Business Relationships - One Table at a Time

Our In-Person Speed Networking events work a lot like 'Speed Dating' without the 'Dating'. A structured opportunity to meet accomplished professionals just like yourself, face to face, one business professional at time. Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, legal or medical professional, in the finance, real estate or entertainment industry - our events offer the perfect occasion to expand your business, social or enterprise contacts. All in a setting and speed - just your style. 

Devoid of typical business networking event staples - we have done away with whistles, bells and over-the-top event trimmings. We feel building business relationships should be a comfortable, sophisticated and relaxed venture. An opportunity to create opportunities.

In-Person Speed Networking

As a reporter for LA Talk Radio.com said, “ I walked through the venue without even noticing the tables of attendees; events are so chic and low key you might just walk right by.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. It is the non-event of events. At our speed networking events you are able to meet all the participants - five to six minutes at a time. Selecting whom you would like to exchange contact information with and letting us do the rest.

Unparalleled Value & Efficiency

Business professionals who are found to be delightful and lovely - can expect complimentary invitations to future events at no additional charge. We look at your interactions with staff, hosts and fellow attendees. When business professionals stand out for being the epitome of professional, the world of SpeedChicago Networking is theirs. Rather than being tossed in a room to stand around and fend for their own business contacts, guests of ours can enjoy a seated, relaxed and efficient opportunity.

Our Theory

While we think any networking event that connects you with others is a great asset, we find many professionals frustrated by the current offerings. Social events without any structure leaving you to seek out whom may be a good contact, missing out on those you could not connect with and being inundated with companies and brands trying to sell you on their products. SpeedChicago Networking is simply about connecting you to those like you.

How In-Person Speed Networking Works

A low key, sophisticated approach to Speed Networking in Chicago. Preferring a 'less is more' environment devoid of typical event trappings. Gone are the name-tags, shouting and over-the-top party trimmings. Connecting to fellow business professionals should be as comfortable and cosmopolitan as those lasting introductions you've had at a cocktail party, business retreat or after-work gathering with friends.
 
Simply choose the event you wish to attend and purchase your tickets online. Any questions, concerns or advice can be called upon anytime simply by e-mailing info@SpeedChicagoNetworking.com
 
The night has arrived! Go to the venue at the published start time for the event. There is no official start time to the speed networking portion of the evening - we like to wait for all business professionals to arrive, have a moment to settle in with a refreshment and mingle should they wish.
 
Our hosts will assist you with your SpeedChicago Networking 'Connect-Card'. After being shown to your table, you will move from business professional to business professional every 5-6 minutes. Simply mark down whom you would be interested in connecting with again on your SpeedChicago Networking 'Connect-Card' and we'll take care of the rest. You also always have the option of exchanging business cards should you feel so inclined. For those whom garner connections, you will be notified via e-mail within 24 hours of the event with your 'Connect-Card' results.

Once the Speed Networking has completed and all participants have had the opportunity to meet each other - you are welcome to stay and mingle. All we need are the 'Connect-Cards' to determine your business connections.
 
With a seasoned sensibility and simplicity, we offer uncompromising value with unparalleled service. Lovely venues and our lovely Hosts to assist you with anything or any connection.

In-Person Speed Networking | FAQ

What is SpeedChicago Networking?
SpeedChicago Networking is traditional speed dating - minus the dating. Strictly for business professionals looking to expand their business and social circle. A structured and casually sophisticated offering which allows you to connect to all the participants - five to six minutes at a time. Rotate from business professional to business professional in a comfortable and inviting setting - just your speed.

How are you different from typical networking events?
Rather than being tossed in a room to stand around and fend for their own business contacts, guests of ours can enjoy a seated, relaxed and efficient opportunity to meet all the professionals in attendance.

Business professionals who are also found to be delightful and lovely - can expect complimentary invitations to future events at no additional charge. We look at your interactions with staff, hosts and fellow attendees. When business professionals stand out for being the epitome of professional, the world of SpeedChicago Networking is theirs.

What type of people can I expect to meet?
Accomplished individuals just like yourself. Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, legal or medical professional, in the finance, real estate or entertainment industry - our attendees cover a wide range of professionals at the top or on the ladder of success in their particular industry or profession.

How do I reserve my place? 
Simply select the EVENT SCHEDULE tab on the homepage for a listing of our events. Simply register online and you're all set! No paper tickets are required. You will be sent a confirmation from us and your name will be noted on our Guest List.

Is this a dating or singles event? 
It is not. This is event is strictly business intended for professionals to expand their business, social or enterprise contacts.

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Do you screen the attendees?
Generally - we do not screen those whom register. We do however - greatly value the input and feedback we hear from participants about each other. If we meet a participant or learn from fellow participants - that one is not someone that others or ourselves would enjoy meeting - we will respectfully decline current and/or future participation.

Are you affiliated with any 'Meet-Up' groups?
We think 'Meet-Up' is a lovely free service that gives those of similar interests the opportunity to connect. We do question businesses that promote their events through "Meet-Up" groups - only to redirect you to their own website. Some companies tout that they partner with many organizations including Craigslist offerings and 'Meet-Up' groups for their events. We do not.

What happens if the event is sold out? 
We wish we could accommodate everyone! Unfortunately, the fun goes quick! You can email info@SpeedChicagoNetworking.com for information as to the process of being added to the wait list.  Also, it is a good idea to keep checking back on our website as sometimes reservations become available at the last minute. We are continually updating our event calendar.

What time should I show up for the Event?
Published start times can be found in the event description. Please try to avoid doing anything unsafe in your attempt to arrive to the event on time - we do like to wait for all participants to arrive. This may cause an event to start late but we feel a perfect opportunity to have a lovely refreshment, settle in and mingle should you wish.

Do you offer booths to promote a product or business? 
We do not. While we understand many companies like to offer such sales offerings at their networking events - we prefer to keep the evening about making great business and social connections rather than being sold on products or offerings.

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What is a SpeedChicago Networking ‘Connect-Card’ match?
A ‘Connect-Card’ match means you checked each other on your 'Connect-Card'. Your email address and first name will be exchanged with this person or persons 24 hours after the event. Only business professionals whom garner matches are notified approx. 24 hours after the event.

How long will I chat with each business professional I meet?
Typically you will have 5-6 minutes at a time. Sometimes, for our larger events, this may be shortened by 1 or 2 minutes to accommodate all of the business professionals in a timely fashion.

Can I return for free if I don't get a match at an event?
We take a different approach to returning guests; those that receive matches, are quite popular and absolutely lovely - are often invited back with discounts or with our compliments. This ensures a fabulous pool of business professionals that others want to meet.

Is Food included with my SpeedChicago Networking ticket price?
From time to time venues may provide light nibbles for the guests. This is at the venue's discretion.

How long does a SpeedChicago Networking event last? 
The length of an event is based on the number of guests in attendance. Generally, our events last about 2 hours including intermission.

Can I come with my co-workers and/or associates? 
Our hosts will gladly accommodate seating for all ticketed members of your party. If you would like to be seated together please let us know.

How Many People Will I Meet? 
SpeedChicago Networking events vary in size, anywhere from 14 - 28 professionals register for any given event. 

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Can I pay without doing it through the Internet? Register/Info
Payment can only be accepted through the website. We only accept payment via our secure and encrypted checkout systems. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly at 1-866-WE SPEED.

What if I don't have the ability to act like a lady or gentleman?
Oh dear - how unfortunate. We do have a zero tolerance for any rudeness - of any sort. We attract such great professionals but find - as in life - not everyone is ideal. Our professionals are also our product and we go to great lengths to ensure everyone meets professionals like themselves. Behavior short of lovely will result in a business professional being banned from the company. This may upset some but we feel our attendees as a whole appreciate the extra effort and we hope you do too.

Can you tell me more about your promotion for Cancer Awareness?
We are super excited to announce our partnership with The Joan Gaeta Foundation for Lung Cancer Awareness. Our 'Night For Suzanne' is a great way to give back and make great business connections while doing it! Donate to any Cancer charity of your choice in the amount of the ticket price - let us know you did - and we'll add you to the guest list of your desired event. It's that simple.

For additional questions, feel free to contact us at info@SpeedChicagoNetworking.com

Welcome to our unique, curated matching for business professionals. Meet one-on-one with individuals whose profession, business background or industry best suits your goals bringing them closer to you and your world.

A fresh and innovative alternative to endless online searches for potential business connections or sifting through messages from unknown online sources. Tell us the professions, career backgrounds and industries you are looking to make connections with and let us do the rest. We meet a fantastic set of new business professionals every day from our networking and in-person events allowing us the opportunity to filter through our groups and choose the best match for you and your business aspirations.

Meet Me!

• Two Pre-Arranged One on One Business Connections. For each meeting, you will connect with a different connection chosen for you based on your mutual aspirations, ambitions and goals.

• Customized business matching, curated by our experienced team. A comprehensive and detailed approach to understanding you and finding that business connection who compliments both of your goals.

• Our team will discuss your details and networking preferences with you upon confirmation.

• Arrangements for each business connection at one of our preferred venues, venue of your choice or a virtual meeting on our custom secure platform.

• Complimentary admission to Networking Events at no charge to you for the duration of your Meet Me package.

$395

Connect Me!

• Four Pre-Arranged One on One Business Connections. For each meeting, you will meet a different connection chosen for you based on your mutual aspirations, ambitions and goals.

• Customized business matching, curated by our experienced team. A comprehensive and detailed approach to understanding you and finding that business connection who compliments both of your goals.

• Our team will discuss your details and networking preferences with you upon confirmation.

• Arrangements for each business connection at one of our preferred venues, venue of your choice or a virtual meeting on our custom secure platform.

• Complimentary admission to Networking Events at no charge to you for the duration of your Connect Me package.

$495

Network Me!

• Six Pre-Arranged One on One Business Connections. For each meeting, you will meet a different connection chosen for you based on your mutual aspirations, ambitions and goals.

• Customized business matching, curated by our experienced team. A comprehensive and detailed approach to understanding you and finding that business connection who compliments both of your goals.

• Our team will discuss your details and networking preferences with you upon confirmation.

• Arrangements for each business connection at one of our preferred venues, venue of your choice or a virtual meeting on our custom secure platform.

• Complimentary admission to Networking Events at no charge to you for the duration of your Network Me package.

$595

Beginning in the UK and moving our unique brand of events to the States in 2007, we have had the privilege of being featured on more than 20 nationally televised programs highlighting just how extraordinary our participants are. Our unparalleled popularity, a relaxed sensibility to events combined with a less is more approach is what separates us from the rest. Where we felt other companies lacked or overdid, we have redefined. Attracting a professional who doesn't settle and prefers a low key approach to meeting others.

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While we believe any networking event that expands your contacts and professional opportunities are invaluable, there are common frustrations with typical networking events. Often times networking events can prove challenging to participants as they are only able to meet a small fraction of those whom attend. Trying to engage multiple networking professionals, declining connections and leaving conversations can be both awkward and uncomfortable. Speed Networking ensures an equal amount of time with all participants, the ability to select whom you would like to connect with and an unfettered one-on-one dialogue. We also believe networking events should be about networking. We do not permit tables of sponsors or companies looking to sell you, up-sell you or hound you to use their product or service. We provide an alternative to those promotional events that are less about networking than they are about the self-serving advancement of their sponsors. We find such sales tactics and offerings detract from what should be the ultimate goal; creating, expanding and nurturing business contacts and relationships.

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We are also super proud to announce of Connect-Me Packages. Meet one-on-one with individuals whose profession, business background or industry best suits your goals bringing them closer to you and your world. A fresh and innovative alternative to endless online searches for potential business connections or sifting through messages from unknown online sources. Tell us the professions, career backgrounds and industries you are looking to make connections with and let us do the rest. We meet a fantastic set of new business professionals every day from our networking and in-person events allowing us the opportunity to filter through our groups and choose the best match for you and your business aspirations.

~~~

We are super excited to announce our continued partnership with The Joan Gaeta Foundation for Lung Cancer Awareness. Our 'Nights for Suzanne' are a great way to give back and have fun doing it! Donate to any Cancer charity of your choice in the amount of your purchase - let us know you did - and we'll add you to the guest list of your desired event. It's that simple.