Business Networking Events

What happens at a business networking event?

Picture a relaxed couple of hours after work — typically 5:30pm to 8pm, usually in the back room of a restaurant or brewery. Nobody is called to the front, nobody works a script, and you can leave when you like. Recent evenings have been held at Empire Burgers & Brews. We have been running them since 2017.

A networking group and a referral group are different things, and Oak Brook Business Network is the former. There is no requirement to bring leads to a weekly tally. The measure of a good evening is a couple of conversations worth continuing.

Who comes to Oak Brook networking events?

A mix, and deliberately so. Business owners and founders, yes, but also consultants, sales professionals, marketers, financial and legal advisors, contractors, and people who work for a company they did not start. Attendees come from across Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Elmhurst and Lombard. If you are wondering whether you would fit in, you almost certainly would.

Practical questions

Where are the events held?

Around Oak Brook and the surrounding area. Recent evenings have been held at Empire Burgers & Brews. Each upcoming event above lists its exact venue and start time.

How do I register?

Every event above links through to its Eventbrite page, where you can see the venue, the time and the ticket price, and register in a couple of minutes.

Is there parking at the venue?

Most of the places we use around Oak Brook have their own lot or easy street parking nearby. The Eventbrite listing for each event has the exact address so you can check before you head out.

I do not know anyone — will that be awkward?

It is the most common worry, and the least warranted. A good share of the room on any given night is there for the first time, and the format is built around that rather than around cliques.

Can I bring a colleague or a guest?

Yes, and it is encouraged. Guests register through the same Eventbrite link as everyone else.

How far do people travel to attend?

Attendees come from right across Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Elmhurst and Lombard. Nobody is checking zip codes — if the venue is a reasonable drive for you, you are close enough.