Invite-Only Dinners & Pop-Ups: How Women Are Networking in 2025

Invite-Only Dinners & Pop-Ups: How Women Are Networking in 2025

Networking is no longer about collecting business cards or attending endless generic mixers. In 2025, women entrepreneurs are redefining connection, moving from transactional encounters to intentional, high-impact relationships that truly move the needle for their businesses and communities. At the heart of this transformation are two dynamic formats gaining tremendous momentum: invite-only dinners and pop-ups.

These gatherings embody the elite, next-level ethos of the KNOW Women network. In fact, this is how KNOW has been doing events from the beginning—purposeful, curated, and designed to foster authentic connections among women who have been in business for years and are ready to elevate their influence and impact.

In this article, we explore how invite-only dinners and pop-ups are reshaping networking for women entrepreneurs in 2025. We’ll dive into why these formats work, how they are thoughtfully designed, and practical ways you can incorporate them into your own business strategy.

The Shift from Networking to Relationship Building

Traditional networking often felt like a numbers game, meet as many people as possible, deliver your elevator pitch, and hope something sticks. Women entrepreneurs today are moving away from that model because it no longer serves their needs.

Women in business, especially those who have been operating for 3 to 5 years or more, want more than surface-level connections. They want deep, intentional relationships that bring mutual value, whether it’s collaboration, mentorship, partnerships, or client referrals.

This shift reflects a larger cultural movement toward authenticity, human connection, and ethical business practices, values at the core of the KNOW community. Invite-only dinners and pop-ups perfectly embody this approach by creating space for meaningful, curated interactions that respect time and energy.

Why Invite-Only Dinners? Enter Plated, a Dinner Series by KNOW

Invite-only dinners have emerged as a powerful format for intentional, curated conversations among elite women entrepreneurs. These dinners are intimate, exclusive, and designed to create safe spaces where vulnerability and authenticity are encouraged.

At KNOW, this approach is brought to life through Plated, a Dinner Series by KNOW, an exclusive invite-only dining experience that pops up around the country. Plated creates unique opportunities for high-caliber women entrepreneurs to gather in thoughtfully curated settings, fostering genuine connections and deep conversations.

Key Features of Invite-Only Dinners & Plated:

Highly Curated Guest List: Invitations go only to women entrepreneurs who align with shared values, goals, or industries. This ensures a room full of elite, like-minded women.

Intimate Settings: Typically capped at 12-16 attendees, the small size fosters real dialogue and meaningful connections rather than superficial exchanges.

Safe Spaces for Vulnerability: The environment encourages openness and trust. Women can share challenges, insights, and wins in a judgment-free zone, elevating the quality of connection.

Facilitated but Flexible Conversations: A host or moderator may guide the discussion to keep it focused, but there is room for organic, authentic exchange.

Long-Term Impact: Invite-only dinners are designed to build lasting relationships that extend beyond the event, leading to mentorship, collaborations, and business growth.

For women ready to invest deeply in their network, invite-only dinners like Plated offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect on a next-level, human-centered plane.

The Rise of Pop-Ups: Networking Meets Experience

Pop-up events are short-term, highly experiential gatherings that combine networking with creativity, learning, and fun. These are not your typical conferences or workshops, they blend business with culture and community in fresh ways.

Pop-ups might take the form of a branded retail experience, a mini workshop paired with a cocktail hour, or a collaborative art installation with a networking reception. The goal is to create memorable moments where women entrepreneurs can engage authentically and organically. 

Why Pop-Ups Are Perfect for Women Entrepreneurs in 2025:

Experiential Networking: Pop-ups foster connections through shared experiences rather than forced introductions. This builds rapport faster and more naturally.

Multi-Sensory Engagement: Incorporating elements like food, music, art, or hands-on activities makes pop-ups memorable and energizing.

Highlighting Female-Led Brands: Many pop-ups showcase women-founded businesses through product displays, demos, or collaborations. This supports community and cross-promotion.

Accessibility and Variety: Pop-ups often happen both virtually and in-person, allowing women across geographies to participate and engage on their terms.

For women looking to network beyond the boardroom, pop-ups offer an innovative, enjoyable way to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Designing Your Own Invite-Only Dinner or Pop-Up

If you want to incorporate these networking formats into your business or community, intentionality is key. Here’s how to get started:

Define Your Purpose and Audience
What do you want to achieve? Are you building partnerships, seeking mentorship, or growing a client base? Who are the women entrepreneurs you want to connect with?
Having clarity here informs every other decision, from guest list curation to venue choice.

Curate Thoughtfully
Invite women who align with your purpose and bring complementary skills or networks. Avoid the temptation to fill seats with anyone and everyone. Elite connections require elite curation.

Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Choose a setting that feels warm, intimate, and conducive to open conversation. Consider private dining rooms or unique venues that align with your brand’s aesthetic and values.

Facilitate Meaningful Dialogue
Prepare thoughtful prompts or topics but allow room for organic conversation. Encourage vulnerability by modeling openness and ensuring confidentiality.

Follow Up with Purpose
The event does not end when the last guest leaves. Facilitate ongoing connection through follow-up emails, online groups, or future meet-ups. The goal is to turn moments into lasting relationships.

KNOW Women Leading the Way

At the recent KNOW Summit in Phoenix, invite-only dinners and pop-ups were standout highlights. Over 180 high-caliber women gathered for three days of intentional connection, learning, and celebration. One of the most anticipated experiences was a private dinner exclusively for INSIDER track ticket holders, continuing KNOW’s tradition of curating exclusive, high-touch gatherings for its most invested members. 

Attendees reported forging new partnerships, collaborating on podcasts, and supporting each other’s businesses in ways that traditional networking never facilitated. These formats reflect the evolving culture of women’s entrepreneurship, one that values depth, intentionality, and community over surface-level hustle.

The Bottom Line: Networking as an Elite Experience

Women entrepreneurs in 2025 are rejecting outdated networking norms. Invite-only dinners and pop-ups are not just trends, they represent a fundamental shift in how women connect, collaborate, and grow. These gatherings honor women’s time and intellect, cultivate authentic relationships, and create opportunities that truly matter. As you consider your networking strategy this year, ask yourself: Am I building connections that elevate my business and my community? If not, it may be time to edit your networking playbook.

And there’s no better time to start than now. KNOW’s Summer Series is popping up in every KNOW city, bringing vibrant, curated experiences to keep our members and INSIDERS connected, inspired, and engaged all season long. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this next-level community in action. See upcoming events HERE.