The IETM Buddy System allows all IETM members to 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.
The Buddy System allows all IETM members who recently joined the network, who consider themselves still new to IETM activities or who 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 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, sharing knowledge about our network, introducing them to fellow members and empowering newcomers to gain meaningful connections and experiences. Equally, buddies have the opportunity to make new connections and learn about the background and experience of a new IETM member and fellow professional.
*Read more below about what it means to be a ‘newcomer’.
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‘Signing up for the Buddy System really made a difference to my first IETM plenary experience. The buddies I was matched with were welcoming and friendly when I arrived, were generous with their contacts, networks and colleagues to consult with about making the most of the Plenary and breakout sessions. Best of all, we became friends and continued to stay in touch and exchange ideas. I would highly recommend it.’
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‘IETM gatherings are all about meeting new people - when you're a new IETM attendee it can be a bit daunting, and when you've been going for years, you gravitate towards the people you already know. Buddies help with that! Being a buddy for new attendees means you can connect with people you might not otherwise come across. Having a seasoned IETM buddy can help you feel a part of the community more quickly.’
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Can I be paired up with a buddy?
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 have not attended a physical IETM meeting for a long time;
- Delegate selected by an IETM Associate Member;
- Non-member participant based in Germany.
Can I become a buddy?
Is IETM Berlin 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 Buddy System?
You must be registered for IETM Berlin Plenary Meeting 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 is set for 24 April 2025 at 17:00 CEST.
All participants who sign up for the IETM Berlin 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 Margherita Petti, IETM Membership Manager, at membership@ietm.org.
