The Best Networking Events in Atlanta

Looking to expand your professional network? We’re here to help with the ultimate list of business networking events in the Atlanta metro area. Whether you’re a young professional, an entrepreneur, or a freelance marketer, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Jump to a section:

• Networking events for entrepreneurs in Atlanta
• Networking events for professionals in Atlanta
• Networking events for women in Atlanta
• Social networking events in Atlanta

Networking Events for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta

While there are many benefits to freelancing or owning your own business, it’s hard to deny that the job can get a little lonely at times! If you’re an entrepreneur, watercooler convos and co-worker coffee breaks are probably few and far between. ☕

More and more people today are moving to entrepreneurship over the traditional 9 to 5, with 10.5% of Georgia workers being reported as self-employed entrepreneurs in 2020. In the past few years, this figure has probably increased—Georgia was named the second most entrepreneurial state in terms of its Entrepreneurial Index Score by The Digital Project Manager in 2023. 

As a result, networking events in Atlanta have become increasingly crucial for self-employed individuals. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to foster relationships, share insights, and expand one's network. 

Ready to find your community? Here are a few of the BEST networking events for entrepreneurs in Atlanta.  ✨ 🏙 👩‍💻

Freelance Unlocked Atlanta

If you’re a freelance marketer or creative in Atlanta, you’ll love attending Freelance Unlocked’s Atlanta events. We might be biased, but we think our events are a great way to meet your next freelance bestie, collaborator, or client. 😉 

• Who: Freelance marketers and creatives of all ages, all industries, and all genders! 

• Where: Different locations in Atlanta, mostly north of the perimeter 

• When: Monthly, weekday evenings 
• Pricing: Free 
• Instagram: Follow the founder, Haley Davidson, on Instagram  
• Eventbrite: N/A, register after events are announced on our events page here

Atlanta Solopreneurs

Atlanta Soloprenuers is a network for meeting other freelancers or “solopreneurs” on the same journey. 🗺 Whether you're new to entrepreneurship or have been running a "one-person show" for a while, this group is sure to help you find community and make new friends in Atlanta!

Their values, as stated on their site, are “supporting each other to find resources and guidance, building our networks for referrals, partners and collaborators, learning from each other, and promoting each other.” 🧠🤩

• Who: Atlanta-based solo-based entrepreneurs, freelancers, or independents (i.e. an original company, not a subsidiary or a franchise)

• Where: Various locations in Atlanta 

• When: Weekly events are shared through their newsletter

• Pricing: Free (Application required for approval to join the network)

• Instagram: Follow Atlanta Solopreneurs Instagram here
• Eventbrite: N/A, events are announced through the newsletter
   

Networking Events for Professionals in Atlanta

Even if you aren’t a freelancer, solopreneur, or business owner, there is still no shortage of choices for professional networking events in Atlanta. The grind can get tiring 😮‍💨, and many look for a support system to propel and support them through their career journey. Here are a few options if you’re looking to expand your professional network! 💼🗣

Young Professionals of Atlanta

Young Professionals of Atlanta is a 501 nonprofit organization designed to help young professionals in the Atlanta area network and give back to their community, making it easy to become involved in all that Atlanta has to offer. ✨ 

According to their organization's website, “Here at YPofATL, we support our city, non-profits, businesses, organizations, and YOU.”  📝

• Who: Professionals of all ages, all industries, and all genders! 

• Where: Different locations in Atlanta
• When: Monthly, both weekend and weekday [email protected]
• Pricing: $125 for yearly membership (includes free admission to all monthly events, a physical “YPAtlanta” Card, free cover into certain bars, discounts at certain retail stores and restaurants, access to specific venues and events for free or discounted rates, and more) OR $25 per event ticket. 
• Instagram: You can follow Young Professionals of Atlanta on Instagram here.
• Eventbrite: N/A, interested young professionals are able to purchase tickets through their website. 

Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals (MAAP)

The Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals provides an “inclusive, diverse, business networking group that focuses on connecting and developing LGBTQ+ professionals in the Atlanta area.” 🏳️‍🌈

Launched over 30 years ago in 1992, MAAP aims to connect those in the community to allow for professional development, quality events, training, mentoring, and education!  

• Who: LGBTQ+ professionals in the Atlanta area 🏳️‍🌈 🏙🍑

• Where: Various locations in Atlanta
• When: Monthly events
• Pricing: Yearly memberships are available for $100 per year, or monthly memberships are offered for $10 per month. “Young Professional” year-long memberships are available for $50 per year for those 27 years of age and younger at the time of purchase.
• Instagram: You can follow the Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals on Instagram here.
• Eventbrite: N/A, events are announced through their website and Instagram. 

