Free No application 2 visits included

Attend as a Guest — free

Your first two Exponanta sessions cost nothing and require no application. Come and see how the format works, meet the members, and decide if the chapter is right for your business.

88%
of people trust referrals from people they know
Source: Nielsen Study, 2021

What happens at a guest visit

A guest visit is a full session — you are not watching a demo or a sales presentation. You sit in the same room as the members, observe the entire format from open networking through to the referral round, and make a brief self-introduction during open networking. Nothing more is required of you.

Open networking — before the session

10–15 minutes before the formal session starts. Arrive early, say hello to members, warm up the room. As a Guest, this is when you introduce yourself briefly — 30 seconds, who you are and what you do.

60-second intros — hear what everyone needs

Every member states their looking-for declaration — one specific introduction they are seeking this session. As a Guest you listen. You will quickly understand the quality of the room by how specific the asks are.

Spotlight presentation — see the format in action

One member presents — a pitch slot, challenge brief, or case study. You observe how the room responds: structured feedback from investors and operators, not polite applause. This is the clearest signal of whether the chapter is worth joining.

Matched 1:1 meetings — observe or participate

Members are matched into 4 × 13-minute 1:1 meetings by the platform. As a Guest on your first visit you observe. On your second visit the session host may include you in the matching at their discretion.

Referral round — see the accountability loop close

Members publicly name intro offers: "I can connect [Person A] to [Person B at Company X]." Named and specific only. Watch how many intros are passed and whether members follow through — this tells you everything about the chapter's health.

What to evaluate during your visits

Two visits is the right amount of time to judge a chapter. Use the first to understand the format. Use the second to evaluate the room.

Are the 60-second intros specific?

"I'm looking for a hospital VP of Innovation in New England" is a strong ask. "I'm looking for healthcare customers" is weak. Specific asks mean members are trained to refer.

Is the spotlight feedback real?

Good chapters give honest, specific feedback — not encouragement. If the room is just being polite, the referrals will be too.

Does the vertical match your market?

Are the investors in the room funding companies like yours? Are the operators the buyers your customers typically report to? Vertical fit determines referral quality.

Is your category seat open?

Each chapter has one seat per business category. Ask the session host whether your profession already has a member. If it does, you can join a waitlist or a different chapter.

What comes after your guest visits

After up to two guest visits you have three options. There is no pressure to decide during the visit itself.

Apply for membership — Member ($120 / 6 months)

Submit a short membership application. A 20-minute member interview follows. If accepted, your 6-month membership begins at the next session — 12 sessions, 48 matched 1:1 meetings, 2 spotlight slots, category seat.

Start with Starter — $40 one-time

Not ready to commit to 6 months? The Starter package gives you a structured prep session, one pitch slot with live feedback, and $40 credited toward a future Member subscription. Never expires.

Come back as a Guest — one more visit per month

If you need more time, you can attend one additional guest visit per month without membership. This gives you time to evaluate a second session type or a different vertical chapter.

Questions about guest visits

No preparation is required. It helps to have a clear 30-second description of what you do and who you help — you will introduce yourself briefly during open networking. But there is no application, no pitch deck, and no expectation beyond showing up and observing.

Choose the vertical chapter that best matches your industry and your target customer. If you sell to hospitals, attend the HealthTech chapter. If your clients are fintech companies, attend the FinTech chapter. The chapter directory lists upcoming sessions by vertical.

Yes. Your two free visits apply per chapter — so you can attend two sessions of the HealthTech chapter and two sessions of the FinTech chapter as a Guest. Members belong to one primary chapter, so use your guest visits to decide which vertical is the right fit before applying.

No catch. The guest visit model is the same as a professional networking club — you would not join a club without attending a meeting first. Exponanta benefits from having the right members, not the most members. The two free visits are as much for us to evaluate fit as they are for you.

Each chapter holds one seat per business category. If your category is full, you can join the waitlist for that chapter — you will be notified when a seat opens — or apply to a different vertical chapter where your category is available. The session host can advise during your visit.

Each vertical chapter runs two sessions per month. Check the chapter listing for upcoming session dates by vertical. Sessions are online and run for approximately two hours.