Name

Location

Description

DC Tech Meetup

Multiple Locations

The technology industry has never been more exciting than right now. With monthly events, DC Tech Meetups provides a forum for tech enthusiasts and technologists alike to rub elbows and discuss innovation. Events usually include demos of tech products and gadgets in their early stages. Due to its popularity, expect a crowd of about 800.    

GovCon

Multiple Locations

GovCon, as its name suggests, is very DC-centric. The network provides webinars as well as live events that allow government contractors a chance to network. Events usually feature themes unique to one side of government work. The main shindig occurs annually with the GovCon Summit, which brings industry leaders in to talk major changes as well as what the future holds. It’s among the best networking events in Washington, DC for obvious reasons.

Washington D.C. Professional Career Fair

555 C St NW

The DC Professional Career Fair is a must event if you’re looking to jump-start a new career or are seeking gainful employment as a professional. Top employers make an appearance looking to hire for industries such as Finance, Retail, Sales, IT and Customer Service. Of course, this being DC, expect government positions to be scouted at this event. It’s free to attend and guarantees meetings with recruiters and HR personnel.     

Network Under 40

Multiple Locations

If you’re weary of stiff networking events, then you might want to consider switching it up with a Network Under 40 event. The group holds regular events in the area with the intention of providing a social atmosphere where you can be yourself while mingling with like-minded professionals. All of their events are about meeting people and having a good time with the benefit of making professional connections.   

Speed Networking DC

Multiple Locations

If it works for dating, why wouldn’t it work with networking? Speed Networking DC offers a table-to-table fast-paced networking opportunity with professionals from numerous industries. As stated on their website, there are no bells and whistles in their events. It’s simply about the one-on-one connection, making as many as you can in the time allotted. This is by far the most rapid way to collect business cards and add names to your virtual rolodex; it may also be one of the quickest ways to make friends among the best networking events in Washington DC.

Network After Work

Multiple Locations

Network After Work offers regular events in the DC area as well as across the whole of the U.S. While making cross-industry connections is nice, what you’re really looking for is the opportunity to meet others in your line of work. Network After Work provides color-coded name tags that delineate a person’s industry to help facilitate conversation as well.

DCBIA’s Holiday Cheer

200 Massachusetts Ave NW

The District of Columbia Building Industry Association holds a number of events throughout the year. A central location for numerous members from the world of real estate to meet, you are sure to form connections with general contractors, architects, developers, owners and others.     

Washington Network Group

Multiple Locations

The Washington Network Group holds regular industry-specific events and seminars for professionals. While young professionals are welcome, events usually tend to pull industry vets. Event attendance doesn’t require a WNG membership, but it does provide a hefty discount on registration fees.

DC Night Owls

Multiple Locations

Get ready for something a bit different from what you’re used to with traditional networking events. DC Night Owls offers a space where self-starters, freelancers and the like can enjoy open-space work collaboration. Enjoy a free-flowing give and take of ideas on your project in a judgement-free, supportive atmosphere.

Real Estate Dealmakers

2020 K St NW

Real Estate is the economic backbone of DC. With power deals negotiated over breakfast by movers and shakers driving the economy, it can’t hurt to get a foot in the door. The Real Estate Dealmakers series of events offers a keen insight into the local real estate scene from people making power moves. The event provides plenty of time to network with other real estate enthusiasts over cocktails.