6 Savvy Networking Groups for Hudson Valley Professionals

Break out the business cards for these local meet-and-greet organizations.

 

Networking. It’s a word that can inspire greatness or induce stomach-churning fear. Regardless of which sentiment strikes you, it’s hard to deny that networking is a career development essential. Not only does it give you the chance to broadcast yourself, and your talents, to others, but it also allows you to forge connections that can prove invaluable for individual growth and business expansion further down the road.

Here in the Hudson Valley, networking opportunities abound for professionals in all industries who hope to develop their careers. Take a look below, then check out the sites to see when the groups meet next.

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Hudson Valley Networking Alliance

With a presence throughout the Hudson Valley, this networking alliance invites new and interested members once a quarter for mixer-style meetings. Each month, regular members meet twice to exchange referrals and promote their respective organizations. As far as locations go, events crisscross the Valley, although mixers are primarily based at Tapped in Middletown or Mason’s Marketplace in New Hampton.

 

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Hudson Valley Women in Business

Women with businesses in the Hudson Valley should take a look at this group, which was founded by Lauree Ostrofsky, the author, life coach, and founder of Simply Leap. Through the organization, aspiring, new, and longtime business owners can get together once a month for in-person meetings. During the week, the group also designates certain days to specific development sessions, like goal-setting on Mondays, Q&A on Tuesdays, advice-sharing on Wednesdays, and self-promotion on Fridays.

 

Hudson Valley Young Professionals

As a new generation of millennial movers and shakers leads the way in the region, Hudson Valley Young Professionals serves as a common ground for them all. Group members come together for monthly events to connect, share stories, give back to the community, and expand their networks. Session activities vary from chats with local CEOs and nonprofit panel discussions to low-key mixers and upscale galas.

 

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Professional Networking Powerhouse

Since 2013, Professional Networking Powerhouse has existed as a hub for business-minded professionals operating in a wide array of industries to connect within the Hudson Valley. Now, five chapters (Central/Southern Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Westchester) and over 330 members meet monthly to mix and mingle, share tips and tricks, and establish lasting relationships. At each meetup, attendees have the chance to network, eat dinner at a local restaurant, and share news and updates about their businesses. Anyone interested in joining can contact the group through its website.

 

The Accelerator

Although it’s officially a business incubator in New York State, The Accelerator hosts enough local conferences and workshops to merit its inclusion on this list. Throughout the year, the community-minded organization organizes workshops that promote creativity, ideas, and collaboration. Annually, the group holds a Women’s Leadership Conference to connect regional professionals and inspire them to make new strides in their personal and professional development.

 

 

Women’s Professional Network

With “Engage.Learn.Inspire.” as its slogan, Women’s Professional Network aims to help women throughout the Hudson Valley form connections both with each other and with the regional community at large. To become a member, interested ladies must attend at least four of the group’s events per year. Sessions meet at assorted locations throughout the Valley, including the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie and the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill in Hyde Park for speaker and panel discussions on topics like communication skills and human resources.


Related: Be Productive and Meet Friends at Local Coworking Spaces

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