Top Networking Events

For Startups in 2017

“Travel more” is always at the top of anyone’s wish list. And for startup leaders who need to combine a bit of work with their play, determining which networking events to attend is an essential step to increase their brand exposure and meet the industry movers and shakers who can help them do it.

There are hundreds of global networking events for startup leaders to choose from. But there’s no need to spend hours combing social media sites to discover where you need to be - we’ve got your Top Networking Events for Startups list right here.

1. Startup Weekend
   https://startupweekend.org/
   When: Varied
   Where: GlobalStartup Weekend boasts that “in just 54 hours, you will experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup.” Not only will you learn how to build a company from the ground up, you’ll have opportunity to network with mentors, investors, cofounders, and sponsors who are ready to help you get started. The best part? There are events all around the world – so you might not have to go far to meet other startups.

1. Sirius Decisions Summit (North America & Europe)
   When: May 16-17, 2017 | October 4-5, 2017
   Where: Las Vegas, Nevada | London, United KingdomWith events in both the US and Europe, startups have their choice on location when wanting to learn about data-driven best practices research – with the bonus of being surrounded by an elite community of leaders across the B2B space on two continents.

1. B2B Marketing Forum
   http://mpb2b.marketingprofs.com/
   When: October 3-6, 2017
   Where: Boston, MassachusettsMarketingProfs’ B2B Marketing Forum is more than just a quirky (not-so-little) conference. It’s the place where leaders, innovators, and people who make things happen gather to learn about the latest in B2B marketing and share the secrets to success. (Plus belly laughs, creative networking, shenanigans, and marketers-after-dark antics are perfect opportunities for startups to make connections and network in a fun environment.)

1. Social Media Strategies Summit
   http://socialmediastrategiessummit.com/chicago-2017/
   When: April 26-28, 2017
   Where: Chicago, Ill.Meet a mix of experienced in-house practitioners and award-winning agencies to get a 360-degree view on what it takes to execute a successful, revenue-driving social media strategy. While this conference is focused a bit more on the consumer versus B2B, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for networking with dinners and receptions for attendees to make great connections for your startup.

1. LAUNCH Festival
   https://www.launchfestival.com/
   When: April 6-7, 2017
   Where: San Francisco, Calif.Boasting as “the world’s largest startup event,” LAUNCH Festival features 12,000 founders from around the world. Besides hearing from VCs and investors directly, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a Winners Dinner and an Opening Night Gala to network with other startups, investors and VCs.

1. Tech Crunch Disrupt
   https://techcrunch.com/event-info/disrupt-ny-2017/
   When: May 15-17, 2017
   Where: New York, New YorkTechCrunch Disrupt touts itself as the “world’s leading authority in debuting revolutionary startups, introducing game-changing technologies and discussing what’s top of mind for the tech industry’s key innovators.” Over two days, you’ll mingle with the best and brightest entrepreneurs, investors, hackers, and tech fans for on-stage interviews, the Startup Battlefield competition, a 24-hour Hackathon, Startup Alley, Hardware Alley, and After Parties.

1. eMERGE Americas
   http://emergeamericas.com/
   When: June 12-13, 2017
   Where: Miami, Fla.This conference is action-packed and focuses on the latest technology trends and innovations in the tech industry. With summits, networking events, startup competitions and more, Emerge is a great opportunity to meet with other startups at all stages.  Plus, after a full day focused on innovation, there are after-hours social gatherings around Miami with entertainment and creative cocktail stations to keep keeps you engaged every second of the day.

1. Ignite 2017
   https://www.b2bmarketing.net/en/node/152866
   When: June 22, 2017
   Where: London, UKWith a customizable agenda (and more than 65 sessions to choose from), B2B Marketing Ignite markets itself as “for everyone in B2B who wants to propel their career, fire-up their marketing results, spark new ideas and really shine in 2017.” Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to network with the more than 1,000 attendees between sessions.

1. Cisco Live US
   When: July 25-29, 2017
   Where: Las Vegas, NevadaAnd of course, we would be remiss not to mention Cisco Live US. We’re a little biased, but Cisco Live delivers education and inspiration for technology innovators worldwide. If you can’t attend the whole conference, you can snag an Explorer Badge and mingle in the World of Solutions, where you can catch up with existing IT suppliers, view demos, explore the latest solutions from Cisco and the industry’s top vendors. Plus, we hear there’s a great happy hour.