Ben, I have a great Schwartz's story for you: we were there having lunch listening to the mens' hockey team take the gold at the Salt Lake Olympics on the radio. The place was dead silent. It was definitely a Canadian moment.

At least you're close enough to get smoked meat easily when you've got the craving. I'm stuck in Toronto, where you can't get good smoked meat or hockey. 😉
Ben Yoskovitz

Heri – I'm with you – it's not about meeting every single person. But I know a couple people I wanted to connect with and didn't have the chance.

If we can find a place where there's a bit more flexibility of movement that might be interesting.

Scott – that's a great story. I feel for you in TO, but then again the hockey here ain't particularly exciting either. *grin*
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Jon

What about meeting at one of the downtown hotels?

They all have buffets and there is normally plenty of space and opportunity to move around. I have good experience with the Delta on University and the Holiday Inn Select on St-Laurent.

Just a thought…
Jon

What about meeting at one of the downtown hotels?

They all have buffets and there is normally plenty of space and opportunity to move around. I have good experience with the Delta on University and the Holiday Inn Select on St-Laurent.

Just a thought…
Ben Yoskovitz

Jon – a couple people suggested that although the cost might be a bit high for some.

I think we’re looking for a more cafe-style place where breakfast is optional. It’s not about what we eat, but about hanging out and being able to socialize well.

I wouldn’t mind the buffet idea but others didn’t seem to like it as much.

Thank you for the suggestion though! No matter where we do it, hope to see you there.
Ben Yoskovitz

Jon – a couple people suggested that although the cost might be a bit high for some.

I think we're looking for a more cafe-style place where breakfast is optional. It's not about what we eat, but about hanging out and being able to socialize well.

I wouldn't mind the buffet idea but others didn't seem to like it as much.

Thank you for the suggestion though! No matter where we do it, hope to see you there.
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