A Guide to Hong Kong’s (Business) Networking Events | The V Group

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Getting started with building a network, both social and professional, can appear challenging to newcomers in Hong Kong. However, this challenge is easily combated as Hong Kong offers many business networking events, associations, clubs, and casual networking platforms that facilitate the meeting of new people, based on your career, hobbies and interests. This article will help you discover Hong Kong’s many business networking events and opportunities, as well as the city’s best casual networking platforms.

Business Networking

Chamber of Commerce

Hong Kong is home to a number of National Chambers of Commerce, many of which are extremely active and offer great networking opportunities. The American, British, French, and Italian Chambers are particularly busy and have large membership bodies. However, these are just a selection of the options as many more chambers of commerce have been established in Hong Kong. These chambers often organize business networking events and are generally one of the best sources for networking events in Hong Kong. Visit the website of your preferred chamber of commerce and get started by viewing the event calendar for the year.

Membership Networks

A host of associations offer membership based on common interests. In contrast with the Chambers of Commerce, these membership-based organizations blend business with social, and they regularly host national celebrations and other events to promote understanding of their native countries’ traditions. These associations often also allow members to engage with the wider Hong Kong local community. Should any of the below societies draw your interest, feel free to reach out and inquire about their open memberships:

-          The American Women’s Association

             48 Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels, Central

-          Australian Association of Hong Kong

            Unit 8, 8/F, Kuo Wah Building, 340-342 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

-          Danish Business Association

           Unit 2402B, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

-          Japan Society

            1/F, Fung House, 19-20 Connaught Road, Central

The Hong Kong Trade and Development Council – HKTDC

The HKTDC is a public government body established to facilitate business networking for manufacturers, traders and service providers in Hong Kong. Over the course of each year, the HKTDC organizes over 100 fairs and activities to connect small and medium-sized enterprises with each other, and with other similar enterprises around the world. While HKTDC does not directly organize business networking events, needless to say, these exhibitions and fairs make great opportunities to gain exposure and meet interested clients. Popular fairs can attract many thousands of people to attend. Moreover, HKTDC often invites market leaders to conduct talks and inspirational workshops, that may be of benefit to your business and are a good resource to network.

Casual Networking

Platforms: Meetup and Eventbrite

Many of Hong Kong’s residents are avid users of these two platforms to expand their social circle and meet new friends. Both online platforms offer opportunities for people to post and join events and social groups. By sorting groups by interest, you can connect with people who love to do the things you do. Popular Meetups include those for hiking, good food, and travel. If you can’t find a meetup for your interest, create one! There are also business focused meet-ups, such as those discussing entrepreneurship and starting a business.

Meet your Fellow V Residents

It goes without saying that there is also a group of 400 people you have a lot in common with – like them– you are a resident at V! We host events regularly throughout the year to allow residents to socialize with each other. Look out for annual bashes such as pool parties in the summer and cocktail parties in the fall!

Finding business events in Hong Kong is an easy task, as this multi-cultural city is home to expats and entrepreneurs from all over the world. This article laid out several effective networking options, both business and casual. Feel free to contact your concierge at the V to learn more about events inside and outside of V.

For further readings on doing business in Hong Kong, explore this article on Hong Kong business etiquette, or discover the city’s best coffee shops to get work done.