What Are the Best Networking Events for Women?

Readers had a great time strand A while ago I talked about the best networking events for women and thought we’d round up some of their responses and pave the way for a larger discussion. The first request was, “lawyers, prospective summer assistants, etc. I’m curious what others think – have you attended any hit events like this one? Do you hate them? This is for a group of 10-15.”

In the past, we have discussed whether networking groups for women MUST HAVE… and while some readers HATE them, others have had great experiences and met cheerleaders and mentors. However, we never really discussed WHAT to do at the event if you’re going to set up a women-only networking group. (Also: things may have changed a bit in recent years because things have become remote or mixed and people may still be reluctant to do indoor activities.) So let’s discuss!

And again, before you begin, remember this not everyone loves networking events for women, none. One commenter stated that she hates all women’s networking events she attends, adding, “I want to be invited to and meaningfully participate in events that men attend.”

Many readers particularly hate stereotypically feminine events, especially if men’s events or regular company/firm events don’t have a similar theme.

I think it’s really hard to do this without leaning into shy sexist stereotypes. Spa day, mani/pedis, arts and crafts, boutique shopping – BARF. In 2023, no law firm “X” [legally protected class of people] really loves [stereotypical activity associated with that group]!”

Best Networking Events for Women: Reader Experiences

Hosting a speaker to talk about a separate topic besides the career path.

In my field, we have had great success with a lunch series in which a different speaker (female) was invited/introduced and gave an introduction with a short presentation about work/career paths and an often useful topic/learning point. and then a question/answer session. During the last discussion, they answered questions about anything and we often got into very useful life/career management discussions. It was great for networking, finding potential mentors and it was a free lunch.

Tea in a fancy hotel. One reader (who was not a fan of female networking events in general) noted that her favorite activity was to have an “agendaless” tea at a luxury hotel near the office. In a restaurant that included almost everyone, the practice group was just as fun as the holiday dinner.”

Drinks at a fancy boutique (you CAN shop, but don’t have to).

A private tour of the museum followed by drinks.

wine tasting (although it excludes people who do not or cannot drink for whatever reason).

Spa activities. These were the most quoted by readers, but opinions were VERY divided – as readers noted, men were either offended by not being invited or despised women attending the event as “wasting a day”. (Another reader immediately said “absolutely not.”)

On the professional side though, some people have had great experiences at a spa! One reader noted:

In the afternoon we did a luxury spa with a single service, massage or facial or mani pad, all covered by my company. They effectively bought the spa, so there were only colleagues at all amenities, and the company also provided light snacks. Men were also allowed to participate, but openly offered to offset all sporting events. It was great. It has also been confirmed that a $400 massage isn’t all that different from a $150 massage! We also do many boutique fitness classes, sometimes through the women’s group, sometimes open to everyone.

What Negative What to Do at Networking Events for Women

Don’t just tackle parenting issues. Some readers noted that they were really put off when “networking events for women” focused only on work/life balance and childcare – noting that these events should be advertised as events for women. parentsFathers were also invited and included.

Readers noted that many women left without having children—especially in Great Law or other busy jobs—so such events weren’t really viable. As one reviewer put it: “If your lens for dealing with female employees is only about balancing work with parenting, then you’re not meeting the needs of your junior colleagues.”

Don’t pull people out of other networking opportunities to network for women only. They took a separate but unequal approach, as one reader described it: “It takes time away from larger events that are happening and narrows down opportunities for networking, such as networking lunch that distracts you from the larger networking lunch or pre-conference breakfast.” You get away from meeting with customers.”

Don’t do activities like golf that teach women how to network like men. “At my old firm, they held a golf event to help women learn how to network. I think that was stupid. You won’t be communicating with men like men do. If you’re already good at golf, maybe, but that’s against authenticity. I would never learn to play net golf. Nothing could be more lame. .

Don’t just deal with makeup, clothes and flower arrangements(!). One reader recalled:

Don’t be my old company with events like “floral arrangements”, “new trends in makeup” and some sort of mindfulness workshop (I guess that’s fine, but if you’re kind of stressed, better manage your stress). When I suggested workshops to succeed in a more male-dominated profession, I was told that the committee was “not political”. Ah.

Readers, it’s up to you—what are the best events or themes if you’re trying to plan a networking event for women? Do you prefer simple activities like a regularly scheduled lunch? (If you hate the idea of ​​networking events for women, anything?)

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / diego_cervo.