Friendsgiving: A Seat at the Table 🍂

Members: Free
Non-members: $28.25
Date

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Time

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location

Toronto, ON

Toronto

Type
In-person

About this event

A Porch Gathering in Partnership with the City of Hamilton
Good food. Meaningful conversations. A community that feels like home.
Some of the best connections happen when we put business aside, pull up a chair, and simply enjoy each other's company.
This November, Porch is bringing our community together for Friendsgiving, an evening dedicated to friendship, gratitude, belonging, and the people who make our journeys a little more meaningful.
As founders, entrepreneurs, and newcomers building lives and businesses in Canada, we're often focused on what's next. Friendsgiving is our opportunity to slow down, celebrate how far we've come, and appreciate the community we're building along the way.
What to Expect
Good Food & Drinks – Enjoy pizza, small bites, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Genuine Connections – Meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and have conversations that go beyond business.
Moments of Gratitude – Share stories, celebrate milestones, and reflect on the people and experiences that have shaped our journeys.
A Little Fun – Expect laughter, thoughtful conversations, and a few surprises throughout the evening.
There's Always Room at the Table
Whether you've been part of Porch from the beginning or you're joining us for the first time, this gathering is for you.
No pitches. No formal networking. Just good people, good conversations, and a reminder that community is one of the most valuable things we can build.
We're grateful to have the City of Hamilton partnering with us to bring this special evening to life.
Come as you are. Leave with new connections and a stronger sense of belonging.
RSVP to save your seat!
With love,
The Porch Team đź’š

About PORCH

PORCH is an exclusive club of international entrepreneurs who have been there, done that, and are still doing it. They have come together to support one another on the personal side of the journey (from living to finance to relationships) to learn and grow, and to share their superpowers.
From ongoing virtual and IRL events to 24/7 discussion, learning, and relationships, PORCH levels the playing field and gives you a greater chance at success.
More on PORCH | JOIN THE CLUB TODAY
PORCH Builder & PORCH Plus Members get FREE access to all PORCH events. An exclusive community with endless value for the price of a lunch a month. See it all come to life through:
PORCH Events include topical sessions with high-profile speakers and experts, and highly engaged IRL events focused on relationships, learning, and fun.
PORCH Community: 24/7 real-time discussion and support through the active PORCH platform, on-demand resources and content for asynchronous learning, and powerful perks.

If you are interested in getting involved as a sponsor or have any questions, please email or reach out to Tee. (Tee@porchcommunity.ca | LinkedIn)

Location

Toronto, ON

Toronto, Ontario • Toronto

Get Directions

Networking Tips & FAQ

How do I start a conversation with someone new?

Starting a conversation at a networking event can feel intimidating, but remember that everyone is there for the same reason. Here are some effective approaches:

  • Ask open-ended questions: "What brings you to this event?" or "What industry are you in?"
  • Find common ground: Comment on something in the environment or mention a shared experience from the event
  • Be genuine: Authentic interest in others is more memorable than a rehearsed pitch
  • Listen actively: Show genuine interest in their response and ask follow-up questions
What should I talk about during networking conversations?

Focus on building genuine connections rather than immediately selling yourself. Great conversation topics include:

  • Their work and interests: Ask about their current projects, challenges, or what excites them professionally
  • Industry trends: Discuss recent developments or changes in your shared field
  • Common experiences: Share insights about the event itself or similar networking experiences
  • Future goals: Talk about aspirations and how you might help each other achieve them
  • Avoid: Controversial topics, complaints, or dominating the conversation
How do I craft an effective elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch should be concise, memorable, and tailored to your audience. Structure it like this:

  • Who you are: Your name and current role or expertise (10 seconds)
  • What you do: A clear, jargon-free explanation of your work or value proposition (15 seconds)
  • What makes you unique: A distinctive quality, achievement, or perspective (10 seconds)
  • What you're looking for: How others can help you or how you can help them (5 seconds)

Pro tip: Practice your pitch until it sounds natural, not rehearsed. Adapt it based on who you're talking to.

How should I follow up after the event?

Following up within 24-48 hours is crucial for maintaining the connections you made. Here's how to do it effectively:

  • Personalize your message: Reference something specific from your conversation to show you were paying attention
  • Add value: Share a relevant article, introduce them to someone, or offer to help with something they mentioned
  • Be clear about next steps: Suggest a coffee meeting, phone call, or collaboration if appropriate
  • Connect on LinkedIn: Send a personalized connection request mentioning where you met
  • Keep it brief: Respect their time with a concise, friendly message

Remember: Quality over quantity. It's better to have meaningful follow-ups with a few people than generic messages to many.

How many business cards should I bring?

While business cards are still useful, the approach has evolved:

  • Bring 20-30 cards: Enough for meaningful connections without being excessive
  • Focus on quality exchanges: Only exchange cards after a genuine conversation, not as a handshake replacement
  • Use digital alternatives: Consider LinkedIn QR codes or digital business card apps for instant connection
  • Take notes: Jot down a reminder on the back of cards you receive about what you discussed
  • Follow up promptly: Use the card as a prompt to connect within 24-48 hours
What's the best way to exit a conversation gracefully?

Leaving a conversation politely is an important networking skill. Here are some effective strategies:

  • Express appreciation: "It's been great talking with you. I really enjoyed learning about..."
  • Exchange contact information: "Let's stay in touch. Can I get your card?"
  • Give a reason: "I should probably mingle a bit more" or "I see someone I've been meaning to connect with"
  • End on a positive note: "I look forward to continuing our conversation" or "Let's connect on LinkedIn"
  • Be honest but kind: If you need a break, it's okay to say you're stepping away for a moment

Remember: Most people appreciate a natural conversation flow. Aim for 5-10 minute conversations, then move on to meet others.

How can I make the most of this networking event?

Maximize your networking success with these strategies:

  • Set goals: Aim to make 3-5 meaningful connections rather than collecting dozens of cards
  • Arrive early: Smaller crowds make it easier to start conversations
  • Be present: Put away your phone and focus on the people around you
  • Ask for introductions: If you meet someone interesting, ask if they can introduce you to others
  • Take breaks: Networking can be draining—step outside or grab water when needed
  • Follow up: The real value comes from maintaining relationships after the event

Report an error in this listing