SpeedNetworking.com would like to extend our appreciation to the following groups that have either recently partnered with or retained SpeedNetworking.com services. If you are interested in participating in speed networking events with any one of these groups, please contact the organizations directly as not all events are open to the public.

1. Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: As one of the country’s largest chambers, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce offers several fantastic benefits to companies of all sizes. Visit here to learn more.
    
2. ClubCorp: This is an exclusive club with hundreds of locations around the country. They offer the finest amenities for business travelers. SpeedNetworking.com founder Michael Slater is a member and frequently uses its clubs for its services and speed networking events. Visit here to learn more.
    
3. DePaul University: DePaul is based in Chicago and is regarded as an excellent university. SpeedNetworking.com events are often offered through its alumni association. Visit here to learn more.
    
4. Young Professionals of Chicago: This group offers valuable networking and educational opportunities to its members in the Chicago area. Visit here to learn more.
    
5. Ivy Plus: This group is a collaborative effort of the country’s Ivy League schools that have incorporated speed networking into their events.

Jan. 29 Young Professionals of Chicago speed networking event

Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC) is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization that offers professional development, social networking and philanthropic opportunities to its members. YPC is the premier networking destination for young professionals in the Chicagoland area. To learn more about YPC or how you can participate in this SpeedNetworking.com event, please contact Michael Fineman at professional@ypchicago.org. Visit here to learn more.

Feb. 21 DePaul University alumni speed networking event

This is a unique, fun and time-efficient way to network successfully. Meet alumni, current adult students and employers in the Chicago business community, form strategic business relationships and strengthen your referral network. This event is only open to DePaul University alumni. To inquire if you are eligible to participate, please contact Colleen Soto at DePaul University at csoto4@depaul.edu.

Feb. 21 Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce speed networking event

The last one was a huge success and sold out several days before the event! Given the success, we have started offering this event much sooner. Please register early as this one is bound to sell out again! Want to learn more about becoming a Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce member? E-mail Dolores Simon at dsimon@chicagolandchamber.org.

Members of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, click here.
Non-members, click here.
 

Scores of past participants have secured new business development deals, business synergies, new partner relations, career opportunities and much more! If you’re serious about networking, you won’t want to miss these opportunities. See our full event calendar for more or host your own event!

1. Join a trade association related to your employment field and get involved.
2. Take on a leadership role in a professional, civic or non-profit organization.
3. Organize your list of contacts and use an organizer that helps automatically keep your contacts information current (such as LinkedIn or Plaxo).
4. Schedule a time each week to grab coffee with someone in your network who you feel you need to build your relationship with further.
5. Attend a networking function at least twice a month.
6. Create a list of mentors and schedule time throughout the year to visit with each one of them.
7. Reach out to people in your network and help make contacts for them.
8. Create a list of “spheres of influence” or people who are great connectors to other good people. Ask them to meet you for a cup of coffee.
9. Rehearse your business objectives so you can clearly state your business objective for when you meet new people.
10. Attend more SpeedNetworking.com events. You knew that was coming!