Connect and Collaborate Sessions
About Connect & Collaborate Sessions
Connect & Collaborate Sessions are at the heart of Expats in Business (EiB). These sessions provide a space where expat entrepreneurs and professionals can network, share insights, and form meaningful partnerships. Whether you’re launching a startup or looking to expand globally, our sessions open doors to invaluable connections.
Key Highlights:
- Networking for All – Open to expats, locals, entrepreneurs, and professionals from diverse industries.
- Regular Monthly Events – Sessions are held twice every month, providing consistent opportunities to network and grow.
- Casual, Productive Atmosphere – Held in cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces to foster organic connections.
- Free & Inclusive Events – No entry fees; everyone is welcome to join and participate.
- Opportunities for Growth – Build long-term partnerships, share ideas, and find collaborators for projects.
- Support for Local Businesses – Sessions drive visibility and traffic to hosting venues, creating mutual benefits.
“Building a business abroad is challenging – but you don’t have to do it alone.
Connect with like-minded expats who are on the same journey and unlock new opportunities.”
Connect & Collaborate Sessions began as a small messenger group within the Expats in Krakow community in 2023. Initially, this virtual space allowed expat entrepreneurs and professionals to exchange ideas and stay connected. However, as the group grew, we realized that online communication alone wasn’t enough to foster meaningful collaboration and networking. Recognizing the need for more personal interaction, we transitioned from messenger chats to in-person networking sessions.
Since then, these sessions have evolved into one of the key pillars of Expats in Business. To date, we’ve organized over 15 dedicated networking events, with participants from more than 40 countries. These gatherings provide an open, casual environment for attendees to promote their ventures, brainstorm ideas, and connect with like-minded professionals.
The sessions take place in local cafes, restaurants, and co-working spaces, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encourages organic conversations and collaborations. For venue owners, hosting a session not only boosts their visibility but also introduces their space to a diverse, engaged community.
As Connect & Collaborate continues to grow, we are developing new tools and formats to further enhance the experience. Our goal is to align participants by interests, industries, and goals to ensure everyone leaves with valuable connections and insights.
Objectives of the session:
The goal is to connect to different people and personalities to know about them and exchange idea’s, products, services with them.
“Build a long term relationship and make potential partnerships.”
Network
Meet professionals from diverse industries, exchange ideas, and build connections that lead to partnerships, referrals, and collaborative opportunities.
Connect | Communicate
Engage in meaningful conversations, share your projects, and discover synergies with others to foster mutual growth and innovation.
Build Relationships
Develop long-term professional and social relationships, creating trust and opportunities that extend beyond business interactions.
Collaborate
Turn connections into actionable collaborations, working together on projects and initiatives for shared success and growth.
Unlocking Opportunities for Expats and Locals:
At Expats in Business, we believe that growth happens when diverse communities come together. Whether you’re an expat, a local resident, or someone new to the area, our sessions are designed to foster collaboration, networking, and learning. These events open doors for both expats and locals to exchange ideas, share resources, and create meaningful connections that lead to personal and professional growth.
Explore the tabs below to learn who our sessions are for, the industries we engage with, and how businesses can collaborate to host these valuable experiences.
Expats in Business is open to everyone, not just expats. Whether you’re a local resident, someone who moved to the city from another area, or an international expat, this community is designed to bring people together. The goal is to create opportunities for expats and locals to collaborate, exchange ideas, and foster growth. Local professionals and business owners are encouraged to join, as engaging with the expat community can open doors to new perspectives, partnerships, and markets.
- Inclusive Community – Open to expats, locals, and anyone interested in networking.
- For All Backgrounds – Whether you’ve lived here all your life or recently moved, you’re welcome.
- Collaborative Environment – Connect with expats to offer services, learn, or find new business opportunities.
- Networking for All – Professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from all sectors can benefit.
- Cross-Cultural Exchange – Gain insights from diverse cultures and expand your market reach.
Our sessions attract individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds, making them valuable for people across different industries. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or business owner, there’s an opportunity to connect with others in your field or explore new ventures. We focus on fostering growth across sectors by creating platforms for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development.
The following table outlines the key industries we engage with, the level of current participant engagement, and our focus score as of now:
- Arts & Crafts
- Business Consultancy and Legal Services
- Education & Training
- Event Management & Conferences
- Finance Services
- Health & Wellness
- IT Services (Including Digital Marketing, SEO, Graphic Design, Videography, Photography)
- Real Estate & Property Management
- Retail & Restaurants (Including Food Trucks)
- Travel & Tourism
Expats in Business offers collaboration opportunities for cafes, restaurants, coworking spaces, and other community-driven businesses. By hosting our events, businesses gain visibility across our platforms, attracting new clientele while fostering community engagement. Collaboration can take various forms depending on the level of involvement and the type of support the business seeks to offer.
Collaboration Types:
- Venue Hosts – Cafes, restaurants, and workspaces that provide space for our sessions in exchange for promotion.
- Event Partners – Businesses that offer products or services during events (e.g., catering, workshops).
- Contributors – Individuals or businesses that lead sessions, share expertise, or provide resources.
- Sponsors – Companies seeking to increase brand awareness through event sponsorship or resource contributions.
Benefits of Collaboration:
- Brand Visibility – We promote partner venues and collaborators across social media, newsletters, and event flyers.
- Community Engagement – Connect with a diverse, professional audience through meaningful interactions.
- Mutual Growth – Build long-term relationships with expats and locals, enhancing your customer base and reputation.
Image Gallery:
Explore moments from our past Connect & Collaborate sessions. These snapshots capture the energy, engagement, and networking spirit that drive our events.
Download Resources:
Access downloadable guides, event flyers, and resources to help you stay informed and engaged. Our resources provide valuable insights to prepare you for upcoming sessions and opportunities.
FAQ's for Connect & Collaborate Sessions
Have questions? We’ve compiled answers to common inquiries about our Connect & Collaborate Sessions. Whether you’re attending for the first time or looking to host, these FAQs will guide you.
Yes, our Connect & Collaborate Sessions are free to attend. Some special sessions may require registration, but no entry fee is charged.
Cafes, restaurants, and community spaces can collaborate with us to host sessions. Reach out to us via our collaboration options for more details.
Connect & Collaborate Sessions are held monthly 2 to 3 times, with additional pop-up events throughout the year.
Yes! We are always looking for speakers and presenters to share insights. Contact us to discuss opportunities.
While some events allow walk-ins, we encourage participants to have a closer look in to the social media events to understand if it’s an exclusive event or not. This will help you to secure a spot and receive event updates.