Networking
NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS
We typically host 150+ events each year. Our network of over 700 businesses allows us to effectively connect you with the resources you need. As a member of the Iowa City Area Business Partnership, you’ll have access to members-only discounts to events and more!
Visit the Member Directory to find Business Partners in your area.
Connect with over 800 of our valued members!
Business PMs
The Business Partnership is proud to promote the Business PM Series as an inclusive networking opportunity for our current and future members. These open networking events are hosted by various member businesses in their locations, allowing attendees an opportunity to see their spaces and meet their staff. Business PMs take place from 4:30-6:00 pm on the 4th Thursdays of March, May, June, August, and September.
RIBBON CUTTINGS / GRAND OPENINGS
We’ll bring the giant scissors or the golden shovels as we help you celebrate your new, remodeled, or expanded business with a ribbon-cutting or groundbreaking ceremony. Photos from your event will be posted on our social media platforms and more!
eventS calendar
From our sponsored networking events to member specific initiatives, concerts, local community events and more, our Events Calendar page will keep you up-to-date on current social occasions in our community!
Visit our calendar often to register for an event and up your networking game!
Referrals
We are the go-to organization in Johnson County for all things business-related. Our phone rings daily with questions about business contacts. The Business Partnership averages 800 referrals annually for each of our members through numerous phone calls, daily email inquiries, and interactions with members of the business community. We also consistently refer media to our members for newsworthy public relations opportunities.
First Friday Coffee Connections
Come join us at a rotating member business for an hour of energetic networking before you head off for the daily grind. No RSVP is required.
The idea for Coffee Connections came from the North Liberty Steering Committee, with the purpose of connecting members of the business community before they head to work. Get this on your calendars, as we meet on the First Friday of every month.
Roundtable Lunches
We invite all members to join us for an hour of proactive networking. Please come prepared to meet other business people, share business and/or community announcements, and frequent a member restaurant. We hope to see you there!
The Coralville Roundtable, chaired by Dan Kuenzi of City Construction, meets every Monday at noon. The Iowa City Roundtable, chaired by Colleen Brown of Hills Bank, meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at noon. The North Liberty Roundtable meets every third Wednesday at noon.
Networking opportunities in greater Iowa City
Learn about our events or subscribe to my weekly email. My emails make it easy to track the week’s upcoming events – and they’re delivered right to your inbox.
Let’s connect you to the greater Iowa City business community!
CITY CONNECTIONS
Our City Connection networking events are the best place to see and be seen by the Iowa City area business community!
City Connections span Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty – hosted by a variety of our member businesses. View our events calendar to find upcoming locations and register.
All team and staff of Business Partnership member businesses or ICAD investor businesses are invited to attend! If your company is not a member, you’re invited to attend one of our City Connections to get to know our community and discuss membership.
Not sure if your company is a member? Check our Member Directory or contact us to ask!
- Register for the City Connection you’re planning to attend on our events calendar. There is no charge to register/attend, other than purchasing a light meal or drink.
Each City Connection includes a time for everyone in attendance to share updates, news, or requests. If your company has an announcement or if you’re looking for support, be prepared to share!
Finally, we recommend bringing your business cards or a way to follow up with the people you meet!
City Connections include a designated time for everyone to share updates, news, or requests with the entire group. During this time, our city officials often give updates on projects, news, and opportunities in our communities. We also enjoy a light meal or drink and informal networking time.
Every Monday
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Rotating venues in Coralville
First Friday of the Month
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Rotating venues in North Liberty
Second Wednesday of the Month
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Rotating venues in Iowa City
BUSINESS PM
Business PM’s are a monthly networking event for our current and future members, hosted by a different Business Partnership member each month. Enjoy complimentary drinks, food, games, and tours! They’re a great opportunity to discover more about the host business and network with a large group in an inclusive and fun environment.
All team and staff of Business Partnership member businesses or ICAD investor businesses are invited to attend! If your company is not a member, you’re invited to attend one of our Business PM’s to get to know our community and discuss membership.
Not sure if your company is a member? Check our Member Directory or contact us to ask!
- Register for the Business PM you’re planning to attend on our events calendar. There is no charge to register/attend.
Get ready to have a great time! Business PM’s are designed for mix & mingle networking. They’re a laid-back, fun atmosphere for you to connect with local business people and community leaders. Hosts often provide fun activities and tours to kick things off!
Finally, we recommend bringing your business cards or a way to follow up with the people you meet!
Fourth Thursday of the Month
4:30 – 6:30 PM
A new venue each month!
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Ribbon Cuttings are events to celebrate a business! Whether it’s a grand opening, a new location, or a milestone anniversary – these events are the perfect opportunity to support the growth and development of our business community. Plus, you’ll get to meet the people behind the business and network with fellow attendees. Ribbon Cuttings are an upbeat, fun, and exciting place to connect with other business people.
Ribbon Cuttings are open to the public. Anyone can attend to help us celebrate!
- Register for the Ribbon Cutting you’re planning to attend on our events calendar. There is no charge to register/attend.
Get ready to have a great time! Ribbon Cutting celebrations are very different, based on who/what we are celebrating. There is always time to meet the people behind the business and to mix & mingle with other attendees.
Finally, we recommend bringing your business cards or a way to follow up with the people you meet!
Tuesdays or Thursdays, March through October
4:30 – 5:30 PM (generally)
At the location of the Member Business we are celebrating!
Email us at info@iowacityarea.com to request a ribbon cutting!
REFERRAL GROUPS
Our Referral Groups connect non-competing Business Partnership members for the sole purpose of sharing leads, referrals, tips, information, and advice that directly support their ability to drive business.
Currently two Referral Groups operate:
AM Group: 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 7:45 – 9:00 am
PM Group: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Email us at info@iowacityarea.com to get involved!
CONNECT & NETWORK WITH US!
Connect with us prior to any event with questions or concerns via email at info@iowacityarea.com or via phone at 319-337-9637.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Iowa City Area Business Partnership events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in one of our events, please contact us in advance.
