Networking opportunities in & around Portsmouth
There is SO much going on in Portsmouth — but if you’re new to town or just looking to expand your horizons, where do you even start? Here’s a good cheat sheet.
CreativeMorningsPKX
Creative Mornings is a global grassroots free networking monthly meetup — and Portsmouth and Kittery share one called PKX. Currently taking place at The Music Hall Loft, Creative Mornings Portsmouth/PKX regularly sells out in a matter of minutes. If you’re new to town, take it from us locals — get on the email list, and set an alarm for the day when registration opens each month so you’re ready to register at 8:59am!
Catapult Seacoast
Young professionals, right this way! Catapult Seacoast is the young proessional association here in Portsmouth. They have regular meetups, and an annual “10 to Watch” event.
HOOPLA Parties & Startup Events
Alpha Loft is a coworking space that is also a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs and startups. HOOPLA was started with the goal of just fun, no talks — just getting together with other creative/tech folks and having a beer. They rotate locations between Manchester, Durham and Portsmouth — so check the calendar to see when the next Portsmouth one is happening.
Seacoast Women’s Network
If you’re a woman in business, this networking group might be for you. They have a monthly program, which you can register for at a discount if you are a member. Each program starts with an around-the-room intro of yourself, your business and what would be a good referral for you.
NHWP’s Writer’s Night Out (Seacoast)
If you’re a writer (fiction, poetry, screenplay, blogs, cookbooks — any kind of writer), this is a fun one! This monthly meetup is organized by the NH Writers Project, and is a casual way to grab a beer or bite and talk with other writers about your craft, about writing a query letter, getting over writers block or building your readership or following.
TEDxPiscataquaRiver
The flagship event is an annual event — but that one event will connect you to all sorts of interesting and creative leaders in Portsmouth and the region. There are also volunteer committees and other satellite events to continue the conversation around the ideas expressed on the TEDx stage each year.
Feminist Oasis
Feminist Oasis organizes anywhere between 4-15 meetups or events each month. Some are free, others are paid, and they include coworking sessions, field trips, parties and discussions. If you’re interested in exploring intersectional feminist ways of living and doing business, check out these events. (Full disclosure: this business was founded and is organized by the Editor in Chief of the PortsmouthLOVE Letter.)
Book discussions at the library
If you want to join a book club but don’t know who to invite, you can join book discussions at the library.
Digital Portsmouth
#DigitalPorts is one of my favorite events in all of Portsmouth. It happens roughly every quarter, and was the precursor to the Innovation & Leadership Series at The Music Hall Loft. Various past topics have included a Bitcoin Symposium, The Art of Copywriting and The Art of Web & Mobile Apps.
OUT LOUD Book Club
Every month, folks gather and read. Out Loud. **More literary-focused meetups here**
Business After Hours / Power Biz Hour
The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth hosts monthly Business After Hours and regular Biz Power Hour events — they are a great way to meet other business pros.
NH Tweetup
I don’t believe these events are still happening, but it’s still a useful resource to look up and connect with local folks who are active online!
03801moz
This was a campaign to bring Mozcation to Portsmouth (we did it!) — while the event was a few years ago, the site is still a great resource for meetups in the area, and has some great writeups (if I do say so myself) about why Portsmouth is go great.