Top 100 Best Places To Network – Part 1
As expert networkers, people often ask us for the best places to network to help ensure their networking success. In the spirit of discovering what you can do for others, we’re sharing our ideas, along with those we have received from our audiences over the years.
The following blog article is a comprehensive list that contains our first 50 best places to network in our 100 Best Places to Network series, so that you’ll never be stumped again when it comes to finding places to connect!
Keep in mind that depending on the COVID restrictions in your area, some of these in-person options might not currently be available, but we’ve got you covered!
There are lots of virtual networking events you can attend. And, if your networking skills are a bit rusty, check out our exciting sessions that are available in-person or via live webinar, to learn more about how to network effectively both online and in person- The New Normal – Hybrid Networking™
Top 100 Best Places to Network- Part 1
1. Professional Associations and Personal Development Organizations
There are many opportunities for you to join breakfasts, luncheons, lectures, and annual dinners for professional associations and personal development organizations in almost any industry imaginable, such as the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals, or the American Association of Legal Administrators.
With networking opportunities available both online and in person, joining an association in your industry and taking advantage of the multiple opportunities they organize on a regular basis is a great way for you to expand your network.
2. Conferences
Conferences are definitely one of the best places to network, including international conferences in your own city, so that you don’t have to travel! With many conferences now being conducted online, they’re easily accessible from the comfort of your own home or office.
3. Wine, Beer, Scotch, and Food Festivals
Have you always wondered why food and drink festivals sell out so quickly? Not only are they a great way to try new and delicious things, but they’re also one of the best places to network! We suggest Googling festivals that are close to where you live to start, but they can also make for a great work-cation.
4. Civic Organization Events
Not only are local civic organization events a great way to network, but they’re also an excellent way to show up and support your local mayor and touch base with council members.
5. Community Volunteer Opportunities
There’s always something happening in your local community! From volunteer beach cleanups to neighbourhood projects like building a tiny library, there’s plenty of opportunities to help out while expanding your network at the same time.
6. Events at Universities (Even if You’re Not Enrolled There!)
Are you under the assumption that University events are just for students? Think again! You can check out any University’s calendar of events on their website which are typically open to the public and attended by a variety of community members.
7. Pecha Kucha
Pecha Kucha events are held in over 1,200 cities around the world, where you can either view or present short, powerful, and engaging talks. The best part? You can now view or present online – opening up opportunities to network globally, without having to travel.
8. Eventbrite Events
Eventbrite is one of the best sites to find out what’s happening in your city, or a city you’re visiting. As we like to say, there are networking opportunities everywhere!
9. Educational Events
This is the first audience submitted recommendation in our list where someone suggested that they like going to educational work-related events where they can not only learn something new, but also get to meet like-minded people in their industry.
10. Sporting Events
The second of our audience submitted recommendations, sporting events are excellent opportunities to take your current or potential clients for “great bonding experiences.”
11. Free Library Events
Everyone loves a good free event, and your local library will likely have many to offer on a rotating basis. Check out their website under the ‘events’ section to learn more about what they have to offer.
12. TEDx Talks in Your Community
TEDx Talks are another great example of one of the best places to network, where you can attend as a group and then discuss what you learned over coffee/drinks afterwards.
13. Google
You’ve likely heard this one before, but it’s worth mentioning. By Googling “events”, “networking events”, or “business events” and the name of your city or town, you’ll find a plethora of valuable networking opportunities available at your fingertips.
14. Dinner Parties and Neighbourhood Dine-Arounds
Another excellent idea from one of our audience members, who suggested that the best way to network via a dinner party or neighbourhood dine-around is to “be the catalyst, and organize the event.”
15. Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade Events
If you’re looking for diverse network building events, your local Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade is the place to go! From Women in Business Summits, to Roundtable discussions, you’ll be able to network to your heart’s delight both in person, and online.
16. Industry Specific Associations
By joining industry specific associations such as the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), ARMA (Association of Records Managers and Administrators), or Human Resources Management Association (HRMA), you can get involved in a committee where you’ll significantly expand your network.
17. Team Sports
Team Sports, such as volleyball, pickleball, or hockey are recommendations that we often mention, but this particular suggestion came from one of our audience members who stated that their participation in team sports “expands my network, and allows me to meet people I would not meet in my work environment.”
18. Group Sport Lessons
Have you ever wanted to learn a new sport? Why not take the time to develop your skills AND network. We consider that a win-win.
19. Golf Games
One of the original best places to network, golf has always been many people’s go to! You can either attend as a singleton, or with another person. Either way, you’ll likely be paired up with new people that you can network with and have fun at the same time.
20. Golf Tournaments
Another great suggestion from one of our audience members who indicated that they like to go to both organized and informal golf tournaments, where they would “always stay for dinner and network.”
21. Executive Education or MBA Classes
Executive education and MBA classes are typically team focused, so they’re an excellent opportunity to build close relationships with peers from different industries.
22. Alumni Events
Alumni events are available at home, and away! If you’re travelling, check for your Alma Mater events in the cities you’ll be visiting so that you can network while you vacation or attend business meetings or conferences in another city.
23. Learn to Run Programs and Running Clubs
One of our audience members suggested this item and indicated that running with a group is “better than running alone.” We tend to agree. Just make sure that you’re not running too fast, or you won’t be able to hold a conversation at the same time!
24. Organized Networking, Speaker Events, and Social Events
Now that people are starting to get back together, you’ll likely see a resurgence of organized networking, speaker events, and social events, for example, a new CEO Series put on by a business magazine. Keep your eyes peeled!
25. Events for Women in Specific Industries or Careers
Sorry male-identifying readers, this one’s for those of you who are female identifying and are looking for a networking event that caters specifically to you. Some more popular examples are Women in Engineering, Women in Communications, Women in Finance, and Women in Mining, but you’ll likely find events for almost every industry under the sun with a little research.
26. Events for Young Professionals
Are you looking to specifically network with young professionals? The easiest way to find events to attend is to Google “Young Professionals Networking Groups,” where you’ll likely find a ton of options that are both industry and non-industry specific.
27. Say “Yes” to Invitations from Colleagues
This was another outstanding suggestion from an audience member, as many of us have been told to avoid being too social with our workmates. They also added that they “try to invite new acquaintances out for coffee or lunch and often invite them to other events as a guest that I may be personally invited to.”
28. Volunteering for the United Way
This is a great opportunity for networking at any level, but if you are a senior executive becoming involved in their board is a great way to build an excellent high-purpose network.
29. Business Referral Organizations
In today’s hybrid world, there’s so many opportunities to meet others via business referral networks such as BNI, and eWomen, both in person, and online.
30. Anything at 7 or 8 AM
This suggestion from one of our audience members made us laugh – but it’s likely true for many of you reading this blog article. In addition to that, morning sessions are often the most effective way to network for busy people – so get to it!
31. Toastmasters
Afraid of public speaking? Perfect! That’s a networking opportunity, too. At Toastmasters, you can learn to be a confident public speaker while expanding your network at the same time.
32. Local Museum Events
We love museums, and not just for the culture! Most museums have a free or low-cost membership that you can purchase which will also give you access to special member events where you can network.
33. Join a Private Cub
This one might be surprising as it sounds exclusive, but let us explain. Private clubs can often be worth ‘the price of admission’ if you join the right club. In addition to this, many former stuffy men’s clubs have morphed into very cool places for young professionals.
34. Parent Teacher Association or Parental Advisory Committee
If you have kids, this is an excellent way to be involved in their lives while networking at the same time. You can also apply to become part of their executive team where you’ll find networking opportunities galore.
35. Church, Prayer Breakfasts, Faith Based Leadership Groups, and Faith @ Work Luncheons
Do you attend church regularly? Have you ever thought of also networking at church? From breakfasts and luncheons, to faith-based leadership groups, or even meeting to discuss what you learned – there’s many networking opportunities available.
36. Church Student Groups
In addition to #35, you can join a church student group as either a mentor or as a participant, where you can network with like-minded individuals.
37. Real Estate Investment Groups
Are you interested in buying, renting, selling, or financing properties? If you’ve answered yes, then real estate investment groups would be perfect for you for more than one reason as they’re not only excellent places to meet people to invest with, but also to network regarding other business opportunities.
38. Fraternity and Sorority Alumni Events
Another alumni suggestion for those of you who were in a fraternity or sorority. Since you’ll likely know at least one person at these events, why not check them out and get some networking done at the same time.
39. Company Sponsored Events
Networking on a budget? Take advantage of company sponsored events, as they’ll give you all the opportunities to network, without the cost.
40. Group Cooking Classes
Looking to channel your inner Julia Child? Why not try a group cooking class where you can improve your culinary skills, and meet new people to share a meal?
41. Job Fairs
Another suggestion we’ve heard many times from our audience members, job fairs are excellent places to network and as one particular audience member suggested “it’s not just visiting the booths, it’s the people you meet in the room.” We agree!
42. Team Events Organized for Work
We mentioned this point earlier in this blog post, but it’s time to put aside the “it’s a bad idea to socialize with your workmates.” As one of our audience members said, it’s “not a nice to, it’s a need to, for your career.”
43. Hockey and Soccer Movie Nights
Were you super excited by our earlier suggestion of joining a group sports team? Perfect! Make sure you also take advantage of the social events beyond the game, where you can bond with a beer, and often have the option to bring your partner.
44. Concerts in the Park
This suggestion from one of our audience members is very creative. They indicated that they arrive early to concerts in the park so that they can network while in line for a beverage, as well as at their seat.
45. Professional Conferences and Workshops
There’s always a professional conference or workshop that would not only be beneficial for your professional growth, but will also be an excellent place to network.
46. Wine Clubs, Book Clubs, and Movie Clubs
Love wine (who doesn’t?) Just read an amazing book that you’re dying to discuss with someone? Or are you a movie buff? Chances are that there’s a club near you, filled with people who share similar passions. And guess what? They’re all excellent places to network.
47. Rotary International
No matter where you are in the world, there’s a rotary meeting just waiting for you to attend and network at.
48. Service Group Meetings
In addition to #47, there’s also a large number of other service group meetings that you can attend and network at. As an example, take a look at the amazing number of service groups in just one city, Ottawa.
49. Attend Events with Your Kids
Our second to last suggestion in this list is another one from our audience members. This particular person mentioned that they attend free/low-cost movie industry events because their “daughter is an aspiring actress” and that they found many opportunities to network with other parents at the same time.
50. Attend Your Kids Sporting Events
Need another reason to cheer your kids on? One of our audience members mentioned that they found one of the best places to network with other parents was “at soccer games, in the playground, etc.”
Wrapping it up
Hopefully, the first 50 items in our Top 100 Best Places to Network list has got your creative juices flowing and has you excited for all the amazing opportunities to network!
We’ll be releasing the second half of this blog article in the coming weeks, so stay tuned, or better yet, sign up to get our Free Networking Tips and you’ll also be notified when we release the second half of our amazing Best Places to Network list.
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