New article about What's Happening RVA
What's Happening RVA Professional Networking Group Richmond, VA
Spotlight: John Morse and the Rapid Rise of What’s Happening RVA
We had the pleasure of catching up with John Morse, the visionary behind What’s Happening RVA—now the fastest-growing networking group in Central Virginia. With a contagious energy and a clear passion for community-building, John shared the journey behind the group’s impressive momentum.
Where It All Began
Before launching What’s Happening RVA, John served as president of another networking group, WHIMBY, which unfortunately had to close due to rising costs. But instead of letting that be the end, John saw an opportunity. “I listened carefully to what members valued—what worked, what didn’t, what they truly wanted,” he recalls. Armed with those insights and a desire to keep the connections alive, he created a new space that could grow and welcome even more people into the fold.
An Icy Start with a Warm Turnout
The group held its inaugural meeting on January 8, 2025. Despite a snowy forecast and a city-wide “boil water” alert that nearly shut things down, the launch went ahead, and 60 resilient networkers showed up to build fresh relationships and spark new collaborations. That set the tone for what was to come.
The Secret to Success? It’s in the Vibe.
“Making the meetings free definitely helps!” John laughs. But he says the group’s success really comes from the people. Member enthusiasm, personal invites, LinkedIn shoutouts, and word-of-mouth referrals have all helped the network flourish. One popular change? “We start at 4 PM sharp, and by 4:15, the room is buzzing with 30 to 40 people,” John explains. That early spark creates momentum for the rest of the event, and with more than 100 attendees regularly showing up each month, it’s clearly working.
The Joy of Growth
What’s Happening RVA has grown beyond John’s wildest expectations. “I was hoping for a few hundred members and maybe 60 people at events. Now we’ve crossed 470 members and have seen over 140 people at a single event,” he beams. Even more meaningful? The feedback. “People tell me they feel welcome, that they’re making real connections, and that they’re genuinely enjoying themselves. That’s everything.”
Join the Movement
Ready to plug into RVA’s most dynamic networking group? You can join the fun (for free!) on LinkedIn at:
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13121804
📍 2nd Wednesday of every month, 4–6:30 PM
📍 MPM Tiki Bar, 2451 Old Brick Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060