Networking Resource List

Something special happens when creative people get in a room together. Harness that energy and attend in-person events to meet local peers and find mentors.  

Local to Baltimore

  • Startup SoireeA monthly Baltimore-Area meetup focused on creating meaningful conversations among entrepreneurs and leaders within the local startup community.
  • Startup Grind Baltimore – Monthly events in Baltimore open to anyone interested or involved in startups and there are no annual or membership fees.

National or Global

  • Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in 200 cities and 85 countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, & investors.

Professional Organizations:

Pro Tips!

  • MeetUp: Many organizations use MeetUp to organize events ranging from small business networking, Lunch-and-learns, Mastermind groups, and social events for creatives and professionals. See what a search turns up in your area!

Conferences

You may need to travel, but conferences are a great way to learn directly from professionals at the top of their field, to meet and mingle with a wider variety of peers than in your neighborhood, and to get to know the unique creative culture of different areas. A good conference can leave you energized and inspired!

  • AIGA Design Conference: This annual conference, open to members and non-members, includes several days of symposia, presentations, and networking opportunities with top industry visionaries.
  • HOW Design Live: This annual multi-day conference is a huge gathering of designers workshops, talks, and seminars on topics touching on all aspects of the design industry, with amp
  • 99U Conference: This 2-day conference focuses on the state of the design industry and professional development.