FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sparks Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary with Renewed Focus and New Location
INDIANAPOLIS – Sparks is marking its five-year anniversary with a special program presenting Ted-like talks from three speakers focused on the power of Defining Moments. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Redemption Alewerks at 7035 E. 96th St., Indianapolis.
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimation that half of all businesses will fail by the five-year mark, Sparks is beating the odds. This anniversary reveals that Sparks founder, Chris Reed, applies the characteristics fundamental to success to the venture. He says that flexibility and innovation are important, but the critical key to success is listening to the needs and desires of those who are served by Sparks.
Sparks began as an event for people to gather, make connections and discuss ideas stimulated by three thought-provoking timed talks. As an outcome, developing a strong business network was one of the biggest benefits to attendees. The early success drove Reed to fast track growth of the platform and pursue additional industry-specific events and potential new markets.
In 2016, Reed gathered information from members and attendees and re-assessed the Sparks plan. Based on the feedback, he decided to return to the core purpose of Sparks and focus on providing audiences with the valuable insights of successful thought-leaders in the area and the opportunity to build and strengthen relationships in their professional networks. Those were the messages he heard Sparks members say they wanted – and needed.
As a result, Sparks After Hours monthly themes were established and speakers of note have been pursued based on Sparks member’s feedback. Each theme is designed to provide opportunity for speakers to share real-life examples that will inspire and motivate the audience.
The original schedule for events was reinstated. Sparks After Hours is held the second Wednesday of each month starting at 5:00 p.m. Sparks Lunch has been introduced, being held the first Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sparks Lunch provides not only a time for networking with new business contacts, but to discuss one of the talks in more depth. Registration is required as space is limited.
The anniversary will also mark a change in venue for both Sparks events. Redemption Alewerks, 7035 E. 96th St., Indianapolis will be the location for the anniversary program and Sparks events going forward. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with the guys at Redemption Alewerks,” stated Reed.
John Smith co-founder of Redemption Alewerks added, “Sparks has always been a high energy event that brings people together and we have always felt the same about our business. This is a great partnership.”
Membership in Sparks has its rewards. For instance, members can bring guests to the events at no cost and receive discounts to area merchants. The Sparks membership is designed to help local business people grow relationships without the high cost of creating their own high energy monthly events. This provides emotionally impactful opportunities for them and their clients at huge cost-savings.
“Sparks has been the catalyst for growth in many businesses owned and operated by members and participants,” Reed said. “And that is the reason for its continued success. As business owners we don’t always have meaningful opportunities to meet other like-minded people and really build relationships with them. I’ve seen partnerships develop, business referrals passing between tables and long-lasting friendships grow.
“Indianapolis has a rich small business community,” Reed said, “and Sparks is here as a conduit to keep all those people connected, working together, and thriving.”
To learn more about Sparks, visit www.sparkstalk.com.
ABOUT SPARKS
Sparks is a monthly event platform that delivers a common shared experience, creating the environment for real connections between real people. It is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. Sparks Lunch is held the first Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both are held at Redemption Alewerks, 7035 E. 96th St. Indianapolis. Space is limited. Please register at www.sparkstalk.com/events/.
