After Work Networking Melbourne

AUSTRALIA × CHINA BUSINESS MATCHING & NETWORKING MELBOURNE · 10 SEPTEMBER 2026

**Join us for a special Australia–China Business Matching & Networking event in Melbourne, bringing together approximately 30 business and trade representatives from Chongqing, China, with Australian businesses interested in new trade and partnership opportunities.** **The Chongqing delegation includes representatives from government and trade organisations, as well as companies across a range of consumer goods sectors, including household products, home appliances, consumer electronics, gifts and stationery, food products, gardening supplies and hardware.** **This event is designed to create practical B2B connections between Australian and Chinese businesses.** **Who should attend?** **• Importers and exporters** **• Distributors and wholesalers** **• Retailers and supermarket procurement professionals** **• E-commerce businesses** **• Brand agents and representatives** **• Supply chain and logistics businesses** **• Business owners and entrepreneurs interested in China–Australia trade** **• Industry associations and trade organisations** **What to expect:** **• Introduction to Chongqing’s consumer goods industry** **• Insights into the Australian and Chinese consumer markets** **• Business presentations from selected companies** **• One-on-one business matching opportunities** **• Networking with around 30 visiting Chinese business and trade representatives** **• Opportunities to explore sourcing, distribution, import/export and potential long-term partnerships** **This is a valuable opportunity for Australian businesses looking to develop new connections with Chinese companies and explore opportunities in the China–Australia consumer goods market.** **📅 Thursday, 10 September 2026** **📍 Melbourne** **🤝 Approximately 60 participants** **Places for local business participants are limited. RSVP to express your interest in attending.**

MELBOURNE ❤️🤛 Awesome Business Networking @ Pullman East Melbourne

**🔥L​assie & Edward Zia's Business Community is hosting a Business Networking Event @ Pullman East Melbourne🔥** **[Book into our coming events + donate to support our work here!](https://linktr.ee/edwardzia)** Join like-minded people in Business for a fun and relaxing Networking Lunch and afternoon of Networking that you shall love. Our Business Community includes a diverse range of friendly and supportive Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, CEOs, Managing Directors, Boss Ladies, Thought Leaders and Influencers, open and ready to meet like-minded individuals, to connect and grow their Networks! (Not suitable for Students) ​​Our events are all about fostering and empowering meaningful connections, getting everyone out of their homes and offices to build a stronger Network within our Communities. **​T​he Event:** ​Our gatherings are free to you and pretty casual, with minimum structure to allow natural flow of conversations. Come along, grab lunch, ​introduce yourselves, make new friends, and connect with each other on your phones via Linkedin. Our leaders will give a brief introduction after lunch, feel free to move around and speak to everyone before and after, and enjoy a coffee and or beverages of your choice throughout​ the event too. **Before the event** ​Make sure that you have registered for this event, updated your professional profile and install the Linkedin app on your phone, our preferred social media platform for high quality professionals and Business Partners. **After the event​:** ​Touch base with those you have met and connect with any you may have missed on the day. Schedule a coffee meet and come along to our next event to meet and re-connect with others. **​P​arking:** Pullman East Melbourne is a 10 minute walk East from Parliament Train Station. It's close to the MCG, and is also a popular venue for many concerts and sporting events. Wellington Parade also has many trams, with a tram spot just outside the Hotel. Parking includes a mixture of street parking and paid carparks including: \- Underneath the Pullman on the Park \- The Epworth Freemasons Carpark \- Secure Parking\, 12 \- 20 Flinders Lane This part of town tends to be either empty or completely packed, based on what events are happening at the MCG and more (always great to leave earlier and allow more time when things are busy). **First time with Us?** You're in good hands! We've been running​ networking events in ​since 2015 and beyond **About Us** Our Meetup Business Community has over 16k members and has become one of Australia's largest Business Networking Meetup groups. We host regular Networking events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and zooms throughout the year, supporting a network of ever-growing businesses. With over 16,000 members in our Business Community, you have the best chance of meeting like-minded people to grow and scale your Network faster. **What is the dress code?** Smart Business casual and ​be photo ready. **Questions and more?** Reach out to Lassie Zia & Edward Zia via LinkedIn. **[Learn more about our events + donate to support our work here!](https://linktr.ee/edwardzia)**

Movers & Shakers - Monthly Social & Networking Coffee

Are you craving some conversations with other big thinkers? The Movers & Shakers monthly coffee is for the creative's who are driven, are hustlers, are actively seeking to grow and look for new opportunities and are wanting to be around other dreamers and action takers. If you're seeking out those conversations that inspire you, that leave you feeling motivated, then this event is for you. The Creative Hustle is a social events community for professional creatives in Melbourne's arts industry. STRUCTURE: 15 min - casual networking/order your coffee 40 min - round table intros and questions 30 min - guided conversations topics in small groups Finish with casual networking MINIMUM SPEND: Everyone who attends this event is required to purchase something from the cafe, minimum of 1 drink.

