Upcoming Events
Collaborate to Elevate: Elevate Your Greatness
Join Melissa Dotson as she reveals actionable steps that will lead you to living a more conscious life that is unapologetically yours.
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 3rd installment, join Melissa Dotson as she reveals actionable steps that will lead you to living a more conscious life that is unapologetically yours.
Date and time: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:
Rieke Interiors
2000 Fox Lane Elgin, IL 60123
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, February 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Bell Works Chicagoland
2000 Center Drive Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Connect and Dine Networking Event
Connect and Dine unites people over great food to collaborate, build power partnerships, support local spots, and help each other win.
Always Be Connecting’s Connect and Dine series brings people together where real connections happen around great food. Our first stop in the Connect and Dine series takes us to Vasco’s Peri Peri in Schaumburg, a restaurant inspired by fast-paced, casual sit-down dining and a celebration of Portuguese and Indian cuisine. Vasco’s was created to offer a unique way of eating, bringing together fresh, nourishing flavors of Portuguese food with a bold Indian twist. It’s the perfect setting to connect, collaborate, and experience something memorable while supporting a standout local restaurant.
Lunch available for purchase.
Date and time:
Monday, February 16, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Vasco's Peri Peri
927 South Roselle Road Schaumburg, IL 60193
Campus to Career Connect II: Networking Event
Join us for this dynamic networking event designed to connect students, young professionals, and business owners in a fun setting.
Join us for Campus to Career Connect, a dynamic networking event designed to connect students, emerging professionals, and business owners in a fun and welcoming setting.
Powered by Always Be Connecting, this event brings together individuals at different stages of their career journey with professionals and business leaders who value meaningful relationships. Whether you are exploring career paths, seeking mentorship, or looking to expand your professional network, this event is an ideal place to start.
Enjoy authentic conversations, genuine connections, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new people and discover new opportunities. This is a community where everyone is welcome, and every connection matters.
Come as you are and leave with new insights, valuable relationships, and fresh inspiration
Date and time:
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: MOTW Coffee and Pastries
1440 Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
Community Giveback Event: Souper Bowl of Soups Cook-Off
Our fifth annual soup tasting fundraising event features fellowship, delicious soups, community networking, free parking and a cash bar at our new location - the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg.
Participants will sample soups prepared and served by area restaurants and students enrolled in the D211 high schools culinary arts program (Conant, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Schaumburg) and vote for their favorite soups.
Our 2026 Soup Cook-Off Restaurant and D211 Culinary Arts Program Division Champions will be announced at the end of the event.
Proceeds will benefit the Schaumburg Township food pantry in addition to other areas of need as determined by Schaumburg A.M. Rotary.
Date and time: Thursday, February 26, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location:
Chicago Marriott Schaumburg
50 N Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Community Giveback Event: Giving Group’s Pins 4 Paws
Pins 4 Paws returns for its 4th year, bringing our community together for an afternoon of bowling, laughter, and meaningful impact for animals in need. This year, funds raised will support the Giving Group’s Pets Initiative, with the majority of donations benefiting two incredible partners: Soul Harbour Ranch and Chicagoland Dog Rescue.
Whether you join us as a bowler, sponsor, volunteer, or cheerleader, you’ll be helping provide care, comfort, and second chances to pets and therapy animals in our area. From essential medical support to training, adoption efforts, and therapy programming—your participation truly matters.
Expect friendly competition, raffles, and plenty of wagging tails in spirit. Bring your team, bring your energy, and help us create a Ripple of Compassion.
Date and time: Sunday, March 1, 2026 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Poplar Creek Bowl
2354 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Connection Catalyst Networking Event
Networking at Swing Loose Indoor Golf powered by Always Be Connecting to spark connections, collaboration, and power partner opportunities. Powered by Always Be Connecting, this one-of-a-kind networking experience is designed to spark powerful conversations, foster meaningful collaboration, and help you build lasting relationships—including potential power partners.
Set in the vibrant and relaxed atmosphere of Swing Loose Indoor Golf in Hoffman Estates, Connection Catalyst combines professional networking with the excitement of indoor golf on world-class simulators. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time, you'll enjoy swinging, socializing, and sharing laughs in a fun, interactive setting.
Date and time: Thursday, March 5, 2026 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Swing Loose Indoor Golf
2000 Center Drive, Suite A206, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
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, March 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Swing Loose Indoor Golf
2000 Center Drive, Suite A206, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
ABC/Northwest Business Network Collab - Networking Event
Join Northwest Business Network and Always Be Connecting for this great opportunity to mingle with local go-getters, and to grow your business network. You'll get to participate in a casual event with natural networking, making connections that are not forced, but organic. What better way to network than at CoCo & Blu in Arlington Heights with some of their delicious cocktails and appetizers!
Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location:
CoCo & Blu
12 South Dunton Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60005