Life is too short, since I’ll be in USA for Seattle Startupweekend, I may as well make some events out of it. I’m a bit nervous about this, as I haven’t hosted an event in USA since…man. 2006? But I have some good friends in Los Angeles, and instead of trying to set up tons of separate meetings, may as well invite everyone together and make a networking event!
Hero Meets Hero foreign trade federation in Shenzhen (where I cooperate) has a bunch of Chinese e-commerce companies that have their warehouse and operations in LA, and I also have cooperated with tons of Chinese there. Being on the west coast of America, its easiest for those buying from China to do business there (shortest time for ocean containers to arrive, as well as cheapest)
I have been talking to a bunch of people about organizing it, Attila has a projector and will be coming to meetup. He has suggested Shore hotel in Santa Monica (but its $500usd for an evening to rent). I have a few potential speakers. Just wondering how formal to make it.
So may as well publich it on my blog and get some feedback, as well as link this post to friends as I tell them about out
What: Meetup to share ideas about doing business in China, try to stay on topics such as e-commerce, internet marketing, social media.
When: Saturday, May 12th, 2012
What time: afternoon, 2pm to 5pm. Optional dinner afterwards, pay your own way.
Where:
6733 South Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 270 Los Angeles CA 90045Who: Mike Michelini will share his experiences doing business in China, e-commerce, social media.
Steve (Attila) Canadian spent 8 years in China, now living in USA.
Lisa Santos – e-commerce warehousing in LA
Open to othersWho can come: those interested to network with others doing business in China, both Chinese living in L.A. and “native” Americans.
How Much: Free, but please RSVP before hand,
Why: Learn how others are doing business with China. Share ideas, network. International business has a lot to do with your network, and who you know! This should be a great chance!
What language: Primarily English, but may throw some Chinese in the presentations!
How to RSVP – email laevent @ shadstone.com or call my USA mobile when I’m in LA +1 772 405 7828
Again, I will update this blog post as this May 12 China business meetup develops. Its just a bit rushed, typing this blog post about 2 weeks away from the event, only thought of the idea last week! Lots of people are interested, and its my only Saturday free while visiting America. Its also considering if people would want to pay, and have it in a nice venue with food, and multiple speakers.
I think no matter what I want to meet as many people doing business with China as possible while I’m in USA for those 2 weeks (between May 9 to May 22, in LA and Seattle) so contact me!
Only live life once, have to keep “pushing the envelope” – and make things happen.
UPDATES
Monday May 8 – we finally confirmed a venue for this saturday’s meetup. I’m updating it on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/events/119712718164930/) and twitvite (http://twtvite.com/chinaBizLA/>)
My friend Erik’s friend in LA, Vincent, has meeting rooms in his company at the below address:
6733 South Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 270 Los Angeles CA 90045
Lets hope we get a good turnout!
Comments
great write up
also NYB going along as planed
usa should be go event
maybe 300
keep on trucking
Woot, I see my name. Will bring the wireless Bose speakers too. Maybe even a microphone and some beer, so we can convert it into a KTV night. Show the attendees the TRUE KTV nights in China…all we’d need is a few hundred Chinese girls in lingerie lined up and it’d be more authentic…I am going to get flack for that last part, LOL