International Networking Week
Whether in-person or online, networking helps build valuable relationships for personal and professional growth.
Position your brand as a connector of business leaders and professionals by hosting or sponsoring networking events during International Networking Week to drive B2B partnerships and lead generation.
- Host a virtual or in-person networking mixer and promote it as part of International Networking Week to attract local business decision-makers
- Create a LinkedIn/social campaign highlighting success stories of business connections made through networking, using #networkingweek
- Offer exclusive networking resources or webinars during the week to position your company as a thought leader in professional development
- Partner with BNI chapters or local business groups to co-host events and expand your reach within the professional community
Notable campaigns2
- Business Networking International (BNI): Launched 'Week of a Million Thank You's' campaign with global PR push, encouraging members to recognize referral partners on social media and in chapter meetings. Dr. Ivan Misner sent founder video message emphasizing gratitude and relationship strengthening. Campaign used launch video and daily guest blogs during the week.
- BNI: Global recognition initiative where BNI CEO traveled to thank leaders and members across regions during INW, with social media amplification of the gratitude theme across all 9,400+ chapters globally.
Campaign ideas8
- Host virtual networking events during the week—live LinkedIn/Zoom sessions with industry leaders, moderating discussions on relationship-building or referral strategies. Make it free and shareable.
- Create a 'Week of Thank Yous' campaign encouraging professionals to publicly recognize mentors, referral partners, or business connections via LinkedIn, Instagram, or email with branded hashtags (#GiveAThankYou, #NetworkingHeroes).
- Partner with B2B SaaS platforms (Calendly, HubSpot, Slack, etc.) to offer free trials, discounts, or bundled networking tools available only during INW week—position as 'networking enablers'.
- Launch a user-generated content contest: Ask professionals to share their best networking story, biggest business opportunity from networking, or photo from a networking event using a branded hashtag. Feature winners on social.
- Develop 'Speed Networking' micro-events in major cities—in-person or hybrid brief-format networking sessions sponsored by your brand, boosting local awareness and community engagement.
- Create educational content series: LinkedIn articles, blog posts, or video guides on networking tips (elevator pitches, follow-ups, asking for referrals, leveraging LinkedIn) published daily during the week.
- Run a LinkedIn carousel or infographic campaign: 'The 10 Networking Mistakes to Avoid' or '5 Ways to Follow Up After Meeting Someone'—drive engagement with comments and shares.
- Sponsor/partner with local BNI chapters: Offer exclusive discounts on your product/service to chapter members, run co-branded campaigns, or host a special INW event at the chapter level.
Social angles6
- "This Networking Week, we're celebrating the people who said YES when you asked. Who helped your business grow? Tag them below 👇 #InternationalNetworkingWeek #NetworkingHeroes"
- "Your network is your net worth. Spend this week saying thank you to the people who've opened doors for you. Share your networking story 👉 [link] #ItsWorthTheConnection"
- "5 awkward moments from networking events... and why they actually mean you're doing it right. Which one is you? #NetworkingLife #InternationalNetworkingWeek"
- "We're celebrating the introverts who showed up, the extroverts who followed up, and everyone building real business relationships. Your networking style matters. #ProudNetworker #INW2026"
- "Referrals > Ads. This Networking Week, we're all about word-of-mouth wins. What's the best business opportunity that came from a genuine connection? #ReferralMagic #Networking"
- "From LinkedIn DM to partnership. From coffee chat to client. Share your best networking outcome with us this week. 🤝 #MyNetworkingStory"]
Ad copy starters5
“"Build relationships that grow your business. Join thousands of professionals this Networking Week. Discover your people."”
“"Your next referral is waiting. Connect with intentional professionals during International Networking Week. Free event inside."”
“"Networking done right: authentic connections, real opportunities, zero small talk required. Join us Feb 1-7."”
“"The best sales tool? A genuine professional relationship. Celebrate Networking Week with us and unlock new doors."”
“"What if your next business breakthrough came from a conversation? Networking Week is here. Make it count."”
Tips4
- DO: Focus on gratitude and recognition—INW is rooted in thanking referral partners. Lean into the 'Week of Thank Yous' concept BNI pioneered. Make it emotional and authentic, not transactional.
- DO: Activate LinkedIn heavily—it's where B2B professionals live and where informal networking meets public visibility. Employee advocacy from your team strengthens reach.
- DON'T: Make it salesy or pushy. INW is about relationship-building, not hard selling. If you lead with value, community, and genuine connection, your brand builds credibility.
- DON'T: Ignore local BNI chapters—they're hyperlocal, organized, and deeply engaged. Sponsoring or partnering with local chapters gives you direct access to highly motivated professionals.
As an initiative of BNI®, International Networking Week allows for people to come together to listen to key networking specialists across the world to talk about the major issues and problems present in the everyday world.
By bringing together representatives of government, businesses and community leaders with those key specialists, solutions for the global market can arise and local businesses can bring about great social connections.
BNI, or the Business Network International, is an American networking organization with over 8,000 chapters worldwide and over 200,000 members. BNI founded International Networking Week as a key way to celebrate the ways networking plays in the development of businesses around the world.
During this time, BNI offers valuable resources and advice to those looking to expand their business and create valuable partnerships. This also gives businesses the opportunity to speak with official representatives of governments to talk about the pressing issues faced through business advents and find solutions to promote growth and success on all levels of the industry.
For many that participate in this event, valuable business connections form as well as great exposure for their companies, where those new to their industry can learn valuable advice from the best entrepreneurs out there.
Attend Networking Events
Find a local networking event hosted by BNI near you and take the time to learn about the local businesses near you. Throughout the week, BNI hosts various networking events that local businesses and other networking events can attend as well as bring visitors to create opportunities for networking, training, and qualifications. Make the most out of it by staying connected with the people you meet!
Share About Networking Week
If you found that experience worthwhile, then share this day on social media using the hashtag #networkingweek to get your friends and family in the action. Help out your community by getting those interested in social networking started on their career and invite them to a local event.
Host a Networking Event
If you’re part of a networking organization, speak with others about hosting a networking event of your own in your area so that valuable connections can form and new business venture may arise.