WHAT IS THIS?
Come Experience What We're Teaching Our Kids
Something special happens every year in Northwest Arkansas. Students in grades 3-8 walk into a room full of strangers, shake hands, look people in the eye, and hold real conversations under pressure. They're nervous. They push through it anyway. And they walk out more confident than when they came in.
That's what SOAR Afterschool has been building in our community - kids who know how to show up.
The Networking Games invites NWA professionals to experience those same challenges firsthand. Compete, get scored, have fun, and connect with your neighbors and colleagues - all while supporting the programs that make it possible for our kids to do the same.
WHAT TO EXPECT
One Night. Real Competition. Real Connections.
The Networking Games isn't your typical networking event. There are judges. There are trophies. And there's a good chance you'll have more fun than you expected.
The Main Floor
Free with Admission
Just show up and be great at connecting. Roving judges score conversations happening in real time across the floor. Winners are announced at the awards ceremony in categories like Best First Impression, Smoothest Recovery, and Most Magnetic Personality. You don't have to sign up for anything - just bring your A game.
The Challenge Circuit
$25
Think you've got professional presence? Prove it. Navigate a series of structured challenges - from cold introductions to curveball scenarios - and get scored by judges on composure, communication, and connection. Top performers take home trophies and serious bragging rights.
Speed Networking Roulette
$15
Get randomly paired for rapid-fire 1-on-1 conversations. Your partners score you, you score them, and community votes determine the winners. Walk away with real connections and maybe an award.
Round out your night at the Balloon Gift Card Pop - purchase a balloon, pop it, and discover the gift card inside, with every purchase going directly to SOAR's programs. Need a fresh LinkedIn photo? An on-site photographer will be available for professional headshots with quick turnaround. And enjoy two free drink tickets and a drink ticket with every game entry courtesy of Core Brewing/Scarlet Letter Beverages throughout the evening. Cap the night at the Awards Ceremony, where trophies and social media recognition go to the Challenge Circuit champions, Speed Networking standouts, and the best networkers on the main floor.
Sponsors
VOLUNTEER
Help Make It Happen
The Networking Games runs on community. We need volunteers for event setup, check-in, competition stations, and teardown. If you'd like to get involved behind the scenes, we'd love to have you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers. If you don't see what you're looking for, reach out to us at ellie@soarafterschool.com.
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Absolutely - general admission is free. Come network, cheer on the competitors, and support a great cause. The competitions are completely optional.
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Business casual. This is a professional networking event, so dress like you mean it - but you don't need to break out the suit unless you really want to make that headshot pop!
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Park in the main Jones Center lot and enter through the main concourse. Signs will direct you from there.
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Yes - food options will be available on-site with local food truck options. Details coming soon.
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Purchase a balloon for $25, pop it, and hopefully discover the gift card inside. It's part impulse buy, part surprise - and every purchase goes directly to SOAR's programs.
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Yes. Every dollar raised at The Networking Games goes directly to SOAR Afterschool's programs serving Northwest Arkansas students. SOAR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.ption
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Please do. The more the merrier - and the more competitive it gets.
About SOAR Afterschool
SOAR Afterschool is a 501(c)3 nonprofit providing afterschool programming for over 550 Northwest Arkansas students annually. Their programs focus on academic support, professional skills development, and community connection - giving kids the tools to show up confidently in any room they walk into.
The Networking Games is SOAR's signature fundraiser, and every dollar raised goes directly to keeping these programs running and growing.
