5 Unique MBA Networking Events To Look Out For In 2024

As an MBA student, the potential to build a global network is not limited to the confines of your business school or city. If you’re tired of the same types of gatherings, this list of unique MBA networking events might help you expand your horizons and reap the benefits of business school to the fullest.

Here are five exciting business networking events to get involved in:

MBA business networking events:

1. MBA World Summit

When/Where: Keep your eyes peeled on the website for the reveal of the 2024 event.

Why: An essential event on the MBA calendar, the MBA World Summit invites candidates to prove their business acumen and leadership skills in the form of ‘Summit Laboratory Sessions’. In these group sessions, students become presenters and lead engaging conversations. 

The speaker with the highest number of votes is recognized with the prestigious Tim-Eisenmann Award, a symbol of strong leadership qualities and inspirational discussion.

If you’re looking to leave a lasting impression on company representatives and foster connections with some of the leaders of tomorrow, the dynamic atmosphere of the MBA World Summit is ideal.

Applicants must go through a rigorous application process to find themselves on the list of the 100 MBA students in attendance. The MBA World Summit 2023 was held in the tech hub of Silicon Valley but takes place in a different global center every year. 

MBA student presenters at the 2022 event ©MBA World Summit 2022/Facebook

2. The Summit Series with Timo Boldt, founder and CEO of Gousto

When: 29th February 2024

Where: London Business School, London

Why: A summit led by one of the leading business schools in Europe, the recurring event hosts an influential speaker followed by a catered networking reception. 

The speaker invited to the 2024 event is Executive MBA graduate and EY’s 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year, Timo Boldt. In addition to gaining insight into how a business education has shaped Timo’s career in finance and entrepreneurship, the Summit Series is known to attract industry professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and fellow students and alumni.

Timo Boldt is the Founder and CEO of Gousto, a meal-kit delivery service © London Business School Facebook

Diversity in business networking events:

3. Forté Foundation MBA Women’s Leadership Conference

When: June 28th – 29th, 2024

Where: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

Why: The Forté Foundation brings together hundreds of women who are committed to improving women’s access to business education and supporting their future careers. The empowering two-day MBA Women’s Leadership conference will be attended by hundreds of women speakers and presenters, over 40 top companies at the Career Expo, Fortune 100 recruiters, and over 600 women MBAs from Forté partner schools.

For MBA women, this is an incredible occasion to connect with recruiters, gather insights from some of the most influential women in business, and join in the many interactive panels and workshops. 

The opportunity to network with like-minded businesswomen doesn’t stop here. Registered attendees of the 2024 Forté Foundation Women’s Leadership Conference can attend the Women of Color Symposium on June 27th, which promises a ‘real-talk’ panel discussion on the lived experiences of historically underrepresented identities in business.

Meet inspirational business women through the Forté Foudation events © monkeybusinessimages/iStock

4. ROMBA Fellowship Retreat

When: July 26^th – 28^th, 2024

Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Why: The ROMBA Fellowship is on a mission to expand the LGBTQ+ community reach in the business world. 

MBA students admitted to the fellowship receive a $20,000 scholarship and immediate access to register for exclusive and unique business networking opportunities, kickstarting with the 2024 summer retreat in Philadelphia. For a three-day immersive retreat, the newest cohort of MBA students joins seasoned ROMBA alumni to network with hundreds of fellows and corporate partners and participate in workshops on leadership training. 

For students with their eyes set on entering a particular industry, ROMBA leads a series of summer treks across five major US cities, offering ample opportunity for small-group networking with industry giants in consulting, finance, tech and healthcare.

To conclude the fellowship, members are invited to attend the three-day ROMBA conference in September, together with over 100 corporate partners, in Los Angeles, California.

Become part of a life-long community and maximize your networking potential © Reaching Out MBA/Facebook

MBA and master's tour events:

5. GMAC Tours

When: Ongoing 

Where: Worldwide

Why: Designed with prospective MBA and master’s students in mind, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Tours provide insights into the top business schools worldwide. 

From an extensive list of in-person and virtual tours across the globe, students can receive personalized advice to help them along the application journey in accordance with their tour of choice . Some locations include cities in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and several across Asia.

Get personalized feedback from your dream business schools © shironosov/iStock 

Beyond conventional campus tours, GMAC has created additional tours to spotlight underrepresented identities in business. Taking a personal approach to business networking and MBA applications, students can take part in small group conversations, interactive presentations, and even have their resumes reviewed. 

For MBA students, networking is the passport to take your business acumen to the right room. Whether creating connections through shared experiences, or aligning interests with some of the most accomplished MBA minds, the unique events outlined in this article can bring you one step closer to expanding your network in the right direction.