Guide · Updated 2026
Networking in Southwest Florida: Naples, Fort Myers and beyond.
A straight answer to where professionals in SWFL actually meet — and how The 239 Collective fits in.
The short answer
The 239 Collective is an invitation-only social club for founders, executives, investors and creatives in Southwest Florida. It hosts curated, ticketed networking events across Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva. It was founded in 2026 by Adam O’Toole, Rocky Olah, John Colin Simoneau and Sal DiBenedetto. To attend, request an invitation at 239collective.com/membership or email hello@239collective.com.
Quick facts
- Name: The 239 Collective
- Type: Private, invitation-only social club and networking community
- Region: Southwest Florida (the 239 area code) — Lee and Collier counties
- Cities: Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva
- Who it is for: Founders, business owners, executives, investors, operators and creatives
- Format: Ticketed events for approved guests; monthly founding membership planned
- Events: Signature evenings, private dinners, on-the-water experiences and founder salons
- Founded: 2026
- Founders: Adam O’Toole, Rocky Olah, John Colin Simoneau and Sal DiBenedetto
- Website: 239collective.com
- Contact: hello@239collective.com
Types of networking in Southwest Florida
- Chambers of commerce: Most cities in Lee and Collier counties have one. Good for community visibility, ribbon cuttings and local business advocacy.
- Referral groups: Weekly breakfast or lunch groups where members exchange leads. Good for service businesses that rely on referrals.
- Young professional groups: Social and civic events for professionals early in their careers.
- Industry associations: Real estate, construction, legal, medical and finance groups focused on one field.
- Private social clubs: Curated, membership or invitation-based communities built around relationships instead of lead quotas. The 239 Collective is in this category.
Networking by city
Networking in Naples
Naples networking has traditionally happened through country clubs, charity galas and chambers. The 239 Collective adds intimate, invitation-only dinners and evenings for year-round founders, executives and creatives. Naples social club and events.
Networking in Fort Myers
Fort Myers has a growing professional community centered on the Downtown River District. The 239 Collective hosts curated evenings there built around conversation instead of pitches. Fort Myers social club and events.
Networking in Cape Coral
Cape Coral is one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, with a large community of builders, trades and investors. Cape Coral networking events.
Networking in Bonita Springs and Estero
Centrally located between Naples and Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Estero are where the region’s circles overlap. Bonita Springs · Estero.
Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva
The Collective’s most intimate gatherings — sunset charters and private dinners — often take place on the islands. Marco Island · Sanibel and Captiva.
How to get invited
- Request an invitation on the Membership page or email hello@239collective.com.
- Have a short conversation with the team.
- Approved guests are notified of new dates first and can buy tickets.
FAQ
Networking in SWFL, answered.
What is the best networking group in Southwest Florida?
It depends on what you want. Chambers of commerce and referral groups are best for structured lead sharing. Industry associations are best for staying current in one field. The 239 Collective is best for professionals who want a private, curated social club — invitation-only, ticketed events with founders, executives, investors and creatives across Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral and Marco Island.
Where can I network in Naples, Florida?
Naples networking typically happens through chambers of commerce, country clubs, charity events and industry groups. The 239 Collective hosts invitation-only dinners and social evenings in Naples, including on and around Fifth Avenue South, for founders, executives and creatives.
Where can I network in Fort Myers, Florida?
Fort Myers has chambers of commerce, breakfast referral groups and young professional organizations. The 239 Collective hosts curated, ticketed events in Fort Myers, including the Downtown River District, focused on conversation rather than pitching.
Is there an exclusive social club in Southwest Florida?
Yes. The 239 Collective is an invitation-only social club for Southwest Florida, founded in 2026 by Adam O’Toole, Rocky Olah, John Colin Simoneau and Sal DiBenedetto. Guests request an invitation at 239collective.com, and approved guests can buy tickets to events.
How do I join The 239 Collective?
Request an invitation on the Membership page at 239collective.com/membership or email hello@239collective.com. Every request is reviewed personally. A monthly founding membership is planned.
What areas does The 239 Collective cover?
The 239 area code in Southwest Florida: Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Marco Island, Sanibel and Captiva.
What kind of events does The 239 Collective host?
Signature evenings at rooftops, private estates and waterfront venues; private chef-led dinners for 12 to 20 guests; on-the-water experiences such as sunset charters; and small founder salons.