An Area Listing of Professional & Social Networks
Plus a Regional Guide to Local Resources

For Washington DC & Baltimore

What follows is a full listing for those clubs, groups, & organizations that exist as a means to meet others for social & professional interaction. We simply list these as a way to get out & meet some new acquaintances or contacts in & around the area. 

Interested parties are encouraged to submit organizations for consideration. Please understand that what follows is continually evolving & will be subject to change.

Listings are generally categorized by the nature of the organization (social, professional, etc). A section for regional resources then follows.

The Mastermind Round Table: a personal initiative to create a synergistic alliance of business owners & professional entrepreneurs to occasionally meet for discussion on issues & topics that affect us all. Serving as a non-competitive means to present ideas & talk about problems that may need a fresh perspective, I offer a venue that is 1-part social & 1-part business to help our respective endeavors reach a new level of personal & professional progress. Meetings are held monthly at select locations in & around the Washington DC area. This is purposely a small & select group.

The Independent Freelance Forum: a second initiative to provide the same opportunity for independent freelance professionals. It is available as both an online forum as well as a monthly meeting & round-table discussion.  Meetings are held monthly at select locations in & around the DC area.

If you are interested in either venue then please contact Rick for more details.

Professional Organizations (for social & professional networking):

Professionals in the City (www.prosinthecity.com): With membership of over 50,000 it offers over 500 local events each year (ages range from 25-40). Not specifically a singles organization but membership is about 70% single. Events run from wine tastings to sporting events to embassy galas, as well as a broad range of lectures & seminars.

Yes!Circle (www.yescircle.org): A smaller more focused organization representing a community of entrepreneurs that come together to network & connect as well as to share ideas to enhance business & interpersonal skills. Events are held on a fairly regular basis.

iCommunity (theicommunity.com): a network & outreach arm of the Intelligent Community Executive Offices located throughout the region. As an affiliate organization they host consistent network events, educational seminars, & small business forums designed to further growth & development.

Washington Network Group (www.washingtonnetworkgroup.com): An organization of 'Washington’s next Insiders.' Striving to provide a forum that brings together professionals in business, finance, & government affairs, it's ranked as one of the area’s 20 best network associations (Washingtonian Magazine) - especially for business & entrepreneurs.

Community Business Partnership (www.cbponline.org): Sponsored by the SBA (& sometimes called the Woman's Business Center of N.Va), the Community Business Partnership offers training, counseling, & financial assistance to small businesses in the region. Incubators, opportunities for development & financial consultation, as well as training & networking are all available.

First Class (www.takeaclass.org): Offers seminars & classes for a broad range of topics. Excellent for generalized personal growth. Classes are small & very focused. Also not a bad venue for personal or professional networking.

Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org): They strive to help professionals work on their skills in public speaking & open communication.

National Speakers Association (www.nsadc.org): Once you're ready to step onto the stage, the DC chapter of the National Speakers Association is an incredible resource.

American Independent Writers (www.washwriter.org): Association for professional freelance writers - formally the Washington Independent Writers. Its focus is to serve as an educational forum, a professional network group, & a means for social interaction. Formerly Washington Independent Writers.

Social & Event-Based Organizations:

Meet in DC (www.Meetin.org/City/MEETinDC): A comprehensive list of events that are not cost prohibitive. Events are varied & plentiful, the people that attend are friendly, unpretentious, & diverse; they’re usually up for anything.

Things To Do (www.thingstododc.com): DC organization for social networking. From black tie galas to embassy affairs, informational seminars to outdoor adventure, nightclub parties to exotic weekend getaways - something for everyone.

Meet-Up DC (www.MeetUp.com/cities/dc/washington/groups): A dedicated group for area events, outings, & various activities.

20's & 30's Going Out (www.meetup.com/20sand30sgroup): For those in their 20s & 30s who enjoy dancing, dining, pubs, clubs, outdoors, road trips, dinner parties, & other local activities. Also hosts a happy hour each month. Expansive organization.

Jamie Hess (www.jamiehess.com): Hosts weekly events for the Club-Kid Set. Part promoter, part host, his events offer a semi-exclusive aura & are set in some of the city's more upscale venues. You can also find him on Facebook for invites.

Learning Escapes (www.learningescapes.com): Events & trips for singles in the DC area. Events vary tremendously & it’s my experience that these go better with a friend or two. Things can be fun but people tend to be rather inhibited. It’s been hit or miss depending on the event & the type of crowd it draws.

Face 2 Face Singles (www.face2facesingles.com): Events & mixers that cater to the over 40 crowd (typical attendees however are usually in their mid to late 50's). Annual calendar includes about 7 gatherings for the year.

Events & Adventures (www.lotsofevents.com): "An activities group for active singles." This is a members only organization so you'll have to join the regional group. But they do host a wide variety of interesting outings & activities.

Woman's Groups:

Success in the City (www.successinthecity.org): Dedicated specifically to women "who stand-out, lead & influence others." They offer events & programs which help to develop lasting peer based relationships. Mutual bonding, education, & networking are all central to its theme.

Executive Woman’s Roundtable (www.execwomensroundtable.org): A forum for executive women to develop & foster relationships, as well as to explore opportunities for continuous learning, & the identification of professional opportunities.

National Association of Women Business Owners (www.dealsinheels.com): Offering dynamic programming, professional development & influential alliances to facilitate & strengthen professional & business growth for women.

Women Building & Investing in Success (www.wbis.biz): Small business organization focused on professional growth & self-development. Located in N.Va. 

Women in Technology (www.womenintechnology.org): A non-profit offering women in all levels of the tech industry a wide range of opportunities for professional development & networking. Members are at all levels of career advancement & in all areas of technology.

Little Black Dress Club (www.LBDClub.com): A social group designed specifically for women (sorry guys, it's an all woman's group) to get together, socialize, have fun, & have the occasional 'girls night out'.

Woman's Business Center - See listing for The Community Business Partnership (above).

Cultural Organizations:

1869 Corcoran Society (www.corcoran.org/1869): The society hosts 2 gala events, 2 on-site cocktail parties, 2 exhibit preview/receptions, quarterly new member brunches, & cultural events throughout the year (trips, tours, lectures, etc.). Membership starts at $105 & membership in the Corcoran is required before you can join the society.

Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian (www.youngbenefactors.org): The organization is focused essentially on the fundraising & support of the Smithsonian Institute. Ages range from 25-45 & cultural events are held regularly throughout the year. The core of social contact however is to become an active ‘committee member.’

Culture Vultures (www.wpas.org): Their motto reads: "Go Artsy, Be a Foodie, Meet People." This is essentially the Washington Performing Art's Society group for the 20 & 30 something crowd. Members are offered discount tickets to the society's most popular shows, & hosts an after-party with cocktails & appetizers ($10). Membership is free.

The Phillips Contemporaries (www.phillipscollection.org/support/join): Thursday night "Artful Evenings" is definitely a cool way to see the museum. Network & Social functions are held on a consistent basis. Tours, lectures, etc. are also included in the program.

Washington Wine Academy (www.washingtonwineacademy.org): Hosts public & private wine tastings & educational forums (the wine brats have since merged w/ the wine academy). Events include a wine & Jazz series. This is a great venue for a casual date or an evening w/ friends.

Taste DC (www.tasteDC.com): The group essentially organizes culinary & food-related events throughout the DC area. Popular events include theme-based embassy dinners & wine tastings. Prices range from $55-$125.

Sports Organizations:

Washington Ski Club (www.scwdc.org): The organization sponsors over 40 ski trips each year but the club is not specific to just skiing. Events are held year round & range from hiking & biking to volleyball & sailing (sports however is a general focus). So first take care of your knee & then get some better money going.

Living 4 Adventure (www.living4adventure.com): Hosts adrenaline pumped adventures such as kayaking, rafting, & skydiving.

Capital Hiking Club (www.capitalhikingclub.org): Hosts 1 or more hikes each week (& you don’t have to be a member to go). All Saturday hikes depart from 16th & I St. NW @ 8am. Fees are $18. They also have a monthly moonlight hike.

Potomac Pedalers (www.bikepptc.org): The largest cycling club in the area. They host more than 1,000 planned weekend rides each year: nightly after-work trips in the summer, overnight excursions, an annual Colonial Williamsburg weekend, etc.

Sailing Club of Washington (www.scow.org): Generally designed as a social organization for individuals who have little to no experience sailing but who want to learn. In addition to lessons, they also host a ‘social sail’ every Thursday in season from 6:30 to sunset & cocktail socials in the off season. Based on the Potomac.

Just a Bit Upscale:

University Club of Washington DC (www.universityclubdc.com): With 2,400 members, the club hosts a very active social calendar (w/ affairs such as rooftop happy hours). The historic location also maintains an array of amenities: exercise room, racquetball courts, billiards room, & several dinning / club rooms. Address: 1135 16th St. NW DC.

Capital Club (www.capital-club.com): A One of the area's foremost & respected social organizations, it acts as kind of a fraternity for professional adults. Annual events including the annual Santa, Shamrock, & Sinatra soirees, (plus the Swine on the Vine party). One of DC's better venues for upscale social networking. The club maintains regional membership of only 100 individuals that serve as leaders in trade, technology, government, & finance. Membership is offered annually at the invitation of the Board of Governors.

Cosmos Club (www.cosmos-club.org): In operation since 1878, it was formed for the "advancement of its members in science, literature, & art." Indeed, it is a hub of intellectual thought for the DC area offering members lectures, forums, concerts, & author dinners as well as socially based events. Dues range from $800-$1,800 (2121 Mass. Ave. NW DC).

Other Misc. Organizations:

Spiritual Singles (www.spiritualsingles.org): Several groups meet around the area for an open forum discussion on spirituality & social events for those of like mind in heart & spirit. I get the feeling they’re a bit funky as a group, but aren’t made up of zealots either. Might be a good way to begin a dialogue for ‘Warrior Within’.

The Higher Achievement Program (www.higherachievement.org): Volunteers mentoring young men & women around the area.

Kidsave (kidsave.org): Locally based organization with an international reach - they are dedicated to helping older orphaned & foster care children find permanent placement with loving families: because every child needs a loving home. Opportunities exist both for general involvement & for host families.

A Regional Resource Guide:

Washington DC

Washingtonian Magazine (www.Washingtonian.com): City Magazine offering the when, where, who, & what's going on. Available to keep you informed for general life & culture in Washington, DC. Available at most bookstores & magazine stands.

Washington City Paper (www.WashingtonCityPaper.com): Alternative City Guide to news, events, clubs, restaurants, & what's happening in & around town. Readily available throughout the city.

On Tap Magazine (www.OnTapOnline.com): Washington's ultimate guide to the club, pub, & restaurant scene. Available online as well as in local venues throughout the area. This is a monthly publication.

The Washington Post (www.WashingtonPost.com): Mainline newspaper serving the DC Area. Friday edition offers the weekend guide which lists all the events & affairs such as festivals, bands, cultural events, & mainstream activities happening around town.

Where Magazine - A general guide to the city geared primarily for the tourism trade. Excellent resource for shopping, shows, restaurant reviews, & general neighborhood orientation. Available in most hotel lobbies.

Washington Blade (www.WashBlade.com): Primary news source & prolific scene guide serving the Gay Culture in Washington, DC. Readily available at gay hotspots throughout the city. Sister publication is also in Baltimore.

MW / Metro Weekly (www.MetroWeekly.com): Washington's GBLT News Magazine. Readily available throughout the city.

Primofex Local Cinema Guide (primofex.livejournal.com/143554): Best guide available for local cinema & film events.

Daily Candy (www.DailyCandy.com): Daily feed from the front lines to give you the scoop on regional fashion, restaurants, secret spots, events, & diversions for the area.

DCist (DCist.com): Blog featuring area news & events, restaurants & nightlife, happenings, & regional observations from local residents.

Baltimore, MD.

Baltimore Magazine (www.BaltimoreMag.com): City Magazine offering the when, where, who, & what's going on. Available to keep you informed for mainstream life & culture in & around the Baltimore area. Available at most bookstores & magazine stands.

Baltimore City Paper (www.CityPaper.com): Alternative Guide to news, events, clubs, restaurants, & what's happening in & around town. Readily available throughout the city.

Philadelphia, PA - our friends to the North...

Philadelphia Magazine (www.PhillyMag.com): City Magazine offering the when, where, who, & what's going on. Available to keep you informed for general life & culture in & around the Philadelphia region. Available at most bookstores & magazine stands.

Richmond Online (www.Richmond.com): Your basic guide to all things Richmond, including listings & reviews for clubs, restaurants, news, & local events.

Back to Top