Startup and Small Business Events You Don’t Want to Miss in December 2012

Every month our team compiles a list of events that we’re interested in attending for the upcoming month. We believe these events are highly useful to the startup and small business community. A number of the organizations listed host a number of great events, but we’ve chosen to feature one event that we feel will be particularity interesting and useful This blog is posted during the first week of every month.

The events we focus on are in Toronto, the GTA, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara, St. Catharines and Hamilton. Please note that the events may sell out fast, so if you are interested in attending please contact the organization to register quickly. If you’re hosting an event or have come across one you think we should mention, please feel free to contact us with your suggestions and event information.

Haltech

Events at Haltech target startup businesses in the technology industry that are looking to develop new ideas, establish their business or continue growing. The events by Haltech are held in the region of Halton, and provide training for entrepreneurs as well as a fantastic chances to network.

Event: HalTech Marketing Peer 2 Peer
When: December 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: TBD (Inquire for more information)

MaRS Discovery District

MaRS is where entrepreneurs get the help they need, where all kinds of people meet to spark new ideas, and where a global reputation for innovation is being earned, one success story at a time.The often-free events at MaRS are ideal for start-ups, science, technology and social entrepreneurs looking to make connections and learn more about a particular aspect of business. Look for VA Partners’ own Sam Brennand at this month’s event.

Event: Lean Startup Day @ MaRSDD
When: December 3, 2012, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: MaRS Centre (Auditorium), 101 College Street, Toronto

Startup Drinks

Startup Drinks provides an open space for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect and share ideas. There are no presentations or pitches, just conversation and networking. To meet some of the up-and-coming people in the startup community, this is a great event to attend.  These events are held regularly in a number of locations, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Waterloo.

Event: Startup Drinks Waterloo
When: December 4, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Chainsaw Saloon, 28 King Street North, Waterloo

Event: Startup Drinks Hamilton
When: December 13, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Winking Judge, 25 Augusta Street, Hamilton

#DevTO

DevTO has had a mixture of attendees ranging from developers, architects, designers and CIOs, to PR, marketing and recruiters. It is a laid back environment for everybody involved in development projects; small or big, to chat, network and learn from each other.

Event: Ye Olde Toronto Holiday Tech Social
When: December 4, 2012, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Johnny Jackson, 587 College Street, Toronto

The Toronto Marketing Meetup Group

The Toronto Marketing Meetup Group provides a global network for entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors. Meetups are for those who are serious about accelerating their businesses and learning about how to network. 

Event: YWCA Donate & Learn – Social Media Workshop
When: December 4, 2012, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: YWCA Headquarters, 87 Elm Street (Bay & Dundas), Toronto

Innovation Guelph

Innovation Guelph provides educational programs, events, and services to help entrepreneurs, community organizations, researchers and business leaders develop their ideas.  They also have expert advisors to help with your development.

Event: Strategic Storytelling: Change Minds, Ignite Action
When: December 7, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Innovation Guelph, 111 Farquhar Street, 3rd Floor, Guelph

Toronto Board of Trade

 The Toronto Board of Trade facilitates opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, business development, and city building. It is the authoritative voice of Canada’s most prominent business community.

Event: ROGERS Innovation Series ft. Tim Brown, President & CEO, Nestle Canada
When: December 10, 2012, from 11:30 a.m. -1:45 p.m.
Where: Toronto Board of Trade, 77 Adelaide Street West, 4th Floor Ballroom, Toronto

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the “Voice of Hamilton Business” is committed to making the City of Hamilton a great place to live, work, play, visit and invest. The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in concert with other community groups and various local businesses, regularly puts on a number of great events.

Event: Monday Morning Marketing with Factor(e)
When: December 10, 2012, from 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Chamber Office Boardroom, 120 King Street West, Plaza Level 507, Hamilton

Innovation Factory

In September, the Innovation Factory launched the first in a series of rotating Peer2Peer sessions for Human Resources and Sales. VA Partners’ own Mark Elliott helps to organize the group. Innovation Factory events are always incredible learning opportunities and great networking events.

Event: Sales Peer to Peer
When: December 12, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: TBD (For more information please contact Tammy Hwang at [email protected])

Communitech

Communitech events are focused on being engaging and interactive, providing useful information for companies of many sizes. Communitech is based in the Waterloo region and these events are varied and include peer2peer, Hub for Grub, Techworking Breakfast and Communitech Connect and more.

Event: UpStart Breakfast Series with David Beaton, Adam Belsher, Doug Palubiski
When: December 12, 2012, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: Waterloo Inn – Viennese Ballroom, 475 King Street North, Waterloo

nGen

nGen is a hub for innovation, incubation and business development in Niagara. nGen is Niagara’s Regional Innovation Centre and a member of the Ontario Network of Excellence, which connects technology-based business, entrepreneurs and researchers with services and programs to help innovate and gain a competitive advantage.

Event: Website Marketing and SEO Seminar: Intimate & Interactive
When: December 12th, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: nGen Offices, 1 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines

Silicon Halton

Silicon Halton organizes a number of events throughout the year in the region Halton which including Burlington, Oakville, and Milton. Their monthly meetups and Peer2Peer include three main components; a key notes presentation, a get to know a member presentation, and time set out for networking. These events are catered to anyone at a startup – especially in the tech industry – that want to learn more about business best practices.

Event: Solopreneur Peer 2 Peer (SoloP2P)
When: December 20, 2012
Where: Hampton’s Restaurant (Civitan Room), Quality Suites Hotel, Oakville

Did we forget your event or an event you’re running or attending? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!

For further information about any of these events contact our team, and don’t forget to sign up for next month’s newsletter for information on more great events, as well as sales, marketing, and social media content.

Startup and Small Business Events You Don’t Want to Miss in December 2012