Thoughtfully curated business networking dinners.
Intimate, exclusive dinners bringing together entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners across industries.
10 different people from
10 different industries.
Connections. Leads. Ideas.
Sushi Networking
“The organizer, Marianna, has an incredible gift for putting the right people together AND to keep the group small enough so that everyone has a chance to talk to everyone else”
The Story
My name is Marianna and I’m a sushi addict ...
I launched my own business at the beginning of 2012 and found a lack of networking events where quality people were carefully chosen. I wanted people to mix with others that they might have never met before if it was not for sushi networking. I wanted people to speak about their work and how they needed leads/ideas/connections.
I wanted all of this to happen over platters of sushi and sashimi.
So Sushi Networking was born…first in Cape Town, then in London and Dubai ...connecting people over delicious sushi.
The Experience
‘‘Marianna reached out as she had done her research on my background & she wanted to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. I go to a lot of networking events and don't normally have the chance to meet people outside of my field of tech and finance - the format of a sushi dinner makes the event more relaxed. Marianna loves to connect great people, there was no sales pitch or agenda. I wish there were more networking events like these & I would encourage anyone to jump at the opportunity to be involved’’
- Pauline Li, Managing Partner - Madonna Capital, (London)
“One of the most interesting networking events I have been to in a long time - sushi, wine and fabulous company! We need more of these and on a regular basis!”
— Bijal Soni, PR Manager, Namshi (Dubai)
“Sushi networking dinners are not-to-be-missed events. None of the “same old, same old” boring networking events where salespeople try to sell you things you don’t need. The organizer, Marianna, has an incredible gift for putting the right people together AND to keep the group small enough so that everyone has a chance to talk to everyone else.”
— Elmari Swart, Account Executive, AdDynamo / Twitter (South Africa)
“There’s something nerve wracking and exciting about a dinner party with strangers. Mind you, all successful and intelligent strangers! I loved it”
— Katherine Lewis, Medical Doctor (South Africa)
“Had a blast, nothing like good company and raw fish!’’
— Nick Robinson, Radio One DJ (Dubai)
“The Sushi Networking dinner such a lovely evening and I enjoyed meeting all the guests over one of my favorite foods (sushi!). Thanks for bringing us together Marianna!’’
— Sandy Dang, Sales Copywriter, Ras Al Khaimah
“Sushi networking was an interesting experience at which I met some really interesting people and surprisingly good friends. An easy opportunity to meet some people who are achieving great things. I recommend it!”
— Umar Bagus, Management Consultant, McKinsey (South Africa)
“I really enjoyed the sushi networking dinner, was a great way to meet up with some like minded people. And it didn’t stop at the 500 Salmon Roses - some great connections were made.”
- Leslie Daniels, Brand Manager, Carolina Herrera Fragrances
“I’m not one to attend random networking events, but went for ‘Sushi Networking’ at Salmontini since it was organized by Marianna. I have to give her full points for getting a good mix of people, selecting a great venue - amazing food and service”
— Tabassum Farooq PR Manager, Spa Resources International (Dubai)
“Networking does not get better than this…where else do you get to meet new people while enjoying some of the most delicious sushi that Cape Town has to offer? Through the sushi networking events I’ve made valuable business contacts. Marianna is a great organiser and if you ever get the chance to attend one of these events, grab it with both hands!”
— Carla van Staden, Owner of Twenty3Media, (South Africa)
“This was my first sushi networking dinner… ever, but most definitely won’t be my last. Thank you Marianna for organising such a fun (and delicious) way of meeting people in industry and in Dubai!’’
— Sarah Curtis, Director POP Communications, (Dubai)
“Lovely evening spent meeting interesting people from all different industries, drinking delicious wine, & eating great sushi. What fun’’
— Tori Tatham, Kiss, Blush and Tell blogger
The background - the host, the restaurants, the guests.
Sushi Networking Dinners - for those who love sushi as much as I do. Which is very very much.
But first a little introduction - I'm Marianna Boguslavsky, a digital strategy and marketing specialist with over 12 years of international marketing experience. I’ve lived & worked in Cape Town, Dubai, London, Joburg, Ljubljana, US, & New Zealand.
The first ever sushi networking dinner took place at Sevruga in Cape Town (still one of my favourite sushi haunts back home) back in 2012. Their sushi quality is impeccable, the harbour view is dreamy and there is always a great buzz. My favourite menu item would have to be the salmon roses as the salmon is so lush. I’ve held these sushi networking dinners at other (equally impressive) venues around the world - Beluga & Takumi in Cape Town, Salmontini at the Mall of Emirates in Dubai, along with high up in the sky at Iris Dubai and at the fabulous Sumosan Twiga in West London. Jason from Salmontini was by far one of my favourite sushi venue partners - the man knows how to throw a sumptuous sushi feast. With the most incredible view of Ski Dubai - what a magnificent setting for a networking dinner (sushi & snow slope views make for a surprisingly great dinner combo).
But it’s the guests who make Sushi Networking so special. These dinners are carefully curated business networking dinner events. The guests are almost always a delightful group of people - a mix of entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners. We’ve had some interesting professions in the past - from a MD to a chef (who had worked with Gordon Ramsay!) and everyone in between. We’ve had VCs, analysts, business founders, influencers, sommeliers, management consultants, small business owners, CEOs, agency founders, bankers, and others. Which is what makes it so undeniably special - this melting pot of cultures, industries, personalities and roles - all seated at one table, discussing all sorts of topics over delicious sushi, sashimi, sake and wine.
Does business networking get better than this? I don’t think so.