The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) buzzed with energy and excitement on July 5-6, 2024, as it hosted the Business Network International (BNI) Philippines National Conference, the largest networking event in the country.
The annual gathering – the second held face-to-face after the pandemic – fostered business connections and professional growth while attracting a record number of attendees and marking a significant milestone in the Philippine business community.
BNI Philippines National Director Dexter Ortega said the conference brought together entrepreneurs, business professionals, and industry leaders from various sectors, all eager to network, learn, and collaborate.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Connection Revolution: The Next Decade of Change,” underscored the event’s focus on the future of BNI in the Philippines, providing tools and strategies to enhance business practices and foster growth.
The conference marked the 10th year of BNI in the Philippines and featured an impressive lineup of speakers led by no less than BNI Founder Dr. Ivan Misner who delivered an inspiring address on the power of networking and the importance of building meaningful business relationships. His insights set the tone for the two-day event, emphasizing the value of connections in driving business success.
Ortega said Misner was invited by over 70 countries to be the keynote speaker in their respective national conferences, but he chose to be in the Philippines which he visited for the first time. “We are truly privileged to have a living legend like Dr. Misner grace our conference,” Ortega stressed.
Misner, who has been labeled as the “Father of Modern Networking” by Forbes and Entrepreneur magazines, shared an invaluable lesson to the audience: Never try to sell in a networking event. He said doing so is a major “disconnect” in networking.
“Never try to sell something in a networking event,” he advised. “Instead, try to establish and build relationships. That is where the magic begins.”
The event was Misner’s his first in the Philippines. And the bestselling author delivered a 40-minute talk titled “Networking for Success” that highlighted the critical role of networking for business success.
“I once conducted a survey of 12,000 business executives and asked them about the important factors for their success. And 91.5 percent of the respondents pointed to networking as a key to success. How often do you get 91 percent of the people to agree on one thing?” he shared.
Despite its significance, Misner noted that networking is rarely taught in business schools. “It is just like sales, no one teaches it in school,” he remarked, highlighting that networking is often considered a “soft science” and overlooked by “full-time, tenured university professors.” He added, “The sad part is these full-time and tenured professors never ran a business in their life.”
Misner urged Filipino entrepreneurs to focus on establishing and nurturing relationships. “After 24 hours of meeting someone, send them a text message or an email thanking them. Gratitude is powerful. After seven days of the networking event, reach out and try to get to know the other person better. And after 30 days, try to get a one-on-one meeting,” he advised.
The BNI Philippines National Conference also featured breakout sessions that covered a wide range of topics, including leadership development, customer engagement, and innovative business strategies. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions, gaining practical knowledge and skills to apply in their respective fields. The diversity of topics ensured that there was something for everyone, regardless of their industry or level of experience.
The event also celebrated the achievements of its members through various awards and recognitions. The BNI Gala Night on July 6 honored outstanding chapters and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the organization’s core values of Givers Gain, building relationships, and lifelong learning. These awards highlighted the positive impact of BNI’s networking model on the success of its members.
ALLIANCES BUILDING
The BNI Philippines Conference was participated in by delegates from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates,,the United Kingdom,the United States of America, Taiwan,and Thailand.
Through the conference, BNI Philippines has successfully forged alliances with several prominent industry groups, enhancing its network and broadening its reach within the business community. This strategic move is expected to foster greater collaboration and support among professionals across various sectors.
The key industry groups that have partnered with BNI include the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI); International Council for Small Business (ICSB); Philippine Marketing Association (PMA); Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP); Asian Committee for Small Business (ACSB); Philippine Franchise Association; Philippine Retailers Association; Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE); Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA); Mowelfund Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc.; Philippine Association of Realty Appraisers (PARA), Inc.; Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines (REBAP), Inc.; Philippine Association of Realty Consultants and Specialists (PARCS), Inc.; Blockchain Council of the Philippines; Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards (PAREB); Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy (BOA); Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID); LGBT Chamber of Commerce; United Architects of the Philippines (UAP); Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP); Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards Inc (PAPRB); PhilHealth; Past Presidents’ Council Rotary District 3810 and AIM Alliance.
This extensive list of partners signifies BNI’s commitment to creating a robust network that promotes business growth, knowledge sharing, and professional development. The collaboration aims to provide members with unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive in their respective fields.
“We are thrilled to have these esteemed organizations join us in our mission to empower businesses and professionals,” said Dexter Ortega. “These alliances will enable us to offer even more value to our members and help them achieve their business goals.”
