Business Networking Events

What happens at a business networking event?

Ours are evening events, usually running from around 5:30pm to 8pm at a local restaurant or brewery. There is no seating plan, no round-robin pitch and no obligation to stand up and present. People arrive, get a drink, and talk. Recent evenings have been held at Midwest Coast Brewing and Noon Whistle Brewing. We have been running them since 2019.

If you have been to a referral group before, this is deliberately not that. Windy City Business Network is a networking group rather than a referral group: it is open-ended, and the goal is that you leave knowing a few people properly rather than collecting a stack of cards from everyone in the room.

Who comes to Chicago networking events?

A mix, and deliberately so. Business owners and founders, yes, but also consultants, sales professionals, marketers, financial and legal advisors, contractors, and people who work for a company they did not start. Attendees come from across Chicago, Oak Park, West Loop and River North. If you are wondering whether you would fit in, you almost certainly would.

Practical questions

Is there parking at the venue?

Most of the places we use around Chicago have their own lot or easy street parking nearby. The Eventbrite listing for each event has the exact address so you can check before you head out.

I do not know anyone — will that be awkward?

It is the most common worry, and the least warranted. A good share of the room on any given night is there for the first time, and the format is built around that rather than around cliques.

Can I bring a colleague or a guest?

Yes, and it is encouraged. Guests register through the same Eventbrite link as everyone else.

How far do people travel to attend?

Attendees come from right across Chicago, Oak Park, West Loop and River North. Nobody is checking zip codes — if the venue is a reasonable drive for you, you are close enough.

Do I have to be a member to attend?

No. Most Windy City Business Network events are around $30 and are open to anyone, member or not. We would rather you came out and saw the group first — non-members are encouraged to attend an event before applying for membership.

Do I need to be a business owner?

No. Business owners are welcome and plenty attend, but so are consultants, sales professionals, marketers, advisors and people employed at larger firms across Chicago and the surrounding towns. The room is better when it is mixed.