Upcoming Events
Collaborate to Elevate:
Always Be Connecting the S.M.A.R.T. Way
Collaborate to Elevate is Always Be Connecting’s keynote series featuring inspirational speakers who explore topics vital to business leaders and nonprofits. Rooted in our core values of collaboration, relationship building, and community engagement, this series offers practical insights to elevate both individual and organizational impact.
In this 4th installment, Brian Smith, PhD introduces S.M.A.R.T. Communication, a disciplined framework for transforming networking conversations into measurable, lasting influence.
Networking is often treated as a numbers game, more meetings, more conversations, more visibility. But sustainable growth does not come from more connections. It comes from better ones.In this dynamic and interactive session, Brian Smith, PhD introduces S.M.A.R.T. Communication, a disciplined framework for transforming networking conversations into measurable, lasting influence.
Date and time: Thursday, May 14, 2026 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: BluSky Restoration Contractors
3200 Squibb Avenue Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Village Networking Lunch Connect
A midday lunch where you can connect and get to know other business folks in a family room atmosphere. Lunch will be provided.
Date and time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Bell Market
2000 Center Drive, #STE EAST B201, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Connection Catalyst: Networking Event
Join us for Connection Catalyst!
Powered by Always Be Connecting, this dynamic networking event is designed to ignite meaningful relationships and spark transformative opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Connection Catalyst offers a space to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and expand your network.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. Together, we’ll fuel the sparks that drive success!
Drinks, Lite Bites, and Connections included.
Date and time: Thursday, May 28, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Global Brew Tap House
339 West Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60195
Connection Catalyst: Networking Event
Join us for Connection Catalyst: An Elevated Networking Experience!
Ready to take your professional circle to new heights? Powered by a collaboration between Always Be Connecting, Connected with Purpose, and Matt McClure - Edward Jones, we invite you to a networking event like no other.
We’re taking the conversation sky-high at the beautiful, scenic Chez Paul Rooftop, perched atop the elegant Chez Hotel in Arlington Heights.
Why you can’t miss this:
Experience the perfect blend of professional energy and sophisticated relaxation. Network against the backdrop of stunning panoramic views as the sun sets over the city.
Sip on handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, or premium beers. It’s the perfect environment to spark authentic conversations and transformative opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a rising entrepreneur, you’ll find a welcoming space to forge high-level partnerships and exchange visionary ideas.
Don’t just network, experience the catalyst for your next big success. Join us for an evening of inspiration, elegant surroundings, and purposeful connections.
Date and time: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Chez Paul Rooftop
519 Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Trades Connect - Networking Event
Join us for Trades Connect, a dynamic networking event designed specifically for contractors! This event powered by Always Be Connecting, offers a unique opportunity to build valuable relationships within the industry. Connect with fellow contractors and explore the possibilities for collaboration that can arise from every interaction. Don’t miss the chance to expand your network and unlock new opportunities—every attendee represents a potential gateway to success. Come ready to network and grow!
THIS EVENT IS FOR TRADES PROFESSIONALS AND CONTRACTORS ONLY.
Date and time: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Buddyz Pizzeria
1138 North Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
The Networking Supercharger:
From Transactional Networking to Power Partnerships
Stop collecting contacts. Start building high-value partnerships.
Are you tired of the cold, transactional nature of traditional networking? Are you ready to move beyond the inefficiency of basic small talk and build relationships that actually grow your business?
Join Raghu Sundara, Founder of Always Be Connecting, for The Networking Supercharger—a group coaching workshop designed to transform how you connect.
Date and time: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: HuddleUp powered by 25N Coworking
1600 West McConnor Parkway, Suite 300, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Trades Connect - Networking Event
Join us for Trades Connect, a dynamic networking event designed specifically for contractors! This event powered by Always Be Connecting, offers a unique opportunity to build valuable relationships within the industry. Connect with fellow contractors and explore the possibilities for collaboration that can arise from every interaction. Don’t miss the chance to expand your network and unlock new opportunities—every attendee represents a potential gateway to success. Come ready to network and grow!
THIS EVENT IS FOR TRADES PROFESSIONALS AND CONTRACTORS ONLY.
Date and time: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Buddyz Pizzeria
1138 North Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
ABC Partner Event: Build The Team You
Wish You Could Afford presented by Solvo Global
Learn how smart companies scale their teams without exploding payroll.
Growing companies often reach a point where revenue is increasing, but operational capacity is not. Hiring locally becomes expensive, leadership bandwidth gets stretched, and critical work stays stuck on the founder or executive team.
In this session, you will learn how high-performing organizations structure their teams to remove operational bottlenecks, delegate effectively, and build scalable workforces that grow alongside revenue while protecting margins.
This talk focuses on the practical strategies that successful founders and operators use to increase output without increasing overhead.
You will walk away with a clearer framework for identifying which roles should be delegated first, how to structure teams for efficiency, and how to build operational capacity that supports real growth.
Date and time: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HuddleUp powered by 25N Coworking
1600 West McConnor Parkway, Suite 300, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Hopemark Health's Mental Health & Wellness Summit
This event presented by Hopemark Health is designed for therapy practices, practitioners, and business owners who want to deepen their understanding of today’s evolving mental healthcare landscape, both for their clients and themselves.
You’ll learn about innovative treatments like Ketamine and TMS, see how practices blend holistic and clinical approaches to improve outcomes, and hear real stories of hope, healing, and transformation.
Core Summit Topics:
Nervous system regulation and trauma-informed care
Healing beyond talk therapy (somatic and holistic modalities)
Novel mental health treatments: TMS, Ketamine, and Spravato
Integrating clinical, holistic, and embodied practices
Community resources that support long-term mental wellness
Date and time: Thursday, June 18, 2026 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: BluSky Restoration Contractors
3200 Squibb Avenue Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
ABC Pack Day at Feed My Starving Children
Join Always Be Connecting for a Pack Day at Feed My Starving Children – Schaumburg!
We’re coming together as a community to give back in a meaningful way. This special ABC Pack Day is all about rolling up our sleeves, building connections, and making a real impact—together.
Whether you're part of a business, organization, or simply looking to do some good, this is a great opportunity to serve alongside like-minded people and help feed children in need around the world.
Date and time: Friday, June 26, 2026 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Feed My Starving Children, 740 Wiley Farm Court, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Giving Group's Bash 4 the Brave Fundraiser
Bash 4 the Brave is back—and we couldn’t be more proud to bring it home.
This family-friendly community event is a celebration of the veterans, active military members, and families who give so much of themselves every day. Bash 4 the Brave brings neighbors together for good food, live music, and entertainment for all ages in a space where appreciation, connection, and joy take center stage.
More than a celebration, Bash 4 the Brave is a way to turn gratitude into action. The majority of donations raised at this event will support Giving Group’s Veterans Initiative, including our new partnership with Salute, Inc. Together, we’re working to provide direct, meaningful support to local veterans and their families by helping subsidize essential living needs such as rent, utilities, gas, and other day-to-day necessities.
Date and time: Sunday, July 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: The Biergarten by BarleyHaus
500 Park Blvd Lake Level, Itasca, IL 60143
Switching Gears:
The Pivot Between Networking and Selling
A candid fireside chat on the pivot between networking and selling. Know when to network and when to sell to grow your business.
Most professionals attend networking events hoping to generate business, but very few know how to convert relationships into revenue without coming across as pushy or transactional.
The truth is, networking and selling are two completely different skill sets. This workshop is powered by the collaboration between Always Be Connecting and Pipeline Collective to help you master the transition between the two.