Join us in London to master your networking skills, connect meaningfully and unlock new collaboration opportunities!
Networking is vital for rare disease patient groups. It’s the first step to:
- Break isolation
- Build collective power
- Open access to research, expertise, funding and opportunities that are often out of reach when working alone
In the rare disease space, where resources are limited and patient populations are disperse and small, collaboration is not a just a nice thing to have, but the difference that will help you achieve your goals and drive change for your community.
However, networking can feel incredibly daunting, especially when stepping into rooms full of unfamiliar faces.
The challenge is even greater for rare disease patient groups specifically, as introducing a rare condition to stakeholders who may be hearing about it for the first time is not an easy task.
If you’re looking to overcome these challenges, join this masterclass!
What to expect from the masterclass?
We’ll provide practical strategies and exercises to help you recognise your own value, prepare effectively for in-person and online events, craft a compelling elevator pitch and develop your personal brand.
After the masterclass, you will be better equipped to identify potential collaborators, make a memorable impression and build authentic relationships that can open new doors for your organisation.
You will learn:
How to build confidence and recognise your own value
We will cover:
- How to recognise your own value
- How to overcome imposter syndrome
- How to have the right networking and collaborative mindset
How to communicate clearly and engagingly
We will cover:
- How to craft a compelling elevator pitch
- How to tailor your approach to different stakeholders to connect effectively
- How to develop your personal and organisation’s brand
How to prepare for networking in your event
We will cover:
- The importance of setting clear objectives before the event: who, why and how
- How to use event tools and materials to identify potential collaborators and facilitate conversation
How to build connections through time
We will cover:
- How to build authentic, meaningful relationships with different stakeholders
- Best practices to follow up effectively after the event and keep relationships long term
Sign up here to claim your space!
Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your networking skills and to interact with fellow patient group leaders!
Tickets are limited, so claim yours now!
Please note: the ticket window may take a few seconds to load. Eventbrite allows you to secure your ticket without completing the full registration form. Please ensure that you complete all required questions in the form, as this information is essential for the successful delivery of the masterclass.
Meet the trainer
Andy Milligan
Co-Founder of The Caffeine Partnership and Beacon trustee
Andy Milligan is a leading international brand and business consultant and a co-founder of The Caffeine Partnership, a company that provides ideas and advice to senior managers on business growth and branding.
Andy has over 25 years of experience in branding and communications – building connections and working in industries as diverse as airlines, finance, telecommunications, sports and pharmaceuticals. He is also a Beacon trustee and understands the rare disease patient group landscape.
Deposit scheme
Registering for this in-person masterclass will require paying a refundable deposit of £30 upon registration. This deposit will be kept safe in Eventbrite until after the training has been completed.
Following the event, if you have attended and signed in, you will get your full deposit back.
We understand that circumstances can change, especially in the rare disease community. Should you register for the event and realise you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible.
We will endeavour to refund your deposit in full provided reasonable notice is given. Reasonable notice for this event is no later than 7 working days before.
Find out more about our deposit scheme here. If you have any questions, please contact projects@rarebeacon.org.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a carer with me?
Yes! We offer free carer tickets for carers accompanying registered delegates. If you’d like a carer to attend with you, please get a carer ticket in addition to your own ticket. Carer tickets are only available for already registered delegates.
Do you cover travel expenses?
Beacon will reimburse travel expenses for rare disease patients, carers, patient groups and charities, up to the total value of £100 per person. If your travel is likely to exceed this amount, please contact projects@rarebeacon.org ahead of the event so we can discuss whether further reimbursement will be possible.
All expenses, other than mileage, must be accompanied by valid receipts.
For further information on our expenses policy, please click here.
Where is the masterclass?
The closest underground stations are:
- Green Park Station – 5 mins walk (Jubilee, Victoria and Piccadilly lines)
- Piccadilly Circus Station – 10 mins walk (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines)
- Oxford Circus Station – 10 mins walk (Victoria, Central and Bakerloo lines)
Is the venue accessible?
If you have any accessibility requirements, please note these on your registration form so we can ensure that your needs are met.
To discuss any additional accessibility measures we can provide, please get in touch with our team at projects@rarebeacon.org.
Will lunch be provided?
Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
If you have dietary requirements, please let us know in the registration form.
