Networking Events in Belfast and Northern Ireland | Autumn 2026

Meeting the right people face to face still wins work, and this autumn there is no shortage of chances to do it. If you are looking for networking events in Belfast, or anywhere else in Northern Ireland, this guide brings together the business events on the LinkUp NI calendar between now and the end of the year. It covers Invest NI business breakfasts, Women in Business NI networking mornings, NI Chamber events and more.

For each event, you will find the date, the venue and what to expect. Prices and booking deadlines come from the organisers, so check the booking page before you commit.

Upcoming Business Events at a Glance

• Wednesday 14 October: Just Connect Mid Ulster, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy
• Thursday 15 October: Future Workforce Summit, Clandeboye Lodge, Bangor
• Tuesday 3 November: Business Breakfast, Ballymena
• Wednesday 4 November: Meet the Buyer, Affidea Stadium, Belfast
• Thursday 5 November: Business Breakfast, Newtownards
• Tuesday 10 November: Business Breakfast, Belfast and Just Connect Newry
• Thursday 12 November: Business Breakfast, Derry/Londonderry
• Tuesday 17 November: Business Breakfast, Newry
• Thursday 19 November: Business Breakfast, Omagh
• Wednesday 2 December: Just Connect West in Omagh and the NI Chamber Carol Service in Belfast

Networking Events in Belfast

Belfast has three events worth putting in your diary, and each one suits a different goal.

Meet the Buyer, 4 November

NI Chamber’s Meet the Buyer event takes place at Affidea Stadium. It gives suppliers pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with buyers who have active procurement needs. Confirmed buyers so far include Translink, NIE Networks, NI Water and Navantia, and there is time to network throughout the morning. Entry is free for NI Chamber members and £75 for non-members. Booking closes on 14 October, so act quickly if you want a place.

Business Breakfast, 10 November

Invest NI hosts a leadership breakfast at its headquarters at 1 Bedford Square, Bedford Street. Arrive from 9:00am for registration and breakfast, and the session starts at 9:30am. It is a practical way to meet other local owners and hear about the support available for growing a team.

NI Chamber Carol Service, 2 December

NI Chamber invites the business community to its annual carol service at St Anne’s Cathedral. Tickets are free for members and non-members, with up to 10 tickets per organisation. The booking deadline is 1 December. It makes a relaxed end-of-year occasion for meeting clients and contacts.

Invest NI Leadership Business Breakfasts

Invest NI is running the same leadership breakfast across six towns, so you can pick the one closest to you. Each session covers investing in leadership, management, skills and talent for future growth. It also looks at the skills businesses need to be future-ready, building a workforce for digital change and the Invest NI support available. Doors open at 9:00am, the session starts at 9:30am and it lasts around an hour.

• Ballymena, 3 November: Ecos Hub, Kernohans Lane, Broughshane Road
• Newtownards, 5 November: Ards Business Hub, Sketrick House, 16 Jubilee Road
• Belfast, 10 November: Invest NI HQ, 1 Bedford Square
• Derry/Londonderry, 12 November: Invest NI North Western Regional Office, Timber Quay, Strand Road
• Newry, 17 November: Invest NI Southern Regional Office, Drumalane Mill
• Omagh, 19 November: Invest NI Western Regional Office, 47 Kevlin Avenue

Check each booking page for the cost, as it is not listed on the event pages.

Just Connect: Women in Business NI Networking Mornings

Women in Business NI runs the Just Connect series for women in business. Each morning combines a speaker or panel, a Q&A and facilitated networking, with arrival and refreshments from 10:00am. Entry is free for members and £60 plus VAT for non-members.

• Mid Ulster, 14 October: Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, with a guest speaker session
• Newry, 10 November: STATSports, with a panel discussion, covering Newry, Mourne, Down and Armagh
• West, 2 December: Omagh Enterprise, with a guest speaker session, covering Omagh, Enniskillen and Tyrone

Future Workforce Summit, Bangor

On 15 October, NI Chamber brings employers, educators and policymakers together at Clandeboye Lodge in Bangor. The summit looks at how the next generation of 16 to 24 year olds will change the world of work. Topics include recruitment and retention, skills, career pathways and workplace expectations. Entry is free for NI Chamber members and £100 for non-members.

Which Event Is Right for You?

With so many dates to choose from, it helps to match the event to your aim. Here is a simple way to decide.

• You sell to larger organisations: Meet the Buyer puts you in front of procurement teams
• You want advice on growing a team: choose your nearest Invest NI breakfast
• You want a supportive local network: try a Just Connect morning in your area
• You are recruiting or training staff: the Future Workforce Summit covers skills and talent
• You want to thank clients and contacts: the NI Chamber Carol Service is a friendly way to end the year

You do not have to attend everything. Instead, pick one or two events that fit your goals, prepare well and follow up properly. That approach usually brings better results than collecting business cards at every session.

How to Get More From a Networking Event

Turning up is the first step, but a little preparation makes the morning far more useful.

• Set one goal: decide whether you want a supplier, a customer or a referral partner
• Prepare a short introduction: aim for one or two sentences on what you do and who you help
• Ask questions first: people remember the person who listened
• Swap details: bring business cards or have your website ready to share
• Follow up within a week: a short message while the conversation is fresh works best

What Happens After You Meet People

Someone who meets you at a breakfast will often search for your business afterwards. They will check your website, your Google Business Profile and any directories you appear in. If those details match, you look credible. If they do not, you may lose the lead.

A LinkUp NI listing gives you a consistent, reviewed record of your name, location and services. A free listing covers the basics, and a Featured Listing costs £47 for 12 months. For more on keeping your details consistent, read our guide to Google Business Profile tips for Northern Ireland businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these networking events free?

It depends on the event. Just Connect is free for Women in Business NI members and £60 plus VAT for non-members. NI Chamber events vary, with Meet the Buyer at £75 for non-members and the Future Workforce Summit at £100 for non-members. The carol service is free. Invest NI breakfasts show their cost on the booking page.

Do I need to be a member to attend?

Not always. Non-members can attend the Women in Business NI and NI Chamber events above, but they pay a higher price. The carol service is free for members and non-members.

What time do the Invest NI breakfasts start?

Registration and breakfast begin at 9:00am. The session starts at 9:30am and lasts around one hour.

Which event suits suppliers looking for new customers?

Meet the Buyer is the most direct option, as it offers pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with buyers. Book before 14 October.

Can I add my own business event to LinkUp NI?

Yes. LinkUp NI has a business events calendar, and you can submit your own event for review. Browse the full events calendar to see what is listed.

Find More Local Business Events

Dates and details can change, so confirm everything with the organiser before you travel. Browse the full LinkUp NI events calendar for new additions, and add your business to LinkUp NI so the people you meet can find you.

If you run a local business and want to be found by the people you meet at events like these, add it to the free Northern Ireland business directory on LinkUp NI.