A number of people have asked me what group networking events I attend, as well as for the opinions I have formed of them. It’s come up enough that I think it’s useful to summarize in one place. I’ve even added some about which I’ve heard good things but not yet attended, but of course I won’t be able to comment much about them.
Most of these groups hold events at a regular day each month, so use that context when interpreting the information below unless otherwise stated. However, with so many organizations, I won’t attempt to maintain all these calendars. I encourage you to follow the links to their web sites to see their latest calendars and learn more about each organization. Note that many, but not all, of these organizations charge a fee, either per event, per month, or annually.
- OCTANE – Resources for high tech entrepreneurs, particularly biomedical, but with some software, electronics, and cleantech relevance
- Firsty Networking Happy Hour: 1st Thursday, 5:30 – 7:30, Aliso Viejo Country Club
- OCTANe hosts several other series’ of programs along a theme such as teaching business skills to technically minded entrepreneurs. Times vary – see their web site for additional details.
- Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN) – Resources for technology entrepreneurs, particularly those seeking venture or angel investors. Topical presentations usually either 7:30 AM Thursdays, or 6 PM Thursdays.
- Laguna Niguel Connectors – Networking primarily for people in career transition
- 3rd Fridays, 7 – 9 AM, Starbucks, Alicia and Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
- 1st Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, On the Border Restaurant, Aliso Viejo
- IT Directors – Networking for director level (only) technology executives
- Formal Meeting: 2nd Fridays, 10:30 – 12:30, Right Management, Newport Beach
- Social Meeting: 4th Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Corner Bakery, Sunflower, Costa Mesa
- SCORE – Regular evening meetings most weekdays on a variety of small business topics, from accounting to marketing. Good presentations for those starting a new business for the first time.
- McDermott & Bull Executive Network – Networking opportunities for executives. Hosted by the executive recruiting firm of the same name.
- Monthly Mixer: Structured networking meetings, 6 – 8:30 PM, at various Orange County venues
- Small Group Meetings: Focused networking meetings for executives in transition who work in a particular industry or role, typically Tuesday – Thursday mornings, Irvine
- Access Executive Network – Networking opportunities for executives with both a business and a charity presentation. Usually 3rd Tuesdays, 6 – 8:30 PM, The Center Club, Costa Mesa
- Southern California Venture Network (SCVN) – Networking for entrepreneurs, 4th Tuesdays, 5:45 – 8:30 PM, Dave and Busters, The Spectrum, Irvine
- Orange County Tech Pool: Networking for technology professionals in career transition.
- American Association of Senior Executives (AASE): Resources for corporate executives, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 7 – 9 AM, Irvine
- Execunet: Networking meetings for executives in career transition
- Cafenet: Invitation only networking group for executives
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