Year-round events with the Santa Cruz Chamber
The Santa Cruz Chamber provides opportunities to meet people, make contacts, exchange ideas and interact with others. The Santa Cruz Chamber is dedicated to helping local companies grow their businesses through Networking, Advocacy, Marketing, and Education (NAME).
All Chamber events are open to both members and non-members. There is a charge for most events, which is discounted for members. Please see the individual events in the Upcoming Events listing above for event pricing and registration.
We welcome you to join us to make connections, meet new business people, learn ways to improve your career and business, and become informed about the activities going on in our local community.
Networking Opportunities
- Monthly Networking Mixers: Networking mixers are a great way to learn about local businesses and organizations, meet prospective clients, and build relationships with business people from small, mid-size, and large Santa Cruz companies. Wine, soft drinks, and light appetizers are usually served. No reservations needed, just show up and don’t forget the business cards. Learn about hosting a mixer at your location.
- Women in Business Networking Luncheons: These quarterly luncheons are a great opportunity to hear a presentation and connect with other women. The December luncheon is typically our "Giving" luncheon where we celebrate the holidays and help those in need right here in Santa Cruz. This holiday luncheon features networking, a speaker, presentation of Student of the Quarter, and a raffle for themed baskets to benefit our scholoarship fund. Women in Business luncheons are organized by the Santa Cruz Chamber Women in Business committee but everyone is invited, including men.
- Women in Business Wake Up, Santa Cruz Meetings: Women in Business hosts this small-meeting networking series the first Thursday of each month. Wake Up, Santa Cruz is designed to create a more intimate atmosphere and an opportunity for teaching and learning. Limited to 40 participants, the sessions also include introductions and conversation. A light breakfast is served. Wake Up, Santa Cruz is organized by the Santa Cruz Chamber Women in Business committee but everyone is invited, including men.
- Breakfast Briefings: Join us for these workshops or presentations on issues that affect business in Santa Cruz. A continental breakfast is served.
- Workshops: Join us for workshops or presentations that help keep members on top of current business thinking, trends, and skills.
- Quarterly membership luncheons: Our quarterly member meetings in April, July, and October feature experts that keep members on top of current business trends locally, regionally, and nationally. Chamber member breakfast and luncheon meetings are an opportunity to come together for conversation about community, economics, and key local issues. The January meeting is typically our Annual Meeting, described below.
Annual Events
- Annual Meeting: The Annual Luncheon features a speaker on a timely subject, as well as the introduction of the Chamber’s board and officers, acknowledgment of retiring board members, appreciation of sponsors and volunteers, and a report on the state of the Chamber.
- Santa Cruz Business Fair: The Santa Cruz Business Fair is Santa Cruz’s largest business event and premier opportunity to connect businesses, organizations, and the Santa Cruz County community face-to-face. The Fair's three-hour format at the Cocoanut Grove gives Santa Cruzans a chance to learn about the more than 100 businesses and nonprofit organizations who introduce their products and services to the more than 1,000 attendees at this popular annual event. Local food, wine, and beverage companies serve up complimentary samples of their creations. Visitors can meander through the Grand Ballroom and Sun Room to visit the exhibitor’s booths and take in the gorgeous views of Monterey Bay.
- Women’s Leadership Forum: This one-day conference, includes outstanding speakers, networking opportunities, lunch, and a hands-on working sessions.
- Recognition Dinner: The Chamber’s Annual Community Recognition Dinner brings business and community leaders together to celebrate the work and honor the contributions of the sustainers and stewards of Santa Cruz. We recognize the Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Organization of the Year, and Business of the Year at this elegant event.
Member Site Events
- Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening Ceremonies: Chamber Ribbon cuttings are a great way to connect with other Santa Cruzans and support local organizations getting a start or new beginning right here in Santa Cruz County. The Santa Cruz Chamber is happy to celebrate your grand opening or re-opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. If you are interested in hosting a ribbon cutting at your business location, please contact membership@santacruzchamber.org or call the Chamber at 831-457-3713.