Business Networking Events

What happens at a business networking event?

These are after-work evenings rather than breakfast meetings: doors from about 5:30pm, wrapping up around 8, in a restaurant or taproom rather than a boardroom. Come straight from the office. Recent evenings have been held at Sketchbook Brewing and Noon Whistle Brewing. We have been running them since 2018.

Worth saying plainly: this is not a referral group with one seat per industry and a leads quota. NorthShore Business Network is open-ended by design, and most people come back because they liked the room rather than because they owe it a referral.

Who comes to Evanston 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 Evanston, Skokie, Glenview and Northbrook. If you are wondering whether you would fit in, you almost certainly would.

Practical questions

Will I have to pitch or give a presentation?

No. There is no structured pitch round. Events are casual by design — the aim is conversation rather than a rotation of elevator pitches.

What does membership include?

A yearly membership covers free registration for ticketed events at all seven Chicagoland networking groups, roughly 45 to 50 events a year, along with the other member benefits listed on our membership page.

Where are the events held?

Around Evanston and the surrounding area. Recent evenings have been held at Sketchbook Brewing and Noon Whistle Brewing. Each upcoming event above lists its exact venue and start time.

How do I register?

Every event above links through to its Eventbrite page, where you can see the venue, the time and the ticket price, and register in a couple of minutes.

Is there parking at the venue?

Most of the places we use around Evanston 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.