If you’ve never been to a Lunch and Learn, you might be wondering what they are and why you should consider checking one out. We’ve got you covered below.
Click here if you would rather jump straight to our list of local Lunch & Learns.
What is a Lunch and Learn?
Sometimes referred to as a Learn at Lunch, they are generally held during the noon hour.
They often involve a little bit of networking and a mini-workshop or short presentation. Topics can vary from technical to health or personal and professional development.
Some are free or there may be a fee that may include some nibblies.
What are the benefits of Lunch & Learns for entrepreneurs and business owners?
Not all events follow the same format and can differ greatly from each other. However, they all offer one or more of the following to those who attend.
Networking
We are strong believers in the power of in-person networking.
Sharing time and space with other business owners offers you the opportunity to connect with other likeminded people.
Eating alone at your computer will not help you build new relationships. Yes, you could spend some time on social media, but in-real-life interaction trumps digital, any day of the week.
Also, the more people who know about you and the services/products you offer the better.
Education
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
Finding time for education and personal development can be tough for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Lunch and Learns can provide an easy way to sneak some into your busy day.
Even if it’s a topic you’ve studied or feel you already know, come and ask yourself “What else can I learn about this?” or “How can I apply this in my business?”
Change of Scenery
Staring at the same four walls day after day might leave you craving a change.
It’s good to get out and it can actually boost your productivity.
This is true whether you work from home, in a corporate environment or from a coworking space.
Speaking
URBN Cowork Member Monika Taylor - Next Level Lunch & Learn
If you enjoy sharing your knowledge, these events can be a great way to do some speaking.
They typically run for 30-60 minutes and organizers are often looking for quality speakers.
To get started, simply ask the coordinator of the event if there are any speaking opportunities or look for a speaker’s application page.
Looking for a Lunch and Learn in Edmonton?
Here is our list but keep in mind that there are others that pop up from time to time.
Meetup and Eventbrite are both good places to check for upcoming events too.
ATB Entrepreneur Centre - Edmonton
Although these aren’t always referred to as “Lunch and Learns,” they often have sessions that run over the lunch hour. This makes them easier to squeeze into your day and they’re usually well attended.
Find a lunch-time event at the ATB Entrepreneur Center.
Rainforest AB - LWOL (Lunch without Lunch)
These are informal get-togethers for Edmonton entrepreneurs, small business owners, academia, investors, and service providers. They bring Edmontonians together to support innovation and spark new ideas.
Dates of upcoming LWOLs in Edmonton.
URBN Cowork - Next Level Lunch
We are big fans of our community and love giving them the chance to shine.
We have started offering these as an opportunity for our members and non-members to network and share their expertise.
Check out our Events section for upcoming Lunch & Learns at URBN Cowork.
Tips for making the most of Lunch and Learns as an attendee:
Event details
Location
It helps to know where you’re going and to also be aware of the parking situation if you need to drive.
Fee
Some events are free and some have a fee. Often you’ll know this as soon as you register, but it’s always a good idea to check. If you had to register in advance, make sure you have your ticket or registration confirmation handy.
Food
Don’t assume you will be fed. Some events include food, but others don’t. Considering there’s a good chance you’ll be hungry, check before you go and bring food to make sure you don’t leave hangry.
Be open
Coming with a positive attitude and primed for meeting new people or learning new things will help you get the most value from any Lunch & Learn.
Be considerate
Ensure you arrive in plenty of time to prevent interrupting the session.
If you bring your own food, consider how loud or smelly your intended lunch is and how that will be experienced by those around you.
Clearly, we think Lunch and Learns are great and hope to see you at one of ours someday soon.
If we’ve missed one, please let us know and we might add it to our list.
~ Heather
PS: If you haven't had the chance to check out our coworking space in South Edmonton, Dylan & I would love to show you around and answer your questions about coworking. Book a tour now.