In the age of digital workspaces and remote environments, there is something to be said about the good, old-fashioned, face-to-face meet and greet. For both seasoned professionals and aspiring career people, networking events are an opportunity to meet new people, connect with colleagues and advance a career.
As a growing job market with a constant influx of talent, the Greater Gainesville area is home to several unique venues to host business events. From small gatherings to large, from intimate to formal, these are a few of the best locations to host any networking event.
The University of Florida Venues
As beautiful as it is practical, UF’s campus is home to a number of premier locations to hold any kind of networking event. With a student body around 50,000 strong, these professionals of tomorrow are always interested in learning about where their careers will take them.
Some popular indoor venues include the Reitz Student Union, the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and the Warrington Business School’s Heavener Hall Building. Outdoor spots include the Plaza of the Americas, the Reitz Union Lawn and Flavet Field.
From intimate mixers to large-scale events, the University of Florida offers a variety of options to expand a network.
The Cade Museum of Creativity and Invention
Science, art and the history of Greater Gainesville converge within the Cade Museum. Named for professor and Gatorade inventor Dr. James Robert Cade, this unique venue is as thought-provoking as it is practical.
The Cade is situated at the edge of scenic Depot Park and features a large, open interior perfect for networking events, conferences or galas. With plenty to see and even more to do, the Cade is both a conversation starter and a work of art.
Better in Groups
Greater Gainesville is a hub of activity when it comes to professional development, much of it outside the university system. Many networking groups exist to support and nurture the abundance of talent in the area, hosting their own events across the county.
Some of these groups include StartupGNV, Gainesville Black Professionals, Alachua County Emerging Leaders, Business Network International and the Gainesville Area Women’s Network.
Greater Gainesville Chamber
The Greater Gainesville Chamber is rated as an accredited 5-star chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It currently boasts more than 1,300 members across the Greater Gainesville area.
Hosting a series of business-related events, the Chamber also distributes annual business awards, puts on ribbon-cutting ceremonies and helps celebrate new business groundbreakings. Some of its networking events include Chamber After Hours and Young Professional Kickoff Parties.
Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce
Incorporating the areas of both Newberry and Jonesville, the Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce runs events year-round. Some of these networking meetups include Business After Hours, where local business leaders connect for food, drink and relationship-building.
Alachua Chamber
The Alachua Chamber is an excellent starting point for those looking to connect in the City of Alachua. The second-largest city in the county, Alachua holds many events each year, including an annual banquet and a monthly Women’s Club lunch.
By Ryan Walsh.