During the first full week of February business professionals from around the world come together to share their experiences and connect with one another. That’s because this week is known as International Networking Week and it’s designed to encourage professionals to come together with colleagues and mentors in their network and keep those business connections vibrant.

Any business professional understands the importance of networking, so this observance week really doesn’t need much more of an explanation. All we’ll say is that networking opens up new opportunities, brings a new perspective to participants, and builds healthy financial relationships for the future.

The History Of International Networking Week

BNI founded this observance week in 2007 to bring professionals from around the world to celebrate the power of professional networking. Every year since this week was founded, there has been a theme to bind observances together. In 2019, the theme was “A New World of Opportunity,” and in 2020, it was “Dreaming Big.”

Observing International Networking Week

All around the world, business professionals organize events, seminars, and talks that highlight the importance of networking with your peers. There are also fundraisers and mixers as well. At these events, people are encouraged to share their experiences with networking and to make new connections. In the past, this would be the equivalent of updating one’s Rolodex or cache of business cards, but nowadays it’s just a matter of updating emails and phone numbers. It’s that simple.

Of course, professionals don’t need to attend official International Networking Week Events. They can also take the initiative and refresh old contacts and make new contacts. People can also spread the word within their networks or by using the hashtag #InternationalNetworkingWeek on their social media accounts. Professionals can also throw their own special events at work if they so desire.