The IETM Buddy System gives all our members the opportunity to sign up for the programme and enhance their networking experience during the meeting.

What is the IETM Buddy System? 

The IETM Buddy System is a membership and networking activity put in place during IETM meetings, created to help new members become acquainted with the network and facilitate their involvement.

We are happy to reintroduce the Buddy System for our upcoming IETM Aarhus Plenary Meeting, with the aim of strengthening the relationships and connections between our members.

This edition will allow all IETM members who recently joined the network, who consider themselves still new to IETM activities or have not been to a physical IETM meeting for a long time to be paired with a buddy. At the same time, our more experienced IETM members will have the chance to become a buddy and share their connections and insights with one or more newcomers*. 

Buddies have the responsibility and joy of including newcomers in the meeting, share knowledge about our network, introduce them to fellow members and empower newcomers in gaining meaningful connections and experiences. Equally, buddies have the opportunity to make a new connection and learn about the background, focus and experience of a new IETM member and fellow professional.

*Read more below about what it means to be a newcomer.

"[The Buddy System] is a fabulous way to meet new members and to make them feel welcome in such a large network. The buddy system is a fast track way to feel part of the network. I highly recommend meeting your buddy online in advance, so you both get to know each other before the meeting."

- Cathie Boyd, Former IETM President

‘Being a Buddy at IETM is a perfect way to share all of your favourite people and experiences with new members. It's all about sharing and caring and helping turn a room full of strangers into friends.’

- Barbara Poček, IETM Team Member & Former Board Member

Can I be paired up with a buddy?

Would you like to make new connections with other IETM members, and discover more about our network? Sign up to request a buddy if you are a:

  • ‘New’ IETM member: you recently joined IETM, consider yourself still new to the network and its activities, or you have not attended a physical IETM meeting for a long time;
     
  • Delegate selected by an IETM Associate Member;
  • Participant based in Denmark.

Can I be a buddy?

Is Aarhus not your first IETM-rodeo? Do you think you can be a great guide for a fellow professional in navigating IETM’s activities? Sign up to be a buddy if you are keen to:

  • Add new members to your contacts from the IETM network;
     
  • Contribute to increasing the engagement of IETM members;
     
  • Get to know new professionals and expand your network.

How to sign up for the IETM Aarhus Buddy System?

You must be registered for IETM Aarhus to participate in the Buddy System, which you can do via this link.

After registering, you can sign up for the system through the online form below, where you will be asked if you are participating to receive a buddy or if you would like to become one.

The deadline to sign up was set for Tuesday 23 May 2023 at 17:00 CEST.

All participants who sign up for the IETM Aarhus Buddy System will be contacted two weeks before the meeting with information about their final buddy pairing.

If you have any question about the Buddy System, you can contact the IETM membership team at membership@ietm.org.