Who should attend RVA Connected community engagement events?

RVA Connected events are designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, local professionals, nonprofits, community leaders, and anyone looking to build meaningful relationships within the Richmond business community.

What types of networking events does RVA Connected host?

We host a variety of events including networking mixers, Chamber gatherings, charity spotlights, podcast meet-and-greets, strategic introductions, and community-focused business events throughout the Richmond area.

Are RVA Connected events focused only on sales and promotions?

No. Our events are intentionally designed to prioritize authentic conversations and relationship-building rather than aggressive sales tactics. The goal is to create genuine connections that lead to long-term opportunities.

How can attending RVA Connected events help my business grow?

Attending our events can help increase your visibility, strengthen local credibility, generate referrals, build partnerships, and connect you with trusted professionals and community leaders across Richmond, Chesterfield, Powhatan, and Goochland.

What makes RVA Connected events different from traditional networking groups?

RVA Connected focuses on community-first networking where relationships develop naturally in welcoming environments. Led by Anna Sothen’s deep local connections, our events create opportunities for collaboration, trust, and long-term business growth.

Community Engagement | RVA Connected

At RVA Connected, community engagement is more than showing up at events — it’s about creating meaningful connections that lead to long-term growth. Led by Anna Sothen, RVA’s trusted ‘Human Rolodex,’ our events are intentionally built to help local businesses stop working in silos and start thriving together. Whether you are meeting potential referral partners, building relationships with community leaders, or simply getting your name into the right rooms, every event is focused on authentic interaction and trusted visibility. We help Richmond, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Moseley, and surrounding areas businesses turn introductions into lasting partnerships.

Traditional networking can feel transactional and forced. RVA Connected events are different. We focus on creating welcoming, community-first environments where relationships develop organically. Through Anna Sothen’s leadership within the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, BNI, and regional business organizations, attendees gain access to trusted networks that are difficult to reach alone. These events create opportunities for collaboration, referrals, media exposure, and long-term credibility within Richmond’s business community.

We believe business growth happens when people genuinely know, trust, and support one another. That’s why our events prioritize conversations over sales pitches and relationships over transactions. RVA Connected creates environments where business owners feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to build authentic partnerships that continue long after the event ends. Our mission is to create spaces where Richmond-area professionals can collaborate, support local growth, and strengthen the community together. Every event is an opportunity to spotlight local businesses, celebrate community leaders, and help entrepreneurs gain the visibility and credibility they deserve.

Who should attend RVA Connected community engagement events?
RVA Connected events are designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, local professionals, nonprofits, community leaders, and anyone looking to build meaningful relationships within the Richmond business community.
What types of networking events does RVA Connected host?
We host a variety of events including networking mixers, Chamber gatherings, charity spotlights, podcast meet-and-greets, strategic introductions, and community-focused business events throughout the Richmond area.
Are RVA Connected events focused only on sales and promotions?
No. Our events are intentionally designed to prioritize authentic conversations and relationship-building rather than aggressive sales tactics. The goal is to create genuine connections that lead to long-term opportunities.
How can attending RVA Connected events help my business grow?
Attending our events can help increase your visibility, strengthen local credibility, generate referrals, build partnerships, and connect you with trusted professionals and community leaders across Richmond, Chesterfield, Powhatan, and Goochland.
What makes RVA Connected events different from traditional networking groups?
RVA Connected focuses on community-first networking where relationships develop naturally in welcoming environments. Led by Anna Sothen’s deep local connections, our events create opportunities for collaboration, trust, and long-term business growth.