Event Overview
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of health informatics and analytics, the University of South Florida (USF) recognized the need to bring together both seasoned professionals and emerging talent to foster learning and growth. To meet this goal, USF organized the Mentor-Mentee Meetup, a dynamic networking event aimed at connecting current students and alumni in the health informatics and analytics fields. Held on September 12, 2024, this event saw approximately 100 attendees—students eager to learn and alumni with valuable insights to share.
To replicate the natural flow of in-person networking in a virtual setting, USF leveraged Gatherly, a platform designed to facilitate meaningful online interactions that feel real and spontaneous. The event was a resounding success, helping participants to bridge generational and experiential divides and collaborate on future career paths and industry advancements.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Mentor-Mentee Meetup was to enhance multidisciplinary education and support excellence in teaching and learning. USF wanted to provide students with direct access to mentors who could offer guidance, answer questions, and share real-world experiences. By connecting alumni and students, the university aimed to equip future health informatics professionals with the tools, insights, and network they need to navigate a complex industry.
Event Execution with Gatherly
Understanding the importance of a life-like virtual networking experience, USF chose Gatherly as the platform to host the Mentor-Mentee Meetup. Unlike traditional video conferencing tools, Gatherly’s unique approach allows participants to move freely between virtual spaces, mimicking the organic flow of an in-person event.
Key Gatherly Features that Enhanced the Experience:
1. Spatial Movement and Engagement: Attendees could enter different rooms and approach specific tables to converse with mentors or peers, fostering a personalized experience.
2. One-on-One and Group Conversations: Gatherly facilitated private discussions as well as group sessions, which enabled mentors to address individual concerns and broader career questions.
3. Interactive Booths and Areas: Alumni hosts set up specialized “booths” where students could drop in for expert insights on topics such as current trends in health analytics, navigating certifications, or skill-building.
Outcome and Success Metrics
The Mentor-Mentee Meetup exceeded expectations, creating meaningful connections that would not have been possible without Gatherly’s interactive capabilities. Key success metrics included:
● High Engagement: With 100 active participants, nearly all attendees stayed for the full duration of the event, a testament to the engaging environment and value-added discussions.
● Deeper Connections: Both mentors and mentees reported feeling that Gatherly’s structure allowed them to form personal connections, not just attend another networking event.
● Positive Feedback from Attendees: Surveys indicated that over 90% of attendees found the event valuable, with many requesting future networking meetups using the Gatherly platform.
Testimonials
"The Mentor-Mentee Meetup was a fantastic opportunity to connect with students in an environment that felt close to an in-person meetup. Gatherly allowed us to talk in smaller groups, which helped make the conversation flow naturally."— USF Alumni Mentor
"It was my first time attending an online networking event that felt real. I got to ask mentors direct questions and even met other students interested in similar career paths. I look forward to future events like this!"— USF Student Attendee
Conclusion
The Mentor-Mentee Meetup successfully created an enriching environment for USF’s health informatics and analytics community. By leveraging Gatherly, USF was able to facilitate meaningful, life-like interactions that allowed for deeper connections between mentors and mentees. This event set a new standard for virtual networking, proving that with the right platform, online events can foster genuine professional growth and relationship-building.