Networking Events for Women

Antler, a Boston-based experiential and digital marketing agency, recently posted a listing of great networking events for women around the country. I thought it was a great resource, so check it out!

Cool Event Spotlight: Women's Networking Events

Cool Event Spotlight is a blog series that highlights cool and interesting events around the country.

About one year ago there was an article posted in the UK Times that caught my attention and has been bothering me ever since. The article claimed that women are bad networkers because we are less capable of showcasing our talents then men. There are countless reasons to network and if women are, in fact, less than effective at networking then we need to start practicing. To get you started in the right direction, here is a short list of great female networking groups and/or events around the country.

Boston

• Girls Pint Out: We were recently introduced to the ladies of Girls Pint Out and became instant fans. These ladies know a thing (or 10) about beer and have put together a unique group that mixes networking with something we love… beer! Stay tuned for some upcoming networking events in March and April.
• Wonder Women of Boston: Whether you work in the corporate or non-profit world, are a community leader, entrepreneur, job-seeker, or student, Wonder Women of Boston is a fantastic place to make connections with ambitious and accomplished women of all ages. We hope you already signed up for their event on February 24th here at Antler HQ; however, if you were slow to the punch you can sign up here to be added to the wait list.

New York

• Stylefixx: Join New York City’s most fashion-forward women for two nights of dream shopping, featuring over 55 cutting-edge designers and brands. This event is an opportunity to connect with various consumer brands and the women who love them. Don’t forget your business cards, and try (we said try) not to get so caught up in shopping that you forget to network! (This event also takes place in Boston, Chicago, DC, Atlanta, and LA)

• Urban Girl Squad: A social group for women in their 20s and 30s who love to try new things, spend time with friends, and meet new people in New York City.

San Francisco

• Girls in Tech: A social networking group focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of professional and influential women in technology. Girls in Tech also has chapters in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, LA, Miami, NY, Washington, DC, and many other cities around the country. Check in with your local chapter for a list of events.
• Business Builder networking program (presented by StartOut): One of StartOut’s main goals is to connect gay and lesbian entrepreneurs. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this means meeting others who may also be looking to start or build up a business. For current entrepreneurs, this means meeting others who can provide opportunities, advice and other resources to help them build and grow their businesses.

Houston

• Women & Wine on Wednesdays: A group that meets monthly for building new relationships – both professionally and personally. It provides an opportunity for women to share resources and discover new opportunities in the Houston area while enjoying great local venues and sipping wine.
• Fabulous Working Ladies of Houston: Each month, one of the group’s members gets to do a spotlight presentation about herself, her business, her charity, her career or other approved topic. This is a great group for women who juggle careers, companies, children, families and homes and the demands of everyday life.

Chicago

• Junior League of Chicago: An organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism. Proceeds of all events help fund community projects and volunteer training programs. One of our favorite events is the Summer Soiree, a golf-themed evening where women can enjoy food, cocktails, silent auction, raffle, photo booth and putting games all while schmoozing with other influential Chicagoans.
• Flirty Girl Fitness: This is a women-only fitness and lifestyle facility, which is transformed each weekend into a social club for women complete with a fully licensed bar! They open the facility several times a year for member appreciation parties and networking events for women.

Miami

• Fabulous South Florida Women: This is a group of positive, progressive women from various ethnic backgrounds. The group organizes luncheons, plays, community volunteer events, dinners, movies, girls night out, festivals, concerts, and a Monthly Business Networking Event.
• The Women’s International Film Festival: This event takes place every year in Miami. Participants enjoy national film premieres, fashion shows, visual arts, panel discussions, workshops, and other artistic expressions – by women, for women, and about women.