Houston, Texas, has garnered its reputation mainly for being home to the country’s space shuttles. Getting yourself one of the coveted spots on the ride into space might be a bit out of your league, but business networking in Houston doesn’t have to be. So if you’re moving to Houston, here are five of the city’s best events or organizations for meeting new people and getting your foot in the door.
Network After Work Houston
With the clout of a national organization comes a smoother, more highly respected networking experience. Network After Work has chapters in most major US cities, so they know how to run a fun, productive event. Their events are held in great locations and have that perfect combination of social and professional. If you’re moving to Houston in the next few months, make an effort to find out more about what this group has going on and plug yourself in right off the bat.
NetParty Houston
With nearly 2,000 people in their Houston-focused Facebook group, this networking organization prides itself on creating unique events for young professionals to meet new people in Houston and build their professional networks. They have blended events that include both a social and professional component, as well as events focused on one or the other — including their “NetParty Turbo”, a speed-networking event for those looking to make connections, fast. You can follow them on their social media profiles for the latest events and resources.
American Marketing Association – Houston
This is THE place to go for marketing professionals. A highly organized and very professional organization, AMA Houston hosts regular luncheons, informative workshops, and even the yearly Crystal Awards to honor the best in the field of marketing. Their website has a section where members can post job openings, and insiders get an email once weekly with updated listings. Membership gets you access to local chapter events as well as national resources, so if you’re in the marketing field, you could have a lot to gain by making this connection in Houston.
Social Young Professionals meetups
Social Young Professionals is a Houston-specific organization focused on creating low-pressure, socially focused events where professionals can meet like-minded others. So if you’re looking to meet new people in Houston without the pressure of a more high-intensity networking environment, this group might be just the ticket.
Houston Young Professionals meetups
Last but not least, Houston’s Young Professionals Meetup group hosts a range of events for professional networking in Houston. If you’re feeling like some speed networking, they offer “Networking with a Twist”. Or Live.Laugh. The network offers a more lighthearted take on networking — this meetup group thinks it should be fun. They also list invitations to business expos, entrepreneurial events, and more. So if you’re a young professional, or, at least, young at heart, check out this MeetUp group and plan to attend some events once you arrive.
If you’re looking for more tips on business networking in your new city, check out our other blog post. And good luck!
