Making friends and meeting like-minded people is easier than you think, thanks to these networking events in Hong Kong!
Networking can be a daunting task for many and not knowing where to start can only add to the nerves. In this city, it can be very beneficial to integrate networking into both our professional and private lives – whether it’s through joining different running races and creative courses in Hong Kong, or attending local hotspots like art galleries. If you’re new to town and looking to make friends and business connections, or to share your creative passions with like-minded people, we’ve rounded up some of the best networking events in Hong Kong – all you have to do is show up and make things happen!
Where to meet new people and make friends in Hong Kong
1. Launchpad
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It’s designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. Launchpad offers almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring, and media profiles on Honeycombers. It’s the first business networking platform targeting entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia, offering both a local market, as well as a pan-Asian approach to community connection.
Learn more about Launchpad online.
2. Women of Hong Kong
Founder Sarah Vee created Women of Hong Kong to provide a safe space for women to network and support each other through social events and common beliefs. There are different types of memberships, such as a free membership which gives you limited access; a Digital Access membership that allows you to join Premium Chats, publish your content to the network, and more; and Lounge Access, which entitles you to use the Women’s Lounge, an inclusive social wellness space. WOHK hosts a variety of events every month and we love how easy it is to get involved!
Women of Hong Kong, 4/F, Hollywood Commercial House, 3-5 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong
3. GenieFriends
If you’ve been lurking on social media lately, you would most likely have caught wind about some “Secret Dinners”… Turns out, this is no mystical affair, as they’re simply convivial gatherings run by the welcoming team at GenieFriends. That said, GenieFriends is indeed out here making magic. It’s dedicated to cultivating conversation and collaboration among Hong Kong’s community of creatives and developers, and it does so by connecting people with similar interests and hobbies. While the Secret Dinners are by no means exclusive, you do have to join a waitlist to become part of the magic – the team needs to match you to those you vibe with, after all. Maybe you’ll catch us in person at one of these Dinners soon!
Learn more about GenieFriends online.
4. InterNations
If you’re an expat living in Hong Kong, you’ve probably heard of InterNations, the largest international community for people who live and work abroad. Not only does it offer a forum to ask questions and share valuable tips, but it also hosts monthly events and activities where expats can meet fellow internationals in their city. Monthly networking events in Hong Kong include newcomer’s events, free-flow dinner parties, and business seminars. When it comes to meeting fellow expats and making friends in real life, InterNations is a good place to start.
Learn more about InterNations online.
5. Creative Mornings
The creative community in any city can be tough to crack into. But thanks to organisations like Creative Mornings, it’s now easier to meet like-minded individuals while attending enlightening events. Creative Mornings has been expanding to many cities like Hong Kong with the aim to host accessible events for creative communities. These morning events are largely free, so no excuses to not get up in the AM for some quality networking!
Learn more about Creative Mornings online.
6. Meetup
Meetup has gained popularity for bringing people together. You can download the easy-to-use app and select your interests before connecting with members and groups that share the same passion as you. From exploring local museums and hiking trails to recording a podcast, there’s a huge variety of Meetup groups to connect like-minded people with exciting events. Pursue a new hobby that could become a career or discuss your creative ideas and watch them come to fruition; Meetup makes things happen!
Learn more about Meetup online.
7. Volunteering
If you’re seeking new social connections, volunteering can be a wonderful way to meet people with shared interests and values – all while giving back to the community. Make the world a little brighter by lending a hand at charities, non-profit organisations, and animal shelters. Surrounded by individuals who are passionate about creating a positive impact, you’ll certainly feel the warmth – and hopefully, a little less lonely.
8. Co-working spaces
If you’re looking to make new business connections and socialise with local entrepreneurs, there are a great number of co-working spaces in Hong Kong, such as The Hive, Garage Society, and The Great Room, which all host regular events. You can find various panels and workshops to help you plug into the startup community, as well as learn about all things tech, data, business, and design. Definitely check out their websites to see if there are any events that spark your interest!
9. Private members’ clubs
Young professionals, take note! Hong Kong has many private members’ clubs where you can mingle and network while enjoying some perks. With varying members’ dues, clubs like Soho House Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Carlyle & Co, and more have luxurious private facilities, and hold exclusive events where members can meet each other. Although the price tag is steeper than the other networking hubs on this list, private members’ clubs offer unique opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals in similar industries – all while being treated like a VIP.
10. Chambers of commerce
For expats in Hong Kong who feel a little homesick, check out your country’s chamber of commerce for networking activities. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong regularly hosts events where you can meet fresh faces and mingle. In fact, many chambers of commerce like Canada, France, Finland, and Italy have events you can handily find on their websites. You can meet your local community on an international level and form new connections.
