Women’s networking events can be an incredible bonding and business-building time, especially because women tend to be more willing to share their personal and business stories at networking events.
They can also be so stereotypical that can become boring if you go to more than one. What can you do to make sure your women’s events don’t become boring?
First, think of your female members and what they need specifically that may be different from male members. Everyone wants networking. Everyone wants more customers. Everyone wants more time in the day. These sorts of programs are best for everyone. If you want to do a topic that appeals to everyone do it as a larger session or find a way to customize it to a female audience.
Want to know what other chambers are doing for fun and engaging women’s networking events?
Fun Women’s Networking Events Ideas for Your Chamber
How About Food?
From wine tastings to chocolate buffets, food is a great uniter and conversation starter. A cooking demo or a theme class like fast meals for busy nights might be a lot of fun. However, you need to know your audience before deciding what kind of food event to host. I’ve attended an elaborate breakfast pastry spread that no one touched (but me) because the attendees were all very concerned with calories and healthy eating. Know your members before hosting an event that involves eating or drinking. Or add healther food choices to bring in an element of wellness to events.
Coffee, Chill, and Chat
The Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce hosts what sounds like a really enjoyable event with great ambiance. Heather Murch said, “We’re planning a Coffee, Chill, and Chat event where we take over a coffee shop, have peer expert panels, small group topic chats, and of course building connections and eating pastry!”
Women-Owned Business Expo
The Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce hosted a women-owned business expo entitled “Women Lighting the Way.” They had a variety of businesses including a hospice care facility, boutiques, financial planning, communications and marketing firms, and many others. It provided women with networking opportunities as well as marketing exposure.
Themed Events
Bernadette Douglas shared that her chamber hosts themed events, which are very popular. She explained, “We have a theme every year for our quarterly programs. One year it was ‘Communicate Like a Pro.’ Sessions were writing, listening, and PowerPoint. Last year was ‘Your Personal Brand.’ Topics: ethics, online, presentation style and presenting yourself to others. 2017 will be ‘Be the Boss of your Life.’ Topics will be health, finances, legal, and career.”
Want more suggestions for cool event ideas or other fun women’s networking events or want to share your own? Join the conversation.
