Top 5 Local Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

At the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, we aim to provide our vibrant community with opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect and engage. Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time chamber member, there are plenty of local events that highlight the best of what our community has to offer. From competitive races to mouth-watering food festivals, here are five local events you won’t want to miss.

1. Membership Breakfasts & Luncheons

If you’re a local business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader, our Membership Luncheons and Eggs & Issues Breakfasts are events you’ll want to add to your calendar. These monthly gatherings, held on the second Thursday of each month (with rare exceptions for holidays or school breaks), offer networking opportunities and presentations on a variety of interesting topics for our members.

Each breakfast or luncheon will include a guest speaker who will speak on a particular subject, ranging from business growth strategies to developments in the community. It’s a great way to stay informed about local issues, connect with other Walton County professionals, and even promote your own business. Make sure to check the Chamber’s upcoming events tab on our website for the latest details on speakers and locations. Don’t miss the chance to be part of conversations that shape our community’s future!

2. Battle of the Burgers (September 21, 2024)

Get ready for some serious culinary competition at Walton County’s annual Battle of the Burgers, set to take place this September. This epic, mouth-watering event will feature local restaurants going head-to-head in a fierce competition to claim the title of “Best Burger in Walton County.”

As a food lover, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the best burgers our local chefs have to offer. With a limited number of tickets available at just $25 each, attendees will enjoy a variety of burgers from different restaurants and then vote for their favorite. It’s an excellent way to support local eateries while indulging in delicious food. We recommend not eating the day of in preparation for the massive amount of food you’re going to get—seriously.

If you’re a restaurant or caterer, the Battle of the Burgers offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary skills. Only chamber businesses can participate, so if you’re not already a member, this is your sign to join the Chamber and get to cooking!  

The Walton County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this event and help crown the best burger in the county. Don’t miss out on this fun and tasty experience – click here to find out more and purchase your tickets.

Anyone can attend this event, so invite your friends, family, and neighbors to come out and support your local restaurants and the Walton Chamber!

3. Career Connections Expo (October 1, 2024)

The Career Connections Expo is a must-attend event in Walton County for any businesses wanting to make a difference in the next generation. Scheduled for October 1, this expo is designed to educate students about local businesses and potential career paths. Chamber members can register to host a booth, where they will then talk to three different groups of high school students about higher education, career opportunities, industry growth, and more.

Our local high school students will explore a wide range of exhibitors, from small businesses to large corporations, and businesses will get additional exposure in the community, all the while sharing industry knowledge with future employees.

The Walton County Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in organizing this event, ensuring it runs smoothly and effectively connects community businesses with students. If you’re a local business looking for the next great generation of employees, the Career Connections Expo is an event you can’t afford to miss.

4. Women in Business EmpowerHer Summit (October 23, 2024)

The Chamber of Commerce has an active and exciting Women in Business program that regularly hosts events for female business owners to network with other likeminded women. One of the most amazing events is coming up this October!

The EmpowerHer Summit is an afternoon full of learning, networking, relationship-building, and fun! It will take place on October 23, 2024, at the Team Up Mentoring Meeting Room in Monroe. This event will begin at 1:00 pm and last until 6:00 pm. It will include a women’s success panel, multiple inspiring speakers, several bazaar booth sponsors for shopping, and more snacks, drinks, and door prizes than you can imagine! If you’re a woman in business, you don’t want to miss this event!

5. Coffee & Connections

All business owners know that marketing is an essential part of growing a brand and getting new customers. Each month, the Walton County Chamber puts on a unique networking event called Coffee and Connections. This is a free, hour-long event that takes place at various chamber member locations throughout Walton County. It is typically the first Wednesday of each month from 8:30-9:30 am.

It’s a relaxed atmosphere where business owners grab a cup of coffee, mingle for a few minutes, and meet other business leaders in their community. Each person will get an opportunity to give a 60-second “commercial” of their business to other attendees, after which is more time for additional networking. These events are free to chamber members and are a great way to meet more business leaders in the county and expand your network.

6. Business After Hours

If you’re looking for a networking event that doesn’t take place in the morning, check out the Chamber’s Business After Hours. This takes place in the afternoons, usually around 5 pm, at a local business. It includes hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and networking. The host business typically offers some insight into what they do and sometimes provides raffle drawings, discounted deals for chamber members, and more. Be sure to check out our events page to find the next one and register to attend.

Get Involved in Your Local Chamber

These are just a few of the many exciting events happening in Walton County this year. Each one offers a unique opportunity to connect with your community and support local businesses. Keep an eye on the Walton County Chamber of Commerce’s website for more details and updates on all our upcoming events. We hope to see you soon!