The Business of Networking: Pitch, Connect, Grow

Whether you stumble through your introduction, find it hard to explain what you do, or just dread small talk, this event is designed to change the game.

Join us for an morning of practical learning and real conversations with guest speaker Kevin O’Reilly, District Club Growth Director for the UK and Ireland of Toastmasters International and founder of Thrive Now Group.

Kevin will share straightforward strategies to help you pitch your business clearly, connect with confidence, and leave a lasting impression – whether you're on stage, in a meeting, or making your way around the room.

You’ll also hear from event host Tina Calder, seasoned marketing strategist and founder of Excalibur Press, who’ll give her top tips for how to network on and offline to support filling your sales and marketing funnel.

You’ll learn:

• How to pitch your business without sounding rehearsed
• What to say (and what not to say) when you meet someone new
• How to adapt your message to suit different events or audiences
• The biggest mistakes people make when networking – and how to avoid them
• How to meaningfully grow your network and optimise opportunities

Plus:

Everyone will get the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves to the room and say what they do, what they offer, and what they’re looking for....but don't worry, if you're new to this, we're going to give you a quick and easy formula to follow to show how easy it can be to get your message across.

And, if you decide to pass on giving an intro on this occasion, no judgement.

This is a supportive, relaxed space to practise, learn, and grow your confidence - with no pressure and no jargon.

Whether you're new to networking or want to sharpen your approach, this event will help you show up, speak up, and stand out.

Meet Your Speakers

Kevin O’Reilly (Thrive Now Group & Toastmasters International)

Kevin O’Reilly is the founder of Thrive Now Group, which includes Thrive Now Network and Interview Skills Coach.

Through coaching, mentoring, and training, Kevin helps individuals, business owners, and teams build the confidence and clarity they need to grow – both professionally and personally.

He is the newly elected District Club Growth Director for Toastmasters International in the UK & Ireland, where he leads initiatives to support new club development and member growth across the region.

Kevin is also the host of the podcast My Worst Interview Ever! and author of the upcoming book The Power of Client Questions – for Business Growth, launching in July 2025.

Tina Calder

Tina Calder is a journalist-turned-strategist with almost 30 years of experience in media, PR, marketing, and content creation. As founder and Chief Vision Officer of Excalibur Press, she now helps businesses craft compelling messages, boost their visibility, and drive growth.

From reporting for titles like the Daily Mirror and Belfast Telegraph to broadcasting on BBC, U105, and Belfast 247, Tina has built a career around powerful storytelling. Today, she specialises in sales copywriting, brand strategy, and AI-led marketing – delivering training, mentoring, and speaking sessions across Northern Ireland.

Tina is also the founder of Entrepreneurs Unleashed, a business events and support company, and an experienced mentor for programmes including Go Succeed and ASK.

A passionate advocate for creative thinking and straight-talking strategy, Tina brings a no-nonsense, practical approach to helping entrepreneurs communicate with confidence.