How to Run a Weekly Networking Meeting (Sample Agenda)

A good weekly meeting is predictable, on time and focused on referrals. Members know what to expect, guests see how the group works, and everyone leaves with something to act on.

Sample agenda (90 minutes)

1. Open networking and check-in (15 minutes). Members and guests arrive, check in and talk.
2. Welcome (5 minutes). The leader opens, welcomes guests by name and covers announcements.
3. Introductions (25 minutes). Each member gives a short introduction: who they are, what they do and the referral they're looking for this week. Guests introduce themselves too.
4. Featured speaker (10–15 minutes). One member presents their business in more depth: what they do best, their ideal client, and how to spot a referral for them.
5. Passing referrals and thank-yous (15 minutes). Members announce referrals they've passed and thank members for business closed.
6. Close (5 minutes). Next week's speaker, open categories, and a reminder to book one-to-ones.

Tips that make a difference

• Start and end on time. Busy professionals come back to meetings that respect their schedule.
• Book speakers ahead. A schedule several weeks out gives speakers time to prepare and lets the chapter promote them.
• Ask for something specific. "Introductions to property managers in York County" works better than "anyone who needs insurance".
• Follow up with guests within a day, while the visit is fresh.
• Celebrate closed business. Thank-yous are the best advertisement a chapter has.

Keep the paperwork out of the room

Sign-in sheets, referral slips and speaker spreadsheets take time away from the meeting. A check-in QR code, a speaker schedule members can see on their phones, and referrals logged in seconds keep the focus on people. See QR check-in vs. sign-in sheets.