With dozens of networking events every month in the Boston area it’s difficult to figure out which events to attend. So for what it’s worth, we thought we’d give our readers the benefit of our experience by sharing a few of our favorite local events. These events make the list because they’re all great opportunities to meet interesting people who might be able to help you with your business, and because you can’t beat the price (they’re all free!).
OpenCoffee (http://www.meetup.com/OpenCoffee-Cambridge-Meetup/)
When: Wednesdays, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Andala Café in Cambridge (http://www.andalacafe.com/)
Since discovering OpenCoffee in May we’ve made it a fixture on our weekly calendar. OpenCoffee began as a way for entrepreneurs and investors to meet in an informal setting and it has evolved into a networking hotspot for startups and the people who love them. If you’d like some feedback on your business idea or you’re looking to connect with investors, potential business partners or other entrepreneurs, OpenCoffee is a great place to start your Wednesday. Attendance ranges from about 5 to 15 people and there is considerable turnover from week to week, so there’s always someone new to meet. As an added bonus, Andala Café offers delicious coffee and breakfast treats.
Mass Innovation Nights (http://massinnovationnights.com/)
When: Second Wednesday of each Month, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham (http://www.crmi.org/)
Appropriately set in the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, Mass Innovation Nights connect Massachusetts-based innovators with the marketplace. Every month MassInno spotlights 10 local companies offering products ranging from traditional consumer goods to cutting-edge social media. With several hundred attendees running the gamut from entrepreneurs to investors to service providers, MassInno is a great place to network, but it’s also fun if you’re just interested in the latest innovations New England has to offer. Don’t forget to build in some extra time to drop by the after-party (held at a nearby bar) for more schmoozing.
Web Innovators Group Meetings (http://www.webinnovatorsgroup.com/)
When: Every few months, 6:30 p.m. (next event: December 7)
Where: Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge (http://www.sonesta.com/Corporate/)
WebInno meetings give entrepreneurs from nine early-stage technology companies an opportunity to showcase their products and services before a huge audience. The attendee list for each WebInno is a veritable who’s-who of the Boston-area web and mobile innovation community. Over 1,100 people registered to attend WebInno23 in September and the audience seems to grow with every event, so there’s an excellent chance you’ll “bump into” a few investors (or whomever else you’re looking to meet).
DartBoston (http://www.dartboston.com)
When: Thursdays, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Various locations around Boston and Cambridge
DartBoston’s weekly events are a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs to network and get feedback on their business ideas in a friendly, low-key atmosphere. Each week DartBoston co-founder Cort Johnson hosts Pokin’ Holes, a podcast/live stream show that gives young entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business and get advice from their peers. Despite only being a few months old, DartBoston has already developed a loyal following and the events are quickly growing.
What are your favorite networking events? If you know of other events you think are worth checking out, please share by leaving a comment.