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 thriving city, it can be most 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!
Networking events 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 is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. Launched (teehee) in January 2022, the platform 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. Launchpad is inspired by the growing international trend of people joining digital-first community membership groups, as a result of COVID-19 and the increasing need for connection, networking and support for entrepreneurs.
Find out more about Launchpad.
2. 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 everything from newcomer’s events to free flow dinner parties, and business seminars. When it comes to meeting fellow expats in real life, InterNations is a good place to start.
Find out more about InterNations.
3. 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. The value pillars include expanding opportunities for women, increasing their confidence, and reimagining how women connect with each other. There are different types of memberships: free limited access membership, digital access membership, and visionary membership (the latter two come with a fee). Women of Hong Kong hosts a variety of events every month and getting involved is super easy!
Find out more about Women of Hong Kong.
4. 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 is 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!
Find out more about Meetup.
5. Coworking spaces
If you’re looking to make new business connections and socialise with local entrepreneurs, there are a great number of coworking 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!
6. 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 create accessible events for creative communities. These morning events are largely free, so no excuses to not get up in the morning for some quality networking!.
Find out more about Creative Mornings.
7. Chambers of commerce
For expats in Hong Kong who feel a little homesick or lonesome, 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 new 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.
8. 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.
[This article was originally published in March 2019 and updated in 2023 by Min Ji Park.]
