Business After Hours (BAH)

The Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce coordinates this after-work networking party held from 5-7 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. These hours are your chance to connect with other members in a more casual setting. Our Business After Hours events typically attract 60+ attendees and most of the evening is unstructured networking, with a brief time of announcements, raffle giveaways, and introduction of new members of the OPRF Chamber. 

WHEN DO WE MEET?: Our Business After Hours (BAH's) are held monthly, on the 2nd Tuesday of every month, from 5pm - 7pm.

WHERE DO WE MEET?: Around the community! The BAH's are hosted by different member businesses, so every month we are in a new place! Check out the list below or click through to our Community Calendar (look for at the 2nd Tuesday of the month) for all the details.

COVID UPDATE: As of March 2022, we still require all attendees to show proof of vaccination (or a negative Covid test) before being admitted to the event. 

What happens at a BAH?

Each Business After Hours (BAH) event is from 5pm - 7pm and is hosted at a member business so plan to come and enjoy complimentary adult beverages and light refreshments.

5:00pm - 6:00pm

• Arrive at the BAH, sign-in, meet our Program Manager Mark Walden and grab a name tag.
• Find yourself a drink, some nibbles and get networking!

6:00pm - 6:15pm (or thereabouts!)

• Evening program hosted by our Board President and including introductions of new members and member announcements.

6:15pm - 7pm

• Continue networking, bee-line it for someone you want to meet or introduce yourself to a Chamber Board member (look for the white name tags with the Chamber logo!)

What should you bring?

• Business cards - you will be meeting lots of people here and you want to connect with them after the event!
• A little cash for our 50/50 raffle that benefits our Vision Fund for supporting memberships for businesses in need or newly opened businesses in our community.
• If you have branded clothing from your business or a name tag that you use for work, consider wearing these items! It's a great way for people to get to know you and your business!
• Something to say about you and your business - the best way to make a BAH easier for you (especially if you are new to attending BAH's!) is to know what to say about you and your business. You want to feel confident when you chat with someone and they ask about you. Need a few tips? Check out a recent Chamber blog all about honing your Elevator Pitch. 
• PRO-TIP - wear comfy shoes! You will be on your feet the whole night as there is often limited seating.

2022 BAH hosts:

JANUARY: Canceled (thanks Covid for postponing our fun!)

FEBRUARY: West Suburban, Oak Park

AUGUST: The Children's School, Oak Park

WHAT OUR MEMBERS

ARE SAYING...

"The Business After Hours group has allowed me to establish many professional relationships and the chance to discuss challenges and opportunities of running a small business with others."

Bill Kent

Clearview Home Inspections

"I had an opportunity to meet with a number of chamber members and you are right.....Dominican should be at at more of your events."

Mike Kiyosaki

Brennan School of Business, Dominican University