If you have questions about AEN, please review the answers below.
For further information, aeninfo@aen.org
HBO's Michael Alvear spoke to AEN in January 2006
What is AEN?
AEN is one of the nation's
largest professional-networking organizations for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders. It was founded in 1992. Members meet to make professional contacts and form business relationships. AEN hosts monthly meetings featuring prominent speakers, frequent networking luncheons, and business-related
workshops. In addition, we encourage businesses, non-profit groups
and AEN-supportive partners to host exhibit tables at each monthly meeting.
What do I wear?
Business or business-casual attire
is suggested.
When are the meetings?
The monthly meetings generally take place on the third Thursday of each
month. Luncheons are held frequently all over the Metro-Atlanta area. Click
here for the luncheon schedule.
What goes on at the monthly meetings?
After the doors open at 6 p.m., members and guests can socialize during
a cocktail hour. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar are provided.
The formal program begins at 6:45 with announcements and a structured
table networking program. At each table, everyone introduces themselves
and describes their businesses and employment needs. Business cards
are handed out. Following table networking, the featured speaker addresses
the group for about 30 minutes, followed by a Q & A session.
How much is membership?
Annual membership is $100 for a subscription that includes all regular meetings and the annual holiday party. Click
here to complete the online membership form.
Does my membership start from
the date I joined or is it based on the calendar year?
Membership begins the day you join and includes the next 12 monthly meetings.
How do I join?
You can join online,
at a meeting, or by writing AEN by clicking
.
How much does it cost to go to
meetings?
AEN Members are free at regular meetings, guests pay $10 - 20 depending
on the program or event.
What are the benefits of membership?
Members can take advantage of the following benefits:
- Admission to all regular business meetings (normally $20 per event)
- Professional and social networking opportunities
- Mailings and reminders of upcoming events
- Exposure and access to new career opportunities
- Exclusive member discounts through AEN partners and local businesses
- Access to AEN online professional and social networks (LinkedIn, MySpace, FaceBook, etc.
- Networking Luncheons
Trois Restaurant is the new location for monthly meetings. Where is it located?
Trois is located at the corner
of Peachtree and 14th Streets in Midtown Atlanta at 1180 Peachtree St NE.
Do you have corporate or business memberships?
No, we only offer individual and household memberships, but you can support AEN by becoming a corporate partner.
What happens at luncheons?
Luncheons provide a friendly, intimate opportunity for members and non-members to introduce themselves
and their businesses, as well as to meet new people. They are hosted several times a month by current and former AEN board members at restaurants all over the Metro-Atlanta area. Other than the cost of lunch, there is no charge to attend.
How do I subscribe to the newsletter?
Each month, AEN sends a free e-mailed monthly
newsletter that you can subscribe to online.
How can I volunteer?
AEN encourages members to become active
in AEN's various committees, including membership, diversity,
communications, partnerships, programming, finance and monthly-meeting organization. Fill
out the volunteer form and someone will contact you.
Can non-members attend meetings
and networking luncheons?
Absolutely. At monthly meetings, non-members pay $20 to gain admission. There is no charge to attend networking luncheons, other than the cost of the meal.
How can I advertise my business?
AEN offers several opportunities
for members to promote their businesses, including:
