NetworkingAF is back! And you’re invited

Some of you may have read about NetworkingAF on the LexRex blog or seen social media activity talking about this event series. I hope that some of you even attended! But what is NetworkingAF?

NetworkingAF is networking for lawyers and senior employees of law firms and legal businesses. I’ve written recently about why I decided to set up a networking group, and if you’re interested, you can read that here (ignore the title, it’s not just a review).

In addition to a desire to create a networking group, I also wanted to try and create something as inclusive as possible, NetworkingAF was born!

Why is NetworkingAF inclusive?

I’ve noticed for a while that many (most!?) networking events aimed at the legal sector involve alcohol in some format or other. And even when they don’t, they are often held on premises that serve alcohol. I know that for some people this is a problem – they don’t want to be around alcohol. This may be for religious or cultural reasons, they don’t enjoy alcohol, don’t want to drink, don’t want to be around people who drink, they are sober or sober curious. I don’t really care whether people drink or don’t drink (I quite like a wheat beer or a glass of wine, I’ll be honest). I do care though when I get a feeling that I might be inadvertently excluding people from enjoying an opportunity to network.

NetworkingAF is therefore fully alcohol-free and takes place in a venue where no alcohol is served, ever. It’s a dry bar. And although alcohol-free wine- and beer-style beverages are served, this isn’t a route that we’ve gone down with the event. You won’t find any mocktails either. NetworkingAF’s vibe isn’t about perpetuating alcohol culture just in a booze-free way, it’s a recognition and celebration of getting together without needing either a drink, or a fake drink.

At this point I should also point out that, because I don’t like to do things by half-measures, the food we serve is also super-inclusive. Again, an alcohol-free lifestyle for cultural or religious reasons may come hand-in-hand with dietary requirements. If this is you – please know that I want you to attend and be able to enjoy ALL aspects of the event. All of the food served is vegan, and you will have the opportunity to notify me of any dietary requirements in advance. We can (and we most certainly will) cater for you.

Now I know that some of you will be rolling your eyes at this point – and all power to you. Nonetheless, I urge you to give into your curiosity and come along to the next NetworkingAF event on Thursday 2^nd October at Hinterland, Manchester. Some of the attendees at our first NetworkingAF event in January are fully signed up beer and meat monsters, and they are now some of our biggest advocates / fans.

Book your tickets to NetworkingAF now

What: Alcohol-free networking at an alcohol-free venue (no alcohol on the premises).
When: Thursday 2^nd October 12.00pm – 2.00pm.
Where: Hinterland alcohol-free bar, Basement, 16-20 Turner St, Manchester M4 1DZ.
Why: Because not everyone wants to drink alcohol.

Nibbles and small plates will be served but we’ll be encouraging people to mingle rather than stay seated to make for better networking opportunities.

Book your tickets to NetworkingAF now.

NetworkingAF is kindly supported by the following legal sector suppliers:

• LexRex Communications
• Cashroom
• Document Direct
• Forsyte
• Post Partner
• Lucas and Co Consultants