Join us for our July Networking Workshop!

Strategic Networking: Beyond “Working the Room”

**This is a combined event for the SWFL Chapters of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and FPRA (Florida Public Relations Association). 

July 30th, 2026

Hilton Double Tree 

Check in:4:00-4:30pm 

Presentation:4:30-6pm

In a world where people are more connected than ever—but often feel less connected than ever—networking has become one of the most misunderstood activities in business and community life. Many people leave networking events with stacks of business cards or hundreds of online “connections,” yet very few meaningful relationships or opportunities follow. This workshop challenges that gap and offers a practical, refreshing approach: networking with purpose.

This is not a lecture—it is an interactive, energetic workshop designed to be both practical and engaging. Participants will explore the biggest myths about networking, including the outdated “elevator speech” model, the limits of social media validation, and the critical importance of knowing your “why.” You will leave with simple, powerful tools to turn conversations into relationships, to evaluate your networking success, and to build a network that works for you—professionally, socially, and personally.

What You’ll Learn

• Why purpose is the most powerful networking tool
• The biggest myths about networking (including why the elevator speech is overrated)
• How to turn “Nice to meet you” into collaboration and opportunity
• How social media fits into networking (and where it can mislead you)
• How to measure whether your networking is working
• Simple memory tools that help you engineer conversations that can become valuable connections.

What Makes This Workshop Different

• Highly interactive and practical
• Real-world communication tools you can use immediately
• Applicable in business and social networking.

Outcome

• Leave with practical tools to network with purpose, confidence, and clarity—anywhere, anytime.

Meet your presenter

Mike Jackson is a versatile, high-energy retired communications professional with a record of significant achievement in three sectors: national/major-market television news, corporate communications, and state and local government. A native of Illinois, Mike’s first career was TV News. He appeared on-air as an NBC TV News Correspondent for NBC Nightly News and Today; and an award-winning Chicago TV News Anchor atWMAQ and WLS.

Upon completing his MBA at Northwestern University, he founded a marketing and communications firm in Chicago that provided communications coaching, produced training videos and satellite teleconferences and advised on public relations and crisis communications. His clients included executives of corporations, including Motorola, CNA Insurance, Banker’s Life & Casualty, IBM, Kraft Foods, and Campbell’s. In addition, he counseled statewide political candidates, state government agencies, and national organizations such as the American Library Association.

Relocating with his wife to Columbus, OH, he served as Marketing Director of the Ohio Department of Development. They migrated to Florida where he was Director of Economic Development for the City of Cape Coral. In the Cape, he designed marketing campaigns that won state and national recognition. Mike remains involved in Southwest Florida regional economic development and human resource issues. He served for more than a decade on the board of CareerSource Southwest Florida, retiring from the board as President.

In 2024, he was recognized as PR Professional of the year by the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association, where has served as VP of programs and professional development. He is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America. He earned a BA in Political Science & History at the University of Illinois and an MBA at Northwestern University. 

Mike is a private pilot, USCG licensed Captain, recreational boater, SCUBA diver and Shotokan Karate black belt. He lives in Cape Coral with his wife Sally, a retired executive of Lee Memorial Health System.

Cost for attending: $25

Please RSVP by Tuesday July 28, 2026. 

Cancellations must be emailed to info@shrmswfl.org by noon, Tuesday July 28th to qualify for a refund. No shows will be billed.