Business Networking Events

What happens at a business networking event?

These are after-work evenings rather than breakfast meetings: doors from about 5:30pm, wrapping up around 8, in a restaurant or taproom rather than a boardroom. Come straight from the office. Venues rotate around the area, so the room changes even when the faces are familiar. We have been running them since 2017.

Worth saying plainly: this is not a referral group with one seat per industry and a leads quota. Orland Business Network is open-ended by design, and most people come back because they liked the room rather than because they owe it a referral.

Who comes to Orland Park 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 Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn and Frankfort. If you are wondering whether you would fit in, you almost certainly would.

Practical questions

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 Orland Park 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 Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn and Frankfort. Nobody is checking zip codes — if the venue is a reasonable drive for you, you are close enough.

Do I have to be a member to attend?

No. Most Orland Business Network events are around $30 and are open to anyone, member or not. We would rather you came out and saw the group first — non-members are encouraged to attend an event before applying for membership.