Moving to Paris as an expat brings endless opportunities, from immersing in the city's culture to exploring professional growth. However, building a network and finding the right events to support career development can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s a curated list of top networking and professional development events for expats in Paris, designed to help you connect, learn, and thrive in your new city.
1. Meetup Paris Networking Events for Expats
Meetup.com is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to connect with like-minded professionals or explore new areas of interest. Here are a few Meetup groups popular among expats in Paris:
Paris Expat Professionals Networking Group: This group brings together international professionals for networking evenings, casual meet-ups, and social gatherings. Perfect for expats looking to establish a diverse network in a relaxed environment.
Paris Freelancers and Digital Nomads: An ideal choice for freelancers and entrepreneurs who work remotely. Here, you can discuss industry insights, collaborate on projects, or simply find community and support.
Paris Entrepreneurs’ Network: This group is geared toward expat entrepreneurs who want to connect with others navigating the challenges of running a business abroad. Regular meet-ups focus on sharing strategies, discussing market trends, and supporting one another’s professional growth.
2. Absolutely Talented Career Fairs
Absolutely Talented hosts career fairs designed to connect expat spouses with career opportunities in Paris. These fairs bring together recruiters, companies, and expat professionals, creating a space for real connections. Attendees can engage in workshops, hear from industry experts, and connect with recruiters who understand the value of diverse international experiences. These events are not only a great chance to network but also offer valuable guidance on navigating the French job market.
3. Salon des Entrepreneurs Paris
The Salon des Entrepreneurs is one of the largest entrepreneurship events in France. This annual event gathers thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and business experts for two days of networking, panel discussions, and workshops. Expats looking to start their own business in France will find plenty of resources here, from information on legal and tax considerations to insights into market trends. This is a great opportunity to connect with other business owners and gain access to specialised support.
4. The American Chamber of Commerce in France (AmCham)
AmCham is a leading organisation for professionals looking to connect with international and French businesses. They host regular networking events, seminars, and talks on various business topics. Their events often feature prominent speakers from different industries, providing valuable insights into the global and French economies. While membership is required for most events, AmCham’s network is extensive and a great asset for professionals hoping to expand their reach.
5. Women’s Business Groups
Paris hosts several women-focused networking groups that offer support, resources, and empowerment to female professionals. For expat women, these groups provide a welcoming environment to share experiences, learn from one another, and access resources specific to the challenges women face in the business world.
Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Paris: PWN offers mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities specifically for women. They focus on leadership development and empowering women at all career stages.
Lean In Paris: Inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” movement, this group gathers women in Paris to network and support one another’s professional ambitions. They hold regular meet-ups, featuring speakers and workshops on career development and personal growth.
6. InterNations Paris Events
InterNations is an international community that connects expats around the world, including in Paris. The Paris chapter hosts monthly gatherings and after-work events that draw a broad mix of international professionals. InterNations is particularly popular among new arrivals looking to settle into Parisian life, making it ideal for both social and professional networking.
7. VivaTech Conference
One of Europe’s largest tech conferences, VivaTech draws thousands of professionals from the tech and digital industries every year. Held in Paris, it’s a hotspot for expats interested in innovation, start-ups, and the latest trends in technology. With keynote speeches from global tech leaders, start-up competitions, and networking zones, VivaTech is an essential event for any expat working in or interested in tech.
8. Paris Business Angels Meetings
For those interested in the start-up world, Paris Business Angels provides a platform to connect with investors and entrepreneurs. They hold events where start-ups can pitch their ideas, offering an excellent chance to network with investors and learn more about the start-up ecosystem in France. This is an ideal event for expats interested in investing or building a business in Paris.
9. French Chambers of Commerce and Industry Events
The various French Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in Paris hold regular events that are invaluable for professional networking. They offer workshops, conferences, and seminars covering various aspects of the French business environment, often tailored for expats. CCI events are especially useful for understanding the nuances of the French market and expanding your professional network.
Conclusion
For expats in Paris, these events offer a gateway to building both social and professional networks. Whether you’re new to the city or looking to expand your connections, attending these events can provide valuable insights, career opportunities, and friendships. Take advantage of Paris’s diverse networking scene, and let each interaction bring you closer to achieving your professional and personal goals in the City of Lights!
Make sure to keep an eye out for Absolutely Talented’s latest events to stay connected and informed.
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