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 network with colleagues and mentors, keeping those business connections vibrant.

Any business professional understands the importance of networking, so this observance week really doesn’t need much more explanation. All we’ll say is that networking opens up new opportunities, brings new perspectives 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 globe together to celebrate the power of professional networking. Every year since its inception, there has been a theme to bind the 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 peers. There are also fundraisers and mixers. At these events, people are encouraged to share their networking experiences and to make new connections. In the past, this would have been 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 to refresh old contacts and make new ones. People can also spread the word within their networks or by using the hashtag #InternationalNetworkingWeek on their social media accounts. Professionals can also host their own special events at work if they so desire.