Wednesday August 12
Berks LaunchBox presents “Canva for Beginners: Create Graphics + Customize AI Images,” 6 to 8 p.m., in-person, at the Berks LaunchBox, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Suite 105, 201 Washington St., Reading. In this hands-on beginner class, learn how to create simple, professional-looking graphics using Canva, even if you’ve never designed anything before. Michelle Hnath will lead the workshop, sharing practical techniques, design tips and hands-on demonstrations. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/. Cost: Free to the public.
Wednesday August 19
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts its “Annual Picnic and Games 2026,” 4:30 to 8 p.m., FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave., Reading. This annual event is evolving from the traditional picnic with a home run derby into a more interactive, team-focused experience. The evening will feature a variety of games and activities, including Cornament, a Water Pong Tournament, MVP and team spirit competitions, as well as interactive games featured on the large screen, and team relay races. Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $70 Aug. 1-10 for members; and for non-members – $80 Aug 1-10.
Thursday August 20
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts “Legislative Roundtable: Manufacturing Growth from Attraction to Expansion,” 1:30 to 3 p.m., East Penn Manufacturing, Main Office Building 102 Deka Road, Lyon Station. U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA, 9th District) and state Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Berks, 124th District), who represents Berks County on Pennsylvania’s State Economic Competitiveness Caucus, will lead a discussion with manufacturers, business leaders and policymakers to explore how federal, state and local partners can work together to strengthen Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector. Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $25 for members; $35 for non-members.
Wednesday August 26
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance hosts its “From Curious to Capable: Understand AI and Put it to Work in 90 Minutes,” 12 to 1:30 p.m., Center for Business Excellence, 49 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing. This hands-on, 90-minutes session facilitated by Metronome Labs cuts through the jargon and shows AI doing real work on the everyday tasks businesses run on. Attendees will learn what AI is, watch it handle a range of common business tasks in minutes, then do a guided exercise. Registration: greaterreading.org. Cost: $25 for members; $50 for non-members.
Wednesday August 26
Berks LaunchBox and the Small Business Resource Association will host “Entrepreneur Networking at ThornAlley Kitchen,” 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thorn Alley Kitchen at GoggleWorks, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Suite 105, Reading. Connect with local startups, small business owners, and entrepreneurs while enjoying appetizers and meeting new faces in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Weather permitting, the event will be in the outdoor seating area. If needed, the event will move indoors. Appetizers and water are included, additional beverages will be available for purchase. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/ Cost: Free event
Wednesday September 2
The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its “REACH Conference — Sixth Annual,” 12 to 5 p.m., RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, 100 Gold Club Drive, Phoenixville. The conference features three impactful sessions, networking opportunities, and experiences created to help you grow both personally and professionally, and the REACH Awards. Keynote speaker is Erika Rothenberger, speaking on “The Audacity That Builds You.” Registration: https://tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/864503. Cost: $150 per person.
Wednesday September 9
Berks LaunchBox presents “Calm in the Chaos: Stress Reduction for Entrepreneurs,” 6 to 8 p.m., in-person, at the Berks LaunchBox, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Suite 105, 201 Washington St., Reading. This interactive workshop combines practical stress-management strategies in the first hour with a guided Zentangle experience in the second hour to help entrepreneurs reflect, problem-solve, slow down, and recharge. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/. Cost: Free to the public.
Tuesday September 15
Berks LaunchBox presents “LaunchTalk: Connect & Inspire — Hispanic Heritage Month Networking Edition,” 6 to 8 p.m., in-person, at the Berks LaunchBox, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Suite 105, 201 Washington St., Reading. The evening will begin with a short presentation on how to effectively introduce yourself and your business, followed by an interactive networking activity inspired by speed dating. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their elevator pitch, receive feedback from others, and make new connections in a fun and engaging environment. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this event is designed to help you build confidence, strengthen networking skills, and expand your network. Registration: https://sites.psu.edu/berkslaunchbox/updates/. Cost: Free to the public.
Tuesday September 22
The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its “Membership Meeting: Mastering Meetings,” 8 to 9:3- a.m., Spring Hollow Golf Club and Preserve, 3350 Schuylkill Road, Spring City. This interactive session will teach you practical facilitation techniques to keep discussions focused, participants engaged, and outcomes actionable all while making meetings enjoyable. The event will also serve as the chamber’s annual meeting. Registration: https://tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/864551. Cost: $40 for members; $70 for non-members.
Every second Tuesday
The SHRM Berks County Chapter meets from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Meetings feature a speaker presenting on a relevant HR topic. Visit www.berkspa.shrm.org to see the meeting and event schedule.
Email your news to money@readingeagle.com