American Marketing Association (AMA) Atlanta

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Atlanta chapter markets itself as “the go-to source for marketing knowledge, events, resources, and networking opportunities in Atlanta.” As the largest marketing organization in Atlanta, their members have access to a wide variety of local and national resources. 💻

Founded in 1949, their membership “represents all aspects of marketing from research, analytics, and strategic planning to advertising, branding, and communications.” 📞🗣

• Who: Those in the marketing space in ATL, from “high school students in the DECA program and collegiate marketers to young professionals and experienced executives”

• Where: Events are held in Atlanta and Metro Atlanta (mostly Kennesaw near Kennesaw State University)

• When: Multiple events are held monthly 

• Pricing: Yearly memberships range from $29 for students to $169 for professionals. General admission tickets start at around $50 depending on the size of the event. 

• Instagram: You can follow AMA of Georgia on Instagram here.

• Eventbrite: Their events have tickets for purchase through their Eventbrite page.
  

Networking Events for Women in Atlanta

Girl Power is absolutely real, and for those looking to gain more in 2024, you’ve come to the right place. 💪Whether you're a freelancer or work a traditional 9- 5, connections with like-minded women are invaluable.

Here are some of the best networking events for women in Atlanta: 

ATL Rising Women

Atlanta Rising Women is a “community that offers events, engaged community, and encouraging content for women in the Atlanta area.” They aim to ignite new relationships between women, whether they be clients, friends, or mentors. 🧠

Membership opens up throughout the year, so make sure to get on their mailing list or check their site for updates! You can always purchase a general admission ticket to one of their public events, even if they’re not accepting new members. 

• Who: A tribe of working women and women business owners in Atlanta looking to connect, learn, and grow personally and professionally

• Where: Events are held at various locations in the Atlanta area.

• When: Multiple events are held monthly, both member-only and public

• Pricing: Check their website membership pricing tiers. Tickets to their public events can be found on their website and range from $10-50, depending on the event.

• Instagram: You can follow ATL Rising Women on Instagram here.

• Eventbrite: N/A

Atlanta Tech Village Women + Tech Program

Atlanta Tech Village’s Women + Tech Program was created to support and inspire leaders, builders, and influencers of the Atlanta startup community. Their mission is to “empower women in tech through a kick-ass network, intentional teaching, and purposeful community because it does take a Village.” 📈

Their events are held monthly and often feature awesome guest keynote speakers in the ATL tech space! 🏙🍑

• Who: Women leaders, builders, and influencers of the Atlanta startup community looking to join a group of Women in Tech

• Where: Monthly networking events are held at Atlanta Tech Village (3423 Piedmont Road Northeast Atlanta, GA 30305)

• When: They have one monthly networking event with a full calendar already available for 2024. 

• Pricing: Tickets to their general admission monthly networking events are $10. 

• Instagram: You can follow ATL Tech Village on Instagram here.

• Eventbrite: Tickets to their monthly networking events are available on their Eventbrite page.

Social Networking Events in Atlanta

Tired of professional networking events? 🤔💭 Social networking events are a great way to make friends and take a break from your work life. Check out one of the groups below to expand your network in a more casual way! 

The Network of Atlanta (NOA)

The Network of Atlanta (NOA) provides a unique experience despite the straight-forward name. Memberships are offered to “network the NOA way: unplanned and unplugged.” 📱🚫

Members are randomly selected to attend one of their social, service, education, or fitness events in Metro-Atlanta. Membership is invite-only and requires prospective members to fill out an application. Sponsorship opportunities are also offered for those looking to join. 📩

NOA’s exclusive model seems to have proven successful, as they often have to close membership applications periodically throughout the year. Check their website to see if applications have opened, and if not, there’s always the waitlist! 📝

• Who: Adults in Metro Atlanta looking to gain new friends, opportunities, and experiences, and more. 

• Where: Events are usually held in Metro Atlanta.

• When: Monthly events are available for members only. NOA is currently accepting applications to become a member starting in April 2024.

• Pricing: Membership prices are not available at this time. 

• Instagram: You can follow The Network of Atlanta (NOA) on Instagram here.

• Eventbrite: N/A, events will be announced to members through their newsletter and calendar. 

Social Steps Atlanta

Social Steps Atlanta is an online community providing meet-ups for Women looking to connect and take steps toward a happier and healthier lifestyle in the Atlanta area. They hold weekly Wednesday walks with no sign-up needed, as well as other “adventure” events that are sign-up only. 👟

In addition, Social Steps Atlanta has a GroupMe that announces all “weekly walks and weekend adventures” available for any women in ATL who want to join. 📱

• Who: Women in the Atlanta area looking to connect with others and take steps toward a happier & healthier lifestyle.

• Where: Walks and adventures are usually held in Metro Atlanta.

• When: Weekly! 

• Pricing: Free

• Instagram: You can follow Social Steps Atlanta on Instagram here.
• Eventbrite: N/A, events are announced on their Instagram and GroupMe.

The bottom line on networking events in Atlanta

Whether you’re looking for friends, clients, business partners, or even just getting your name out there, these Atlanta Networking events should have you covered. Let’s make 2024 a year of connection and growth!