Beyond the Handshake: Making Meaningful Connections That Last
Networking is more than just collecting business cards—it’s about building relationships that open doors, create opportunities, and foster long-term success. Whether you’re new to professional networking or looking to refine your approach, this interactive workshop will give you practical strategies to level up your networking game. Featured Speaker: Madeline McMahon, Fractional Marketing Specialist
Join us at The Bungalow Lakehouse in Sterling to learn how to maximize your time at networking events, follow up effectively, and create connections that go beyond surface-level exchanges. *Recommended for professionals 39 and younger.
Afterward, we will have a networking portion of our workshop so we can implement the skills we learned. Light appetizers will be provided. Please bring business cards with you!
What You’ll Learn:
- How to approach networking with a strategic mindset—so you’re not just mingling, but building valuable relationships
- Practical follow-up strategies—what to do with all those business cards to keep in touch without being annoying
- How to work the room with confidence—so you’re making real connections, not just small talk
- How to turn casual conversations into long-term opportunities—without feeling salesy
Whether you’re an introvert or a natural socializer, you’ll walk away with actionable techniques to make networking events more productive, enjoyable, and impactful.
Madeline McMahon is a seasoned marketing strategist who helps businesses and professionals build authentic, lasting relationships through strategic networking and organic brand-building. With a background in marketing, business development, and community engagement, Madeline specializes in turning casual connections into long-term opportunities—whether through social media, in-person events, or strategic follow-ups.
Thank you to our Host Sponsor!
Sponsorship Opportunities
SIGNATURE SERIES SPONSOR
Exclusive, One Available, Investment of $2,500
- Logo recognition on all marketing materials
- Three-minute speaking opportunity at each
- event
- Company logo featured in post-event email
- sent to all attendees
- One team of two for Cornhole Tournament
- fundraiser
- Set of keepsake cornhole boards with logo
- Four tickets to each event
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Four Available, Investment of $2,000
- Logo recognition on all marketing materials
- Company logo featured in post-event email
- sent to all attendees
- Two tickets to each event
GOLD SPONSORS
Two Available Per Event, Investment of $250
- Logo recognition on marketing materials
- Two tickets for selected event
- Two minutes to speak
CHARITY CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
SIGNATURE SPONSOR
Exclusive, One Available, Investment of $2,000
- Prominent logo on all marketing materials
- Company logo featured in post-event email
sent to all attendees - Two-minutes to speak during awards
presentation - One team of two for cornhole tournament
- Display table
TROPHY SPONSOR
Exclusive, One Available, Investment of $1,500
- Prominent logo on all marketing materials
- Logo on cornhole tournament winner trophy
- One team of two at cornhole tournament
- Set of keepsake cornhole boards with logo
- Display table at Charity Cornhole event
BOARD SPONSORS
Investment of $600
- Logo on all marketing materials
- One team of two for cornhole tournament
- Set of keepsake cornhole boards with logo
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT TEAM: $125
- One team of two in cornhole tournament
- Name on event website
Question regarding this event?
Signature Events
Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards
The Loudoun Chamber will celebrate its 57th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards on January 24, 2025. We will honor top community leaders as well as celebrate the success of the 2024 Board of Directors Chair, Angela Mitchell, owner of ARM Consulting LLC. We will also welcome our 2025 Board and the new Chair Scott Loftis, of Atlantic Union Bank. Event Page Here
Annual DEIA Summit
The Loudoun Chamber will host its 3rd Annual DEIA Summit on October 17, 2024. Keynote speakers and workshops will focus on helping your business or nonprofit gain competitive advantages by leveraging diversity and accessibility tools. Event Page Here
Chamber Classic
In the Summer of 2025, the Annual Chamber Classic will be held at The Club at Creighton Farms. This event has been Loudoun County’s premier business golf tournament for over four decades. The Chamber Classic offers our sponsors tremendous marketing exposure and an incomparable day of golf on this Jack Nicklaus-designed course. View the Event Page
Small Business Awards
For 30 years, the Loudoun Small Business Awards have been the most prestigious honors celebrating our Loudoun community’s best small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations.
Guests joined us on November 8th to congratulate finalists and winners in 10 categories, including the top prize, the 2024 Loudoun Small Business of the Year. Winners were announced in front of a live audience of Loudoun’s top business and community leaders.
Valor Awards
In April of 2025, the Loudoun Chamber will celebrate 40 years of honoring our community’s real-life heroes, including several truly heroic citizens, for their courageous and often lifesaving actions. Join us at the 40th Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards. Event Page Here
State of the Loudoun Market
The Loudoun real estate market has rarely experienced the number of challenges and opportunities it does today. It is difficult to make sense of these current market conditions and their impact on economic conditions. In 2025, the Loudoun Chamber will bring together the region’s top economic and real estate experts to examine how the economic and cultural forces influencing this market will impact your business. Stay tuned for more information.