Top Professional Networking Groups in Portland

Making connections in Portland is vital and thankfully, there are plenty of networking groups to help! With (often monthly) presentations, workshops, speakers, thought leaders, and group panels, meetups are valuable sources of information and experience in a variety of fields. Here are our favorite networking groups in Portland:

Technology

Women Who Code Portland

Focused on closing the gender gap within the tech community, Women Who Code Portland offers coding resources, events, and a global network of members. With multiple monthly events, workshops, and a member job board to inspire women in tech to grow and excel. Women Who Code started as a community group in 2011 when a handful of technologists decided they wanted to change the industry experience for women engineers. Since then, it has become a global non-profit organization and the world's largest and most active tech community. What's not to love?

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/3wHlWVi

PADNUG

A developer user group for Microsoft technologies, PADNUG brings bring together software developers from throughout the Portland Metro area to learn and discuss technologies and techniques for developing on and interacting with Microsoft platforms. Meetings include presentations from local experts on a wide range of topics including Technology Announcements, Architecture, Methodologies, and Developer Experiences, as well as monthly “Geek Dinners” to encourage informal networking with industry peers.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/3wHlJkY

PDX DevOps GroundUp

PDX DevOps GroundUp is a DevOps user group focused on making the software lifecycle more efficient by increasing communication and collaboration between departments. From presentations from experts in the field to panels and weekly coffee meetups, this group strives to be inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/2z9ZzgE

PDXSSUG (SQL Server User Group)

When they aren’t furthering their knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server, this networking group comes together to solve common programming challenges. Besides monthly meetings with informative presentations, the PDXSSUG community is also a great place to find new job opportunities.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/2Q9T9YJ

Angular Portland Meetup

Made up of JavaScript enthusiasts both new and old, Angular Portland Meetup is the place to wax poetic about Angular. If you're curious about what others are creating with it or want to share your own story, this is the place for you.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/3fVqm4Y

SIM Portland

A group for corporate IT leadership professionals, consultants, and digital change agents/academics to share their challenges in a safe space. With members from the private and public sector, startups, and established corporations, there is a diverse group of people just wanting to lend an ear. Between their coaching program, leadership summit, and even a book club, SIM Portland is sure to have an event that suits all tech leaders.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/3fU6AGR

Engineering

VanderHouwen Engineering Networking Group (VENG)

Created to bring engineers of all disciplines together, VENG supports the Portland area with monthly meetups and quarterly mixers between VENG + FENG (Financial Executives Networking Group). The combined networking engagements offer a chance to speak to those outside of the traditional engineering community.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/2mqrvqb

Accounting and Finance

Institute of Management Accountants, Portland Chapter (IMA PDX)

A local chapter of this international association, IMA PDX is committed to advancing the careers of accounting, business, and financial management professionals through research and continuing education. Monthly chapter meetings offer an educational experience including opportunities to hear from expert speakers and networking with other professionals in accounting through all stages of their career. They even offer credits towards important certifications like the CMA.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/3uBcHE2

Portland Payroll Association

The Portland chapter of the American Payroll Association is focused on providing updated information to keep their members knowledgeable and in compliance within the payroll industry. Meeting once a month, Portland Payroll Association provides education and networking opportunities.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/2OwykGf

The Financial Executives Networking Group, FENG

Beginning in 2003, the Portland chapter of this international networking group is a place for senior financial professionals to interact with peers. With monthly general networking meetings and subgroups based on industry or special functions (i.e., Internal Audit, Tax, etc.), there are plenty of ways to interact with other leaders in the finance field.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/39Rxqvu

General

Project Management Institute, Portland (PMI Portland)

Devoted to helping project management professionals in all industries, PMI Portland offers workshops, PMP/CAPM and PMI-ACP exam prep courses, and roundtable-style networking events to help expand your connections and expertise in project management. If you’re an experienced project leader ready to get your Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or looking to establish credibility as a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), this group can be valuable to your career.

EVENTS: https://pmi-portland.org/

Partners in Diversity (PiD)

Focused on addressing diverse hiring in companies around the Pacific Northwest, Partners in Diversity provides education for employers, networking groups and events for members, and even job boards to bring diversity-focused companies and diverse candidates together. Meeting quarterly to connect and honor professionals of color who have relocated to Oregon or Southwest Washington, these Say Hey events bring together business leaders, community organization representatives, and others to welcome new transplants to the area.

EVENTS: https://bit.ly/3uF3Kd9

Not ready for in-person networking events? Try virtual networking!

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