Ah January, the perfect time to re-energize, renew and reinvigorate your networking efforts. There are an abundance of fantastic networking and professional development opportunities coming your way in the next two months and here are my top 7 networking events to attend in the new year.
As I have mentioned before, I am a fan of networking events that feature a panel of speakers, a guest presenter, a good cause or a topic of interest. Why not learn while you network? Here are some great events you don’t want to miss in January and February.
Vancouver Board of Trade Economic Outlook Forum
When: Thursday, January 16
Time: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $159-209
Continuing the tradition of bringing together some of the country’s top economic experts, thought leaders and government officials, this forum will provide you with insight into the state of the B.C. economy, arming you with knowledge that can help your business plan strategically for the year ahead. Panel experts include: Mayor Dianne Watts, Peter Blake (CEO Ritchie Bros), Tamara Vrooman (CEO Vancity) and Jonathan Whitworth (CEO Seaspan)
Startup Grind Vancouver hosts Jeff Booth (CEO, BuildDirect)
When: Thursday, January 23
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $10-25
If you’re in startup mode, an entrepreneur or simply want to learn and meet some awesome people – this will be a great event to attend. Local success story Jeff Booth, CEO of BuildDirect is the keynote speaker, so bring a notebook because this guy is a business guru.
Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Top 100 Summit
When: Thursday, January 30
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $150-300
Connect and celebrate with the WXN as they honour the powerful, prestigious women from British Columbia and the Territories who are proven achievers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
Business in Vancouver 40 Under 40 Awards
When: Thursday, January 30
Time: 6:15 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $149-169
Prepared to be inspired as you hear stories of 40 of Vancouver’s finest that have demonstrated excellence in business, judgment, leadership and community contribution.
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs ‘Where Magic Happens” Gala
When: Tuesday, February 11
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $279
Known as one of the most fun galas of the year, this is an excellent opportunity for you to meet, mingle and learn from some of Vancouver’s most dynamic female entrepreneurs. It also features a fantastic live & silent auction and keynote speaker Maxine Clark, founder of Build-a-Bear Workshop.
XL Leadership Summit
When: February 12 & 13
Hear from an unprecedented lineup of some of the most influential men and women in business and sport. You’ll learn lessons from those who have introduced transformative ideas and have thrived in today’s competitive landscape. Guest speakers include Colonel Chris Hadfield, Kristine Stewart (Managing Director, Twitter Canada), John Furlong and John Stackhouse (Editor-in-Chief, The Globe & Mail).
Pink Shirt Day Ladies Luncheon at Blue Water Cafe
When: Friday, February 21
Save the date! Details to be revealed in mid January on PinkShirtDay.ca. This annual fundraising lunch raises money for the Pink Shirt Day campaign in B.C. benefiting anti-bullying programs in the province including Boys & Girls Clubs, Red Cross Respect Ed Program and Kids Help Phone.
Image: Optimum 7
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