Friday After Work Drinks & Networking at El Sabor 🍺😊

* Join us for an evening of professional networking and valuable insights at our Entrepreneur & **Small Business Networking Mixer**. Connect with fellow small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals to share business strategies and exchange ideas for startup success with a drink. * * We have carved a deal with the restaurant of 10% Discount of all Menu items & drinks if you mention the staff "**Friday Business Meetup Deal**" * * We will delve into the power of integrating feminine wisdom with masculine energy for enhanced business strategies and entrepreneurial success. Discover the importance of positive human collisions in fostering innovation and growth, while expanding your network in a dynamic and supportive environment. * * Don't miss this opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange knowledge, and take yourself to the next level! * * **About Host:** Host of the event Sash (Sachin) is qualified accountant in practice. Mostly he is present in the event but it is subject to his prior commitment. However everybody is still invited to chat & socialise whether he is present or not. The place is a platform for everyone to gather,meet & help each other. * * **Address & Timings :** from **6-8 PM** at **500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (This event will be on every Friday same time same day unless otherwise advised)** * * Join us to meet new friends, hang out and have some laughs. New people are always welcome 😊🍺🍺 * * Come along to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. * * **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Meet New People & Make Genuine Friends | Fast Friends | Happy Hours| All Ages

Group Speed Friending with Meaningful Conversations

**Unlock Meaningful Connections at Our Speed Friending Event** [LINK TO BOOK](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/group-speed-friending-with-meaningful-conversations-tickets-1999899233443?aff=oddtdtcreator) Ready to step out of your comfort zone and make authentic connections? Join us at *The Bank on Collins* for an exclusive Speed Friending event with structured conversations designed for ambitious professionals and like-minded individuals who are eager to forge meaningful connections - not just small talk. This event attracts a diverse group of individuals who are serious about building friendships and expanding their network. Whether you're a professional climbing the career ladder, a creative pushing the boundaries of innovation, or an entrepreneur chasing your next big idea, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded go-getters who think big and dream even bigger. In a world where quality relationships are key to success, we believe that life is better with great people in it. This event is your opportunity to meet dynamic, driven individuals who are all about growth, collaboration, and real conversations. Be prepared to dive deep with thought-provoking questions that foster vulnerability and genuine connections so you can Find Your Tribe. Whether you're a seasoned event-goer or this is your first event, we're here to support you every step of the way. Push past surface-level interactions and start building the kind of relationships that truly matter. **Event Structure:** * **6:30 pm:** Arrive, grab a drink, and mingle. (Tip: Happy hour ends at 6:30 pm, so come early to snag a deal!) * **6:45 pm - 7:30 pm:** 3 rounds of group speed friending. You'll meet 12+ like-minded people ready to connect on a deeper level. * **7:30 pm - 8:00 pm:** Post-speed friending social networking. This is where the magic happens—spend time with the people you vibed with most and start building real friendships. **Investment:** $10. We are for passion, not profit. 50% of your contribution supports the running costs of the group, while the other 50% goes towards The Man Cave, Australia's leading preventative mental health charity for teenage boys and their communities. [Home - The Man Cave - Preventative mental health programs for teenage boys](https://themancave.life/) Link to book: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/group-speed-friending-with-meaningful-conversations-tickets-1985108869065?aff=oddtdtcreator To support the venue, please buy a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or snack during the event. **Liability Disclaimer:** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the session. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **Photo & Video Disclaimer:** Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event. **Take the leap - join us for a night of transformative connections and step into a community of movers and shakers. We can't wait to meet you!** [LINK TO BOOK](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/group-speed-friending-with-meaningful-conversations-tickets-1999899233443?aff=oddtdtcreator) Instagram: @findyourtribemelb

Startup Pitch & Themed Networking Melbourne | Unlock Your Idea

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in Melbourne.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. **RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-pitch-themed-networking-melbourne-unlock-your-idea-tickets-1992455195124?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.** Most of us are in the same loop. You have an idea. You workshop it with ChatGPT, read another newsletter, tell three friends who don't quite get it. The idea stays in your head. Or worse — it never gets the kind of pushback that would have made it sharper. Research on creative work is clear: people who articulate their idea to like-minded peers begin to understand it deeper. Quality feedback isn't validation — it's the thing that changes how you see your own work. We mix the room on purpose. Different industries see the same process from different angles — that's where value compounds. We ask for your LinkedIn in registration so we can group you with the right people, not random tables. **How the evening runs (3 stages)** **Stage 1 — Themed Networking** You vote on the night's themes through the registration form (Fundraising, HR, GTM, Product, Pricing, Hiring — whichever wins the room). We group you by background. Each group's representative shares the conversation's main takeaway on stage. Featured contributors get a Featured Founder spotlight on ascentvalley.com — that's how the conversation scales across the ecosystem. **Stage 2 — Pitches** 5 curated startups present their idea for live feedback and investor introductions. After the event, we add them to our private founder database and route their application to the right investors inside the Ascent Valley network. **Stage 3 — Chill & Network** The structured part wraps. The bar stays open. The connections you started solidify here — most of our repeat attendees say this is where the real value lands. **Who's in the room** * Accelerator representatives — talent and dealflow scouts from Melbourne-based and EU-wide programs * Investors — angels, fund representatives, scouts from syndicates * Founders, Pre-seed to Series A — building across SaaS, AI, ClimateTech, FinTech, ConsumerTech * Operators — PMs, engineering leads, GTM leaders from scaling startups * Entrepreneurs across industries — fresh perspective is the point * Founders traveling through Melbourne — from Tel Aviv, Berlin, London, NYC, Lisbon nodes * Hiring leads from companies actively scaling teams **About Ascent Valley** Ascent Valley is a 3-layer ecosystem: Community, DealFlow, Events. Our mission is to break local boundaries and enable cross-region growth through real connection between founders, operators, and investors. **Philosophy: [IDEA → PROCESS → RESULT.](https://ascentvalley.com "https://ascentvalley.com")**

Social O'Clock 😊 Chat and Hangout

✨ Join us at **BearBrass** on the banks of Yarra River with a view of the CBD. Come along to socialise and meet new people. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome 😊 This week's venue: [https://www.bearbrass.com.au/](https://www.bearbrass.com.au/) **📅 How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. **🥳 Events are also on:** Bartopia MeetUp [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

🤝 Meet New People & Make Friends | Great Conversations Edition (21-40)

Going to free social events but still finding it hard to actually meet people? Fast Friends is different. We don't leave you to figure out who to talk to — we guide the conversations and make sure you get to meet people. Join us at Asian Beer Cafe for a relaxed evening in our private Ronin's Chambers, with hosted Fast Friends rounds, fun conversation activities and great-value drinks. ✨ Your Fast Friends Experience 🤝 Meet 15–25 new people through hosted conversation rounds. 💬 Great Conversations — fun conversation cards and prompts that help you move beyond “What do you do?” and discover shared interests. 🔀 Quick Connection Rounds — meet different people throughout the evening rather than staying with the same group. 🔒 Private space — Ronin's Chambers — your own comfortable area for the evening, away from the main crowd. The space can accommodate up to 30 guests. 🍹 Happy Hour drinks — Asian Beer Cafe currently offers Happy Hours 4–9 PM, including $12 cocktails, $15 beer jugs and $8 pizzas. ❤️ Come solo — most guests do, and our host helps you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. 🎟️ Book Your Spot: [https://mel12thsept.eventbrite.co.uk](https://mel12thsept.eventbrite.co.uk) Early Bird: AUD $5 Regular: AUD $10 Cash at the Door: AUD $15 Advance tickets help us plan the right group size and make sure we have the private space ready for everyone. 🕖 How It Works 7:00 PM – Welcome Meet your host, grab a drink and settle into Ronin's Chambers. 7:30 PM – Fast Friends Meet a new person every few minutes through short, hosted conversations. 💬 Great Conversations We'll bring in a few fun conversation prompts to help you get past small talk and find people you genuinely connect with. From 8:30 PM – Stay & Socialise The hosted rounds finish, but the evening doesn't. Stay for drinks, happy hour and more conversations with the people you clicked with. ❤️ Why Fast Friends? Free events can give you a room full of people. The hard part is actually meeting them. That's what Fast Friends is designed to solve. ✔️ No standing around wondering who to approach ✔️ No cliques or awkward introductions ✔️ Meet a variety of new people ✔️ Hosted rotations keep conversations moving ✔️ Private space exclusively for our group ✔️ Conversation activities to make connecting easier ✔️ Great-value drinks at the venue ✔️ Most guests attend solo 👥 Who Is It For? ✔️ Ages 21–40 ✔️ New to Melbourne or long-time locals ✔️ Solo attendees welcome ✔️ Anyone looking to make genuine friendships ✔️ People who prefer structured socialising over simply turning up and hoping to meet someone Members from our other 3 Melbourne groups may also attend, making for an even more diverse and welcoming evening! This is a friendship and social event, not a dating event. Come solo. We'll make the introductions. You make the connections. ❤️ About Fast Friends For over 10 years, Fast Friends has helped thousands of people build genuine friendships through welcoming, hosted social events in 30+ cities around the world. Come solo. Leave with new friends. ❤️

BeSocial. Real Talk Night (Prompt-Based Conversations)

Join us for “Real Talk Night” a deeper, more meaningful kind of meetup built around prompt-based conversations. Each session features thoughtful questions designed to spark honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and genuine connection. This is a space to go beyond small talk, share experiences, and be heard in a supportive, respectful environment. You can participate as much or as little as you like — whether you’re opening up or simply listening, you’re welcome here. To help you get the most out of the event, we ask that you download our app before you arrive (or upon arrival). The app will be used throughout the event for prompts, activities, and other interactive content so having it ready will ensure you can fully participate. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/besocial/id6759604739 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appetiser.besocial&hl=en **Event photography and videography may take place at this event. Images and footage captured may be used in future BeSocial promotional materials.** **If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify Nexaro Group Pty Ltd before the event by emailing [support@besocialapp.co,](http://support@besocialapp.co,/) or let the event hosts know on the day.**

📣 Happy Hour to kick off the Long Weekend! 🎉

🎉 **It's the night before a long weekend!** (Friday is a public holiday) **Join us at Cookie for happy hour!** We will be in the heart of the CBD so we can head to a dancefloor later in the night 💃 **😄 Happy Hours 4pm-7pm:** **$9 beer 🍺** **$10 wine 🍷** **$15 house martinis, negroni, margarita, espresso martini** 🍸 Come along to socialise and meet new people. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome 😊 📍 **Location:** Cookie, Level 1, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne Vic Australia 3000 (in Curtin House) **📅 How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. **🥳 Events are also on:** Bartopia MeetUp [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/)

🍜Asian Background Social: Lounge Asia Melbourne (Easy English) 6pm

Why People Love Lounge Asia 🍜 Asian-focused event 🤝 Many guests come alone 💬 No need for perfect English 🌏 No games or forced introductions — just enjoy the conversation Lounge Asia began within the Asian community, so people from Asia often feel comfortable and at home here. At the same time, everyone is welcome — locals, expats, travellers, students, returnees, digital nomads, and globally minded people. ━━━━━━━━━━ How to Join 1️⃣ Tap "RSVP" on this page 2️⃣ Show your Meetup QR code at reception 3️⃣ Collect your name tag and start meeting people ✅ Early RSVP is free ✅ RSVPs made within 24 hours of the event start time are $5 ✅ Limited capacity — please RSVP early Many people attend alone, so don't worry if it's your first time. ━━━━━━━━━━ How to Find Us 📍 Venue La Di Da 577 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 ⏰ Start Time — Melbourne Local Time 6:00 pm ⚠️ Important: This is the local time in Melbourne. Meetup may display Brisbane time or another time zone, so please follow the local time shown above. ━━━━━━━━━━ 🍺 Please Support the Venue This event is free or low-cost because the venue supports our community. Please purchase at least one drink during the event. Your support helps us keep organising events at great venues. ━━━━━━━━━━ 💚 Please Be Respectful Lounge Asia is a friendly social event where everyone should feel comfortable and welcome. 🚫 This is NOT a pickup or dating event. Anyone who makes others uncomfortable may be removed immediately. Not allowed: harassment, unwanted attention, MLM / crypto / religious recruitment, or anything that makes others uncomfortable. Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or ask anyone to leave. 🪪 A valid government-issued photo ID is strictly required for entry. No photo ID, no entry. Driver's licences must be issued by the government of the country where the event is held. 📸 Photos and short videos may be taken for community and promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear, please let an organiser know when you arrive. ━━━━━━━━━━ Lounge Asia is already growing in Australia and is now expanding across Asia — Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. Our goal is simple: More friendship, more understanding, and more genuine connections across cultures. 📱 Join the Lounge Asia Australia WhatsApp Group Stay connected with the Lounge Asia community after the event. ✅ Hear about upcoming Lounge Asia events ✅ Meet local and international people ✅ Stay connected with people you meet ✅ Receive community news and event updates [👉 Join the WhatsApp group:](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJV5i6FQMc7DVXezkJUUib) 📱 Instagram: @_lounge_asia [🎥 Watch Event Video:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNak_cu9CXw) [👉 GET VIP ACCESS:](https://forms.gle/t6GXAjTNFECetVuZ8) ━━━━━━━━━━ 🌏 Come say hi! Hey, come hang out! 来一起玩吧！ 一起來聊天吧！ 気軽に遊びに来てね！ 편하게 놀러 와요! มาเจอกันนะ! Tới chơi nha! Tara, sali ka na! Yuk, gabung! လာပြီး အတူပျော်ကြရအောင်! មកលេងជាមួយគ្នាណា! ມາພົບກັນເດີ້! Хамтдаа цуглацгаая! Komm einfach vorbei! Jom join kita! See you at Lounge Asia!