The Independence Business Alliance also known as IBA (Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce) held their annual Holiday Party presented by Foresters Financial on Tuesday, December 13th at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). With record attendance, this year was not only the highest attended Holiday Party… but their highest attended event ever!

250 LGBT professionals, small business owners, corporate partners and allies filled the beautiful PAFA for two reasons…to celebrate the holidays (of course) and to network with LGBT businesses and professionals. Power suits, crushed diamonds (looks like glitter but its actual diamonds and  yes its on my Christmas list) and fancy label pins were in full swing. I have been at many networking events but nothing is like an IBA networking event…especially the Holiday Party. It could be the extra holiday cheer in the air or the open bar but every single attendee is welcoming, engaging and there to either make business connections or help someone make a business connection. If  you have never attended an IBA event and looking to expand your business or simply your professional network – do yourself a favor and sign up for one. 

With a captive audience, Rich Horrow, IBA President, reminded attendees of IBA’s mission of being a business advocacy organization (over 300 members) dedicated to making the Philadelphia region an influential and diverse LGBT business community with an impact on economic development, equal rights and policy issues and had a special announcement to make. Wednesday, May 10th will be the IBA’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. Details are hush hush for now so mark your calendars now to save the date. Fun fact – I am the Event Co-chair and I promise you this will be the event of the year and it will be a MUST for your spring event calendar.  

For more information on how to join IBA and attended upcoming events, visit thinkiba.com