Connecting with Others:

Where are the Best Job Seeker/Other Career Workshops and Networking Events Held?

We need your Input! Let Us Know About Career Transition Groups in YOUR Area! Please PAY-IT-FORWARD!

Note: Every effort has been made to reflect accurate information, but visitors are encouraged to check websites or otherwise confirm information prior to traveling to these venues.

Please also check Eventbrite.com. Meetup.com, LinkedIn.com Groups, Facebook.com groups, Craigslist.com, and churches and libraries for other local networking events.

AMA (American Marketing Association): San Diego Chapter meetings (check for chapters local to your area). Consult AMA.org (Cost involved: Members/Non-Members) https://www.ama.org/

All-Star Executive Coaching Boot Camp for Executives in Transition: Invitation-ONLY (FREE) Founded by Kimberly Roush, CCPC, CPA and Owner of All-Star Executive Coaching in conjunction with Christi Haley-Stover of Platinum Resource Group & Tenny Poole of Positive Talent Strategies. This is a 4-week series with the objective of providing a forum for approximately 12-15 executives to define/refine their expectations about the transition process, network at a more productive level with peers and build mutually beneficial relationships, share best practices and provide encouragement and support; be creative in helping one another. This series is repeated in cycles and meets every Tuesday from 1:30-4:00 pm at the offices of Platinum Resources. The primary purpose is to allow participants to help each other. Forum covers a wide range of discussion topics and an introduction to the power of coaching are covered. Consult one of these websites for more information: https://www.allstarexecutivecoaching.com/, http://www.platinumresourcegroup.com/

CareerNet Executive Leadership Network Meetings: Due to the global pandemic and as a courtesy to executives in transition in Southern California, these monthly meetings (previously held at locations in San San Diego and Orange County, CA), are being held via ZOOM conference calls for a nominal fee (currently $10). Once Southern California settles in to a new version of normal, on-site meetings will resume once a month with a schedule and locations to be announced. Although the ZOOM session is gratis, pre-registration is required. Mark James, President of Hire Consulting Services and is the host and facilitator. He can be reached at [email protected]. You must attend a meeting before being invited to the Linkedln group. CareerNet networking meetings are exclusively for executives in career transition and leaders in Southern California and are focused solely on helping you improve your networking skills, increase your contacts, and shape your job-search efforts. In these productive networking sessions you will also receive feedback, suggestions, and referrals that will improve the quality of your job search campaign strategy. If you are planning to change jobs, looking for a new career position, considering starting your own business, consulting practice or buying a franchise, this is the career networking meeting to attend! For more information and registration click: https://hireconsulting.com/events/ .

Challenger Networking Group (CA): This virtual networking group is designed for California executives in all disciplines who are interested in enriching their careers, forming new contacts, and into a great new job opportunity. It is sponsored by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. and is hosted by Pete Tzavalas. More information on LinkedIn Groups at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2037237/.

C-Suite Connector / South Bay Los Angeles FENG: Where Personal Relationships and Career Opportunity Intersect. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6 pm, and a Lunch and Learn is held with programs provided by a partner on the first Monday of each month at Noon. Information can be found at https://csuiteconnector.com/. Contact Bill Gage at (310) 741-1253 or Mike Goddard at (310) 951-5467 for more information.

Device Alliance: Device Alliance is the only non-profit organization focused exclusively on promoting the vitality of Southern California’s medical device community. They are a tight-knit group of professionals who exchange ideas and insights which give each member a competitive edge in the marketplace. Monthly mixers and events with medical and Dental mid-level Managers, Directors, VPs and C-Level professionals) will resume TBD. For calendar or events, e-mail [email protected]. General information: http://www.devicealliance.org/.

Evolution OC: An informal group for job seekers in transition to seek help and support in their search, and for others to give back and help. We meet the second Saturday of each month at 9 am. Follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook for more details. Contact Bill Gage in Los Angeles for details.

Executive Next Practices Institute (ENP Institute): The Executive Next Practices Forum is an established network of FORTUNE 5000 C Level and key executive leaders (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, CIO, HR) who meet to review “first look” innovations in business and leadership strategies. Our unique and highly collaborative sessions are held in a non-solicitation environment to encourage leaders to engage, create and build powerful business relationships. Our members and guests meet globally and regionally in both live and virtual settings. Contact information: 888.857.9722 and [email protected] or https://www.enpinstitute.com/.

Executives International | Advancing the success of financial executives through information, community and advocacy – FEI.
The Financial Executives Networking Group has Chapter Chairs. Located in most major cities in the continental United States as well as a chapter in London, China and Canada. https://www.financialexecutives.org/

Laguna Niguel Connectors: Join the career networking group on the 1st Wed of every month- evenings from 5:30 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom (until further notice). This group also holds a career workshop event for those wishing support in a smaller forum called Rocket on the 1st Friday of each month at 9 am PT on Zoom (until further notice), In addition, they offer a LinkedIn Group with job leads, announcements, and networking tips. The group’s mission is to help local and global business professionals stay connected by providing support, warm introductions, and ongoing leadership development resources to our network. Connect via the LinkedIn group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/672947/ and join their member email distribution list for helpful career posts, access to recruiter job posts, and other information at [email protected]

McDermott & Bull: Executive Accountability & Networking Group: McDermott and Bull Executive Network was created in 2002 by McDermott & Bull Executive Search.
The McDermott + Bull Executive Network (EN) is a community of established executives who are here for you at any stage of your career. Committed to enhancing the development of senior-level executives through valuable resources and networking opportunities, the EN offers access to a membership of qualified professionals seeking to expand their knowledge, contacts, and reach across North America and Europe. They host 150+ events throughout the year, creating valuable networking opportunities with thousands of senior-level executives. To apply for membership, visit https://mbexec.net/ or for a listing of events in North America and Europe: https://mbexec.net/events/.

Saddleback Church Career Coaching & Counseling Ministry: Monday evenings – until further notice, this workshop is available via Zoom. Please register on Saddleback Community website or the link below. (At some point, they may resume in person). This is one of the largest career search resources that features Zoom breakout groups and classes for virtually any career need. For ministry information, visit:
https://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/career-coaching-and-counseling/lake-forest
To register for workshops, click https://saddleback.com/events?ministry=1170

Sales & Marketing Leadership Alliance (SMLA) networking group: Formed to serve as a resource for sales management professionals in the San Diego and Orange County areas. New geographic support markets include Austin, TX and Los Angeles. The objective is to build a community of sales and business development leaders, providing world-class educational opportunities while connecting these professionals to the region’s top-notch resource providers. The cost is $40 for non-members to attend live events, and while things remain virtual, the cost is $10 per online event. Events draw an average of 35 attendees each month. This group is run by Ken Schmitt of Turning Point Executive Search. https://www.salesmarketingalliance.com/

San Diego Bioscience Forum (SDBF): The San Diego Bioscience Forum meets online on Zoom on the 1st Friday of each month at 1:30 pm PT. In terms of format, each member introduces themselves and articulates their job-search goals, target companies and geographic preferences. The purpose is to focus on how to advance each member’s search which is especially critical in light of the need for online networking due to reduced social contact. Contact the founder, James Wiesner at [email protected] or meeting facilitator, Mark Title at [email protected].

San Diego Biotechnology Network (SDBN): A group of biotechnology professionals in the San Diego area committed to increasing networking and communication between our members. Membership is open to those working at a biotechnology, diagnostics, green technology, medical devices, or pharmaceutical company in the Greater San Diego area. We host casual monthly events in which we actively promote face to face networking, and also allow members to connect and interact on LinkedIn. Events feature new/exciting companies or focus on a topic of interest, and we continually elicit feedback from the group. ***Please note that we are restricting membership to those working, recently working, or currently living in the San Diego area. Check LinkedIn for meeting dates: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/876387/.

San Diego Workforce Partnership: Equips job seekers to increase their economic mobility, help a businesses grow, rebuild, and thrive equitably, and prepares children and young adults for the world of work. They are founded on the belief in the power and dignity of work, fight for equity and inclusion and dedicate themselves building programs that meet people where they are. They help those in transition find their next job. They also help people connect what they know, love and need with what the market demands. Career preparation begins in the classroom and continues throughout life. They offer services, custom programs and unique initiatives that are redefining what workforce development can—and must—be, because everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. NOTE: Career Centers are located throughout San Diego. Visit https://workforce.org/career-centers/ for locations. For more information, visit https://workforce.org/whatwedo-2/. For an event listing, visit https://workforce.org/events/.

SCORE:SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. With the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964.
With SCORE, you are not alone on your business journey. Score has a team of over 10,000 volunteer business mentors is ready to help your small business survive—and thrive—through any crisis. For more information, visit: https://www.score.org/.

Thompson Search Executives in Transition Networking Meetings: Director and above with $150K+ base salary can attend Judy Thompson’s monthly transition meetings. Two morning sessions on Friday (8 am and 10 am. Check ThompsonSearch.com for details. Subscribe to Judy’s networking events newsletter. It is very robust! Hosted by Judy Thompson of Brown Thompson Executive Search in San Diego. For mire information, visit https://www.thompsonsearch.com/interim-home/

VETCTAP prepares our military heroes AND their spouses to be successful in today’s civilian workplace through an interactive and informative workshop series, and is free to transitioning military, veterans, and spouses. They focus on those who have been in the military 10 or more years. Workshops require PRE-REGISTRATION and are held in 3 locations in San Diego County (Oceanside, Carlsbad and Rancho Bernardo). They are interactive and are held in the evenings two times per week for four weeks. Registrants can get one-on-one coaching and assistance with resumes, interview skills, networking techniques, and more. A binder and flash drive with valuable materials, handouts, books, and resources will be provided. Program has a 90+% sustained success rate! Participants MUST pre-register at https://www.vetctap.org/  For more information, click [email protected]

More California-Based Networking Groups/Events Information:
Orange County events from another local career coach, Heather Wish low of A Turning Point): http://aturningpoint.com/category/networking/ Other CA-based groups/events (Posted by Ken Schmitt, and Executive Coach and owner of Turning Point Executive Search):https://turningpointexecsearch.com/resources/networking-groups/ CA-based groups/events: (Posted by Judy Thompson Executive Financial Search. Please subscribe to their newsletter.) http://thompsonfinancialsearch.com/main/networking.htm

Special CA-Based Events: TBD:
*A part of this list was compiled courtesy of the Temecu Net team. Data gathered directly from each group’s publicly published data. Updated by ECC 11/19/20.

St. Joseph Career Transition Group is a free networking, support and faith enrichment group sponsored by the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, at 16000 143rd Street in Olathe, KS. This group Meets Wednesday Mornings at 7:00 – 8:30 AM in the St. Mark / St.Luke room of the Parish Basement. https://groups.google.com/g/nativity-transition-group/c/1NpTC9zITQo

New Jersey: Neighbors-helping-Neighbors : NhN is a free job search support group open to all residents of Bergen. Passaic, Essex, Morris, Sussex, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth and Warren Counties in New Jersey. Regardless of career discipline or objective, members include workers in transition; recent college graduates; unemployed and underemployed professionals; those re-entering the job market; small business owners, and retirees seeking part-time work. Regional groups meet at libraries throughout NJ and are open to additional programs in libraries both in NJ and in other states. https://www.nhnusa.org/index.html