3 Local Event Series every millennial and gen z should be attending

Powered by Chamber RVA and HYPE RVA

Connect with others while growing personally and professionally

We are frequently asked how to meet people around the city and which events are the best to attend. In this City Guide, we round up the top three event series for young professionals in our region. They’re creative, engaging, and (when not virtual) typically hosted in rad spots around town. Each offers the opportunity to meet others across various industries, and they’re always incredibly motivating. So grab your calendar and get ready to make plans!

by Samantha Kanipe

Please follow all city, state, federal, and CDC guidelines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before making plans, we recommend that you double-check each organization’s website and/or social media channels to confirm their offerings.

CreativeMornings

CreativeMornings is a free, global monthly breakfast lecture series that takes place in 220+ cities in 67 countries, with our very own chapter here in Richmond! Each chapter creates a unique experience and dialogue centered around the same theme. Local creatives are invited to speak each month with the flexibility to approach the theme entirely through their eyes.

The concept is simple: breakfast and a short talk on the first Friday of every month. The event is free of charge and open to anyone. The goal is to inspire one another, support each other, collaborate, and forge relationships.

I have attended both in-person and virtual events and I can promise you the community is inviting, uplifting, energizing, and insightful! This event series should not be missed.

When: First Friday of each month, 8:45 am to 10 am
Where: Currently virtual; otherwise Creative Mornings is held at a different location each month.
Cost: Free, usually with complimentary coffee and light breakfast when events are in person

>> Learn more <<

HYPE RVA

HYPE: Helping Young Professionals Engage (HYPE) is a community for local young professionals offering programming, relationship building, leadership opportunities, and a deeper connection to our city through exposure to economic development, politics, arts and culture, social issues, and beyond. Their goal is to connect members with each other and provide opportunities for members to grow personally and professionally!

With 20+ events hosted annually, HYPE subscribers have plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Topics include everything from resume writing to workspace design to entrepreneurship. Not sure if you’re ready to commit? Check out Cups of Connection, a free, live event every third Wednesday of the month where you can learn more about HYPE and meet current members. Just grab your favorite morning beverage of choice and hop in!

When I was new to the city, I found HYPE to be a meaningful resource where I made lasting business relationships