7 best London networking events 2026 

1. Networking Evening London by London Business Network 

Event details

Date(s): Thursday 19th March, Thursday 23rd April, Thursday 21st May, Thursday 25th June, Thursday 16th July, Thursday 17th September, Thursday 22nd October

Time: 6pm to 9pm  

Address: 116 Pall Mall – Institute of Directors, London, SW1Y 5ED

Cost: £40 to £52

What to expect

The London Business Network hosts monthly events as part of its Networking Evening London series. Places are limited, making these meetups one of the more exclusive London networking events, but they’re open to businesses across all sectors, from startups to more established brands. 

These popular networking events in London offer an opportunity to make new connections and showcase your business proposition. Attendees can expect cross-sector networking with facilitated introductions in a convenient, central location. A welcome drink is included with every ticket, so pop in after work and start expanding your network.

Event Link

 

2. Business Junction Spring Expo

Event details

Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026

Time: 12pm

Address: Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT

Cost: Free

What to expect

Next on our list of the best business networking events in London is the annual Business Junction Spring Expo in March. Free to attend, this will be the Expo’s 25th anniversary event, and the launch of brand new features for 2026, including speaker sessions tailored to SMEs. 

Business Junction’s London networking events are an excellent opportunity to connect with hundreds of potential new contacts, with over 750 business owners from across the capital expected to be in attendance. Register for your place to receive a list of attendees in advance, making follow-ups easy, so you can start growing your network immediately.

Missed out on the 2026 event? The Spring Expo takes place annually, so keep an eye out for details of its return. 

Event Link

 

3. The Marketing Meetup London Events

Event details

Date: Various

Time: Various

Address: Various

Cost: Varies – often donation-based

What to expect

If you’re looking for marketing-focused networking events, The Marketing Meetup hosts ‘IRL’ events in London and the south-east on a regular basis, featuring a variety of speakers from the world of digital marketing. Typically held on weekday evenings, these events usually begin with a chance to grab a drink, before an insightful talk, and time to mingle and network with fellow marketing professionals.

Whether your business is marketing-focused or you’re simply looking to elevate your own brand presence, these are some of the best London networking events covering all things digital marketing, SEO and AI. 

Event Links

 

4. Business Junction Networking Lunch

Event details

Date: Thursday 2nd April 2026

Time: 12.30pm

Address: BrewDog Canary Wharf, 2 Churchill Place, London, E14 5RB

Cost: £25 (+VAT) for Business Junction members, £35 (+VAT) for non-members

What to expect

Our virtual offices in Canary Wharf are just a stone’s throw away from BrewDog, where the Business Junction Networking Lunch will be taking place at the start of April. Open to both members and non-members, this friendly, informal networking event includes welcome drinks and a hot buffet lunch over business-focused chat. It provides an excellent opportunity to make new connections and grow your network.

Event Link

 

5. London Tech Week 2026

Event details

Date: Monday 8th June to Wednesday 10th June 2026

Time: 8am to 6pm

Address: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London, W14 8UX

Cost: Varies depending on access level. Free tickets available. Premium tickets start at £395

What to expect

One of the biggest London business networking events in the calendar each year, London Tech Week is a must-attend for startups and entrepreneurs in the tech sector. Hosted over three days at Olympia London, with fringe events scheduled throughout the week across the capital, this is the place to expand your network of tech-focused contacts, with approximately 30,000 attendees, over 600 speakers, and more than 250 exhibitors expected.

Alongside networking opportunities, London Tech Week also offers masterclasses, workshops, hackathons, and a packed programme of speakers and roundtable discussions. There are dedicated investor and startup lounges, providing a space to form new partnerships, and an area devoted to 1-on-1 meetings to help attendees cement new connections.

Event Link

 

6. DigiGov Expo ’26 

Event details

Date: Wednesday 23rd September and Thursday 24th September 2026

Time: 9am to 5pm

Address: ExCel London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

Cost: Free for public sector workers. £1,495 (+VAT) for private sector workers.

What to expect

The annual DigiGov Expo takes place each September, and it’s one of the best business networking events in London for public sector workers. With over 150 exhibitors and more than 3,000 attendees expected over two days, this premier event promises valuable insights and connections in the realm of government technology. 

DigiGov Expo promises exciting keynote speakers, forecasting future tech trends with a clear and progressive roadmap of what’s to come – all geared towards supporting innovation and collaboration within the public sector. There are dedicated theatres tailored to specialisms including AI, digital foundations, and cyber and data security. Book your ticket to get a whole year’s worth of networking done at just one event.

Event Link

 

7. The London Business Show 

Event details

Date: Wednesday 11th November and Thursday 12th November 2026

Time: 10am to 5pm (Wednesday). 10am to 4pm (Thursday)

Address: ExCel London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL

Cost: Free

What to expect

November sees the return of The London Business Show, one of the key networking events in London each year. Free tickets are available for this event hosted at ExCel London, which attracts over 500 exhibitors and offers a jam-packed agenda of panel discussions, interactive masterclasses, and speed networking opportunities.

Startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses can connect with industry leaders over the course of the event, with ticketholders able to attend the country’s leading business growth conference. Register for a place at one of the best networking events London businesses have the chance to attend each year – it’s seen as a flagship business expo in the capital, and welcomes attendees from across the UK and beyond. Gain valuable insights to help drive your business forward.

Event Link

How to get the most out of London networking events

Attending business networking events in London is just the first step; it’s not enough to simply sit in the back of the room for each talk if you want to get the most value from the experience. Follow these top tips to get the most from your experience at 2026 networking events and beyond:

• Know your goals: think about what you want to get out of each event before attending. For example, set yourself the target of talking to five new people, or giving out a certain number of business cards
• Update your LinkedIn profile: spend time before the event making sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, so people connecting with you after the event can find out more about your experience and your offering
• Be confident: first impressions count. Introduce yourself to new contacts confidently and clearly. Dress smartly but appropriately for the event – some networking events in London will have a more casual dress code – make eye contact, and shake hands firmly
• Prep an elevator pitch: London networking events are busy, fast-paced days, so prepare a short ‘elevator pitch’ that quickly describes who you are, what you do, and how you add value to clients or customers. Practice this before attending to make sure it’s succinct and can be delivered confidently
• Practice active listening: show you’re engaged and interested in the person you’re talking to by listening actively. Ask questions to demonstrate curiosity, remember specific details, and follow up to show you value what they’re saying
• Give out business cards: take business cards with you, and make sure they list your social media details and a contract address. Registering your company at a virtual office address means you can keep your personal details private, and show new contacts that your brand is credible
• Exit your comfort zone: step outside of your comfort zone and make a conscious effort to introduce yourself to new people. If you’re attending networking events with a friend, don’t just stick together all day – split up, work the room, and try to speak to as make as many contacts as possible
• Consider signing up to speak: put your business front and centre of the event by signing up to deliver a talk, or join or sponsor a panel. There are so many London networking events tailored to different sectors and niches, so enquire about speaking opportunities to get more from the event
• Follow up: message new contacts within a few days of the event via email or LinkedIn to follow up on the points you discussed, and remind them of how you can add value to their business. Consider arranging a follow-up meeting at one of our state-of-the-art meeting rooms

Boost your credentials with a London virtual office address

London networking events provide invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded people and grow your network. Virtual offices offer a similar experience. Many of our virtual offices in London have meeting rooms and coworking spaces, where tenants can connect with fellow professionals looking to grow their business.

Enhance your career and build meaningful connections when you join the networking scene in London. Explore our London virtual addresses to start boosting your brand, or get in touch with our team to find out more.