The term "networking" can, inevitably, have boring connotations. But here's the thing: The kinds of meetups that startups and tech companies are putting on in and around Boston are not your typical networking events at all. This week offers the perfect proof: From a panel on launching foodie ventures to a techie gathering for dog lovers and a women-only discussion on all things geekdom, there's something for everyone. Let's be honest: Networking has never looked so good.
So, what are you waiting for? Whip out your calendar and starting marking a few of these in.
Tuesday, July 28
She Geeks Out Event — Join She Geeks Out at FlipKey’s office for a special ladies-only night of learning, networking, eating and drinking. Speakers include Kathryn Rodgers of Silent Spring Institute, Meff Leonard of Flipkey and Meagen John of TripAdvisor. Register here.
Wednesday, July 29
Tech In The City: How Tech is Changing Urban Living — At this event, co-hosted by General Assembly and FWD.us, you’ll have the chance to meet with the innovators changing our city for the better through technology. Featured speakers hail from a range of startups and organizations, including Trotter, Soofa, Freight Farms and Smarter in the City. Rory Cuddyer, Startup Manager for the City of Boston, will also be on site as a moderator for the discussion. RSVP here.
MassChallenge Startup Showcase 2015 — Head over to the Seaport Hotel Plaza Ballroom for an interactive expo, where you’ll get to see what the 128 Boston startup finalists are working on. Students, entrepreneurial organizations and others in the local innovation ecosystem are welcome. Register here.
Creating an Innovation Culture for the 21st Century City — This event, a joint effort of the Civic Innovation Project and the Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center, will convene Massachusetts Mayors, representatives from the Boston Federal Reserve Bank, and the National League of Cities for a discussion on how leaders can develop an innovation culture that furthers their strategic priorities, boosts civic engagement, and strengthens citizen understanding of government. The talk will be followed by a networking reception. Register here.
BUILD Open House — Come meet BUILD’s student entrepreneurs and learn more about volunteering for the nonprofit at this meetup. You’ll also get info directly from BUILD staff and mentors on what it takes to mentor with BUILD, an organization that seeks to inspire underserved, disengaged high schoolers through entrepreneurship. Register here.
Thursday, July 30
2015 Babson Summer Venture Showcase — Watch more than a dozen MBA and undergraduate teams from Babson, Olin Engineering and Wellesley Colleges present their business ventures at the Olin Hall Auditorium at this showcase—a culmination and celebration of what students have been working on throughout the 10-week program. Register here.
SunShot Catalyst Jamathon @ Greentown Labs — The Department of Energy SunShot Catalyst program is hosting a startup catalyzer for entrepreneurs, who can compete for over to $1,500,000 in total prizes. This particular event centers around business brainstorming, helping teams with a raw idea to build a stellar startup pitch. Participants can recruit team members to work on a cleanweb business idea in the solar or building space that can then be implemented with software, data, or automation, or they can select an existing idea at catalyst.energy.gov. All entrepreneurs, developers, professionals and mentors, are welcome—and food and beverages will be provided. Register here.
Launching a Foodie Startup — Beacon Hill Partners is hosting yet another installment of Startup Stir, and this one brings together some of Boston's most innovative chefs, restaurateurs, foodie experts and business leaders. The panelists you’ll get to learn from include Four Burgers founder Michael Bissanti, LeanBox co-founder Shea Coakley and Cold Brew Evy Tea founder Evy Chen. Did we mention there will be free bites and drinks, too?
Friday, July 31
TechBark 2015 — Held at Assembly Row in Somerville, this free gathering will bring together design/tech professionals and dog lovers alike for a night of networking by the riverfront park. This will serve as the kick off party for som|dog’s weekend long festival, Pet Palooza. Food and beer will be available for purchase benefitting som|dog, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting all aspects of responsible dog ownership. Pre-register here.
Photo courtesy of She Geeks Out.
