The Mattress Factory in Fanwood will be hopping on February 17, with potentially hundreds of small business people gathering for a night of networking.

The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce is working with business groups in Fanwood, Scotch Plains and Springfield to host what is being called the "Big Event," that evening. Neil Pinkman, the chamber's executive director, said the event is a way to bring together members of the regional business groups for the evening.

"Between the four groups there are over 500 members," Pinkman said. "If we can continue networking together it is good for business."

Pinkman has been in contact with his colleagues from the Scotch Plains Business Association, the Fanwood Business Association and the Springfield Patriot Chamber of Commerce in the planning of the event. With the collective size of the group, he said they are expecting at least 50 people to attend the event, with more likely.

The program is being sponsored by the Mattress Factory, which is located at 35 South Avenue in Fanwood. Members of the chamber and the companion groups are free to attend. Non-members will need to pay $10 to attend. Pinkman asks that attendees register through the chamber's website. The event will occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The chamber sponsored its first networking breakfast this past Wednesday at their Elm Street offices. The breakfast attracted over 30 business people from around Westfield.

"It will be an opportunity to be a very tremendous networking event to make those new connections," Pinkman said.