What are some of the best events and communities for women’s networking?

Having gone through a fair amount of life, women 40+ have a unique set of concerns — family, work, health, and beyond — and face challenges only other midlifers can understand. We have a no-BS sensibility that comes from decades of ups and downs that’s only relatable to other women who have traversed and triumphed as much as we have. 

If you’re looking for events, communities, and networking especially tailored for women over 40, I’ve got you.

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Earlybirds Club

Remember the nights of staying out until dawn, dancing to your favorite songs, and heading straight to work the next morning? While those all-nighters might be behind us, the urge to get dressed up, connect, and dance like nobody’s watching never really fades. That’s exactly where Earlybirds Club steps in — a one-of-a-kind dance party designed for the grown, glamorous, and sleep-conscious crowd.

Founded by Laura Baginski and Susie Lee, Earlybirds Club offers an early evening dance experience catering to middle-aged women. These women, trans, and non-binary individuals crave fun, connection, and nostalgia without sacrificing their next morning. Since its launch in February 2024, Earlybirds Club has become a phenomenon, selling out events in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles within minutes.

Each event is thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable experience. Venues range from dark, dive-bar vibes to elegant ballrooms (perfect for a ‘90s prom theme!) to industrial-chic spaces. The unifying thread? A start time of 6 p.m. and a hard stop at 10 p.m.

Ready to dance your heart out? Getting a spot at an Earlybirds Club event takes a little planning since tickets sell out as soon as they go live. To stay in the loop, head to early-birds.club and sign up for their email list. You can also follow them on Instagram.

Read more about Earlybirds here in The Midst Substack.

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Next Tribe for living boldly over 45

Do you believe midlife is about powering up and not powering down? 

Check out Next Tribe for in-person and virtual empowerment events for women 45+. Their signature event, Out Loud — held in Austin, L.A., and NYC (and will be adding San Francisco in 2022) — encourages women to be persistent in their dreams and goals by featuring accomplished women, networking, and connection (with a cocktail, of course!). Next Tribe also offers a variety of online events, including author interviews, weekly yoga, and even a TV pitch workshop with Marta Kauffman, the co-creator of Friends and Grace and Frankie. 

Tickets to Next Tribe’s Out Loud events range from $25 to $45 depending on location and when you buy. Most online events are free or donation-based. If you’re interested in travel, Next Tribe also offers trips to fun locales such as Paris, Normandy, and a hike on the Inca trail that starts at $1,599.

Check out Next Tribe at nexttribe.com.

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The Midst community

We hosted, F#ck Middle Age, our first in-person conference in October 2024 in Chicago. Speakers included Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Rachel Hughes of Alloy Women’s Health, and renowned makeup artist Aga Rhodes.

We’re actively building community to help women network, build their own businesses, and promote their projects. Subscribe to our newsletter here on The Midst Substack and join this conversation about striking out on your own.

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Covey Club for networking and professional development

For those who feel like midlife has been a time of transition and want a shot of supportive positivity, head over to Covey Club. Self-dubbed “a meeting place for lifelong learners,” Covey Club offers a variety of personal and professional how-to events led by experts in their fields. 

From self-care to menopause to reinvention, events (at time of writing) include topics such as finding your purpose, networking with confidence, and writing content that connects with your audience. There is also a weekly group, Positive Morning Coaching Session, if you’re wanting some routine encouragement for your goals.

Covey Club also offers yearly destination retreats and in-person dinners at select cities, and virtual cocktail chats, if you’re looking to connect with other like-minded women.  

Most events are $14.99 for non-members.

Check out events at coveyclub.com.

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The Swell

The Swell is a learning platform that provides expert guidance to help women make the most of life’s next chapters. This platform offers expert-led workshops, engaging discussions, digital wellness tools, and transformative experiences, empowering members of the community to live longer, happier, and healthier lives. 

But The Swell goes beyond a learning platform – it is a tight-knit community full of creative, kind, passionate individuals embracing the possibilities of the second half of life. Members of the community have made a commitment to “reinvest” – to learn, grow, and take on new adventures. 

From conversation series to masterclasses, The Swell offers endless ways to reimagine aging and step boldly into your next chapter with joy and purpose.

To join the waitlist to become a member, send an email to membership@theswell.com.

Join The Swell at theswell.com.

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Canyon Ranch for a Menopause and Perimenopause Retreat

Canyon Ranch is taking its luxury vacations, enriching experiences, and transformational retreats to a new level with the upcoming M/ Power: Menopause and Perimenopause retreats.

Starting this month, guests can immerse themselves in a rejuvenating wellness experience at the Lenox, Massachusetts Canyon Ranch resort. Designed for a small, intimate group of only 15 participants, this retreat offers personalized guidance from wellness experts and strategies to navigate menopause and perimenopause. 

Over the course of three nights, guests will experience expert-led workshops, restorative spa treatments , and extensive health assessments at the Berkshires resort and spa. 

This all-inclusive, immersive retreat will cost $7,000 per guest for three nights. 

Book your stay at canyonranch.com