Are you looking to make new connections in Pittsburgh? Here are six organizations that can help you grow your professional and social network. Each group has its own take on the best way to network…but you can always join more than one!
Pittsburgh Young Professionals
Pittsburgh Young Professionals, affectionately known as “PYP” by its 600+ members, is one of the longest standing networking groups in the area. PYP hosts 45 events a year ranging from happy hours, to speaker series, to community outings, and more. Members span several different industries and professions. If you’re looking to meet other young professionals and explore Pittsburgh through a variety of events and activities, consider joining PYP. Membership is only $70/year and includes additional access to volunteer and scholarship opportunities.
Ellevate
Ellevate is an international women’s organization that has an active chapter in Pittsburgh. Because of Ellevate’s worldwide reach, this is an excellent networking group for women who are looking for local connections, as well as a network that extends beyond our region. Ellevate provides global online “jam sessions” with tips and strategies for career success and networking, while the Pittsburgh chapter organizes in-person professional and social events. Ellevate has four membership levels, starting at $100/year.
Network After Work
Network After Work is a national organization that hosts networking nights in cities around the United States. Typically, they hold an event at a different bar every month in Pittsburgh, with each event costing $15 per person to attend. Because these nights are all about networking, attendees tend to be very outgoing and approachable. There is usually a rotating crowd at each event rather than a group of recurring regulars, so if you’d like to exchange lots of business cards and gain new contacts efficiently, check out Network After Work.
African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania(AACCWP) is a membership organization for African American business owners and individuals. The Chamber also welcomes other minority groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. There are a wide range of services, opportunities, and events offered through AACCWP that can help you grow your network. There are over 500 members and several types of membership, starting at $200 annually for self-employed individuals.
Pittsburgh Business Exchange
Pittsburgh Business Exchange (PBX) has 1,250 members who are professionals and business leaders in our region. Formerly Pittsburgh Social Exchange, the organization recently rebranded, as the organization isn’t just social in nature—there are also plenty of professional development opportunities. This networking group prides itself on the originality of its events and the quality of connections that you make. Membership starts at $225 per year for individuals, and there are business and corporate-level options too.
Rotary Club of Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh chapter of Rotary International is the organization for you if you’re a service and leadership-minded individual. The group actively looks for opportunities to make a difference in the local community and in the world. They also focus on business growth and networking at their meetings. In addition to the Downtown club, there are 46 other clubs in neighborhoods around the city; the entire Pittsburgh Rotary District (#7300) has 1,150 members. An annual professional membership costs $410, and there are also membership and attendance options for students, families, and guests.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Thanks Paige. Startups like ours (BioFuran Materials LLC) benefit from understanding the locale networking landscape.