Los Angeles

1. Entertainment and Media Industry

Los Angeles is the global hub for the entertainment industry, including film, television, music, and digital media.

Notable Organizations:

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS):

  • Focus: Film industry professionals.
  • Membership: By invitation only, typically for those with significant contributions to the film industry.
  • Events: Oscars, screenings, and industry panels.
  • Website: oscars.org

• Hollywood Professional Association (HPA):

  • Focus: Technology and creative professionals in media and entertainment.
  • Membership: $75–$150 annually.
  • Events: HPA Tech Retreat, networking mixers, and educational seminars.
  • Website: hpaonline.com

• Women in Film (WIF):

  • Focus: Advancing women in the entertainment industry.
  • Membership: $125–$500 annually, depending on the level.
  • Events: Speaker series, mentorship programs, and networking events.
  • Website: womeninfilm.org

Popular Networking Events:

• Film Independent Forum: A conference for independent filmmakers to connect and learn.
• Hollywood Networking Breakfast: A monthly event for entertainment professionals to meet and exchange ideas.

Tips for Newcomers:

• Attend film festivals like the Los Angeles Film Festival or AFI Fest to meet industry professionals.
• Join local meetups for screenwriters, actors, or filmmakers on platforms like Meetup.com.

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2. Technology and Startups

LA’s Silicon Beach is home to a growing tech and startup ecosystem, with companies like Snap Inc., SpaceX, and Hulu headquartered in the area.

Notable Organizations:

• Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA):

  • Focus: Entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers in the tech and startup space.
  • Membership: $150 annually.
  • Events: Venture capital panels, pitch competitions, and networking mixers.
  • Website: lava.org

• Built In LA:

  • Focus: Tech professionals and startups.
  • Membership: Free to join the online community.
  • Events: Job fairs, networking events, and industry panels.
  • Website: builtinla.com

• Techstars LA Accelerator:

  • Focus: Startup founders and entrepreneurs.
  • Membership: Application-based for startups.
  • Events: Demo Days, workshops, and networking events.
  • Website: techstars.com

Popular Networking Events:

• Silicon Beach Fest: A conference celebrating LA’s tech and startup ecosystem.
• Startup Grind LA: Monthly events featuring fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs.

Tips for Newcomers:

• Join coworking spaces like WeWork or Cross Campus to meet other professionals.
• Use platforms like AngelList to connect with startups and investors.

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3. Creative Arts and Design

LA is a hotspot for artists, designers, and creative professionals.

Notable Organizations:

• AIGA Los Angeles (American Institute of Graphic Arts):

  • Focus: Graphic designers and creative professionals.
  • Membership: $50–$400 annually, depending on the level.
  • Events: Workshops, design talks, and networking mixers.
  • Website: aigalosangeles.org

• Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA):

  • Focus: Emerging visual artists.
  • Membership: $75 annually.
  • Events: Art exhibitions, networking events, and professional development workshops.
  • Website: laaa.org

• Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles (SILA):

  • Focus: Illustrators and visual artists.
  • Membership: $50–$150 annually.
  • Events: Portfolio reviews, exhibitions, and networking events.
  • Website: si-la.org

Popular Networking Events:

• LA Design Festival: A celebration of design across multiple disciplines.
• Art Walk DTLA: A monthly event where artists and art enthusiasts gather in Downtown LA.

Tips for Newcomers:

• Visit galleries and attend art openings to meet other creatives.
• Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to showcase your work and connect with others.

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4. Business and Entrepreneurship

LA has a robust business community, with opportunities for professionals in finance, marketing, and general entrepreneurship.

Notable Organizations:

• Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce:

  • Focus: Business professionals and entrepreneurs.
  • Membership: $500–$5,000 annually, depending on the size of the business.
  • Events: Business networking breakfasts, policy briefings, and trade missions.
  • Website: lachamber.com

• Rotary Club of Los Angeles:

  • Focus: Business leaders and community service.
  • Membership: $1,000+ annually.
  • Events: Weekly luncheons, service projects, and networking events.
  • Website: rotaryla5.org

• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) – LA Chapter:

  • Focus: Women entrepreneurs and business owners.
  • Membership: $120–$300 annually.
  • Events: Workshops, mentorship programs, and networking mixers.
  • Website: nawbola.org

Popular Networking Events:

• BizBash Live: A conference for event professionals and marketers.
• Small Business Expo Los Angeles: A free event for small business owners to network and learn.

Tips for Newcomers:

• Attend local business meetups on platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup.
• Consider joining a coworking space to meet other entrepreneurs.

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5. Healthcare and Biotech

LA has a growing healthcare and biotech industry, with institutions like UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai leading the way.

Notable Organizations:

• Healthcare Executives of Southern California (HCE):

  • Focus: Healthcare professionals and executives.
  • Membership: $150 annually.
  • Events: Educational seminars, networking events, and leadership development programs.
  • Website: hce-socal.org

• Biocom LA:

  • Focus: Life sciences and biotech professionals.
  • Membership: $500–$5,000 annually, depending on the size of the organization.
  • Events: Industry conferences, networking mixers, and advocacy events.
  • Website: biocom.org

Popular Networking Events:

• LA BioMed Innovation Showcase: A platform for biotech startups to pitch to investors.
• Healthcare Innovation Summit: A conference for healthcare professionals to discuss industry trends.

Tips for Newcomers:

• Connect with alumni networks if you’re affiliated with a healthcare or biotech institution.
• Attend conferences and workshops to stay updated on industry trends.

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6. General Networking Resources

For those looking to network across industries or explore multiple fields, LA offers several general networking opportunities.

Notable Organizations:

• Network After Work – Los Angeles:

  • Focus: Professionals across all industries.
  • Membership: Free to join; event tickets range from $15–$30.
  • Events: Monthly networking mixers at local venues.
  • Website: networkafterwork.com

• SoCal Professional Network:

  • Focus: Professionals in Southern California.
  • Membership: Free to join.
  • Events: Networking breakfasts, happy hours, and workshops.
  • Website: socalprofessionalnetwork.com

Popular Networking Events:

• LinkedIn Local LA: In-person meetups for LinkedIn users to connect offline.
• General Assembly LA Events: Workshops and networking events for professionals in tech, business, and design.

Tips for Newcomers:

• Use LinkedIn to find and join local professional groups.
• Attend free or low-cost events to build your network before committing to memberships.

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Local Considerations for Networking in LA

• Traffic and Location: LA is a sprawling city, so consider the location of events and organizations. Choose events close to your home or workplace to avoid long commutes.
• Diversity: LA is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Leverage this by attending events that celebrate cultural diversity, such as those hosted by ethnic chambers of commerce or cultural organizations.
• Social Media: Many organizations and events are promoted on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow relevant accounts to stay updated.

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By leveraging these resources and tips, you can build a strong professional network in Los Angeles and take advantage of the city’s dynamic opportunities.