Build the relationships that build your business.

Getting connected to the Allen County business community is one of the best ways to grow your business and develop your skills. Whether you’re looking for a casual after-hours atmosphere, educational programs, or to join a group for a longer-term peer connection, we’ll get you plugged in with other professionals.

What’s new and next for our community? Allen County Leaders Luncheons bring you up close with the people making waves in Fort Wayne and beyond. These exclusive, member-only quarterly keynote presentations will leave you inspired and connected with area leaders.

Iric Headley speaks to the crowd at an Allen County Leaders Luncheon
Three people chat before an Allen County Leaders Luncheon
Zach Benedict speaks to the crowd at an Allen County Leaders Luncheon
Attendees listen to a presentation at an Allen County Leaders Luncheon
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Your sounding board for all things leadership.

Designed for executives from companies of all sizes, CEO Roundtables give you a forum to:

CONFIDE
Connect with peers in a private, confidential setting.

CONVERSE
Get feedback from trusted advisors who have been in your shoes.

THRIVE
Share valuable tools and resources to meet today’s business challenges.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Hannah, director of corporate investment, at (260) 203-5744 or lhannah@gfwinc.com.

Smash your sales goals–with a little help from your friends.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Sometimes referred to as tip clubs, Leads Groups are private groups that meet regularly to share business referrals and help grow one another’s business. Here’s how they work:

COLLABORATE
We limit each group to one professional per industry or category, so you’re not chasing the same leads.

SHARE
Group members pass along contacts who could be interested in doing business with you.

WIN
By working together, you get a competitive edge as you chase your professional goals.

Questions? Contact Jenna Gunn, director of events, at (260) 203-5721 or jgunn@gfwinc.com.

Find out the latest business buzz and build lasting relationships with other professionals! These after-work events sell out fast, so register early!

Four people have a conversation at a Meet Me at 5:05 networking event
Two people chat at a Meet Me at 5:05 event
Three women have a conversation at a Meet Me at 5:05 networking event
A crowd of people at a Meet Me at 5:05 networking event
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Get connected, inspired, and empowered! As a member of the GFW Inc. Women’s Network, you’ll meet great people who are ready to help you become your best self. Join us for events and programs that push you to be your best self, both professionally and personally.

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Two women have a conversation at a GFW Inc. Women's Network event
A crowd of people wave their hands in the air during a GFW Inc. Women's Network event
A room full of people listens to a panel discussion at a GFW Inc. Women's Network event
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Signature Events

Our biggest gatherings of the year, signature events are your opportunity to connect with friends, colleagues, and leaders from across the community.

Our Annual Meeting celebrates and highlights the accomplishments of the past year, shares insights from local leaders, and looks toward a bright future in Allen County. Join us as we announce the winners of:

  • The Small Business of the Year Award.
  • The Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award.
  • The Barb Smith GFW Inc. Service Award.
  • The Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for Community Vision and Leadership.
  • The Public Official of the Year Award.
Two airplanes sit in the background while a person delivers a speech during the GFW Inc. Annual Meeting at the Fort Wayne Aero Center
Four people have a Q&A session on stage at the GFW Inc. Annual Meeting event
Members of the Hoppy Gnome staff accept the 2022 Small Business of the Year Award on stage at the GFW Inc. Annual Meeting
Four people have a conversation prior to the GFW Inc. Annual Meeting.
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The Greater Golf Open is an opportunity to build relationships, whether you love to play or you’re looking for a creative way to reach Fort Wayne executives.

A golfer hits his drive off the tee at the Greater Golf Open.
A team of four golfers poses for a photo at the Greater Golf Open
Three teammates chat while they wait to tee off at the Greater Golf Open
A team accepts its trophy after the Greater Golf Open
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Kick off the holiday season at the business community’s signature holiday gathering. It’s a spirited evening of networking, celebrating success, and some of the ugliest holiday sweaters in Allen County.

Five people pose for a photo at the GFW Inc. Holiday Night event
A large crowd mingles at the GFW Inc. Holiday Night event
Business leaders pose for a year-end ribbon-cutting ceremony at the GFW Inc. Holiday Night event
A pianist plays a song at the GFW Inc. Holiday Night event
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