For a start to the WNBA-NYC’s 2017-2018 season, the Networking Party on Tuesday, September 12th was a resounding success! Books galore, delicious snacks, interesting conversations, and, yes, nice wine filled the room as longtime members and new arrivals mingled.
Members, old and new, mingle
Just as prior networking parties have been, the evening was an excellent opportunity to get together with friends and to meet members attending their first event. As Laurel Stokes, Co-Vice President of Programming for the chapter put it, “The networking party is always one of the WNBA-NYC’s most popular events because it provides members with the opportunity to meet new bookwomen and catch up with old friends.”
Raffle prizes
A number of new members graced the WNBA-NYC crowd with their presence for the first time—it’s a great year to join, for all of you! With the Centennial events kicking off in full force, the bookish programming for the year is top-notch. New member Jennifer Thompson’s statement that, “ I’m looking forward to any events that involve books and publishing—because I love books!” should certainly be fulfilled: the list of events for the year already includes book clubs, panels, and parties!
Christine Sikule and Laurel Stokes announce raffle winners
Speaking of the book club, some of our new members found the WNBA-NYC through the discussions they’ve had with the Ladies Who Brunch. The movement from brunching with books to the Networking Party was effortless—as longtime member Rachel Slaiman said, she was gratified to see “so many new people so excited about the organization who blend in and feel like they already belong!” We did ask the puppy who ran in and introduced himself to several members to join, but no luck on that front.
Great conversations at the Networking Party
New member Lauren Bieber, who was introduced to the WNBA by a former mentor, said that, through her membership, “I’m looking forward to being in the same room with intelligent, creative women who embrace books as much as I do.” Books were absolutely embraced at the Networking Party: as the evening wore on, the book raffle began. The table of available books started out full, and as name after name was called to go up and choose a book, it became clear that everyone who wanted a book would get one, which is always a great perk!
Raffle winners claim their books
Sheila Lewis, longtime member expressed that, “I’m very excited always to kick off WNBA season and this year the Networking Party is a natural bridge to the Brooklyn Book Festival Sunday and to the Centennial next month.” That’s the truth: if you missed the BKBF this weekend, you can still look forward to the Centennial celebrations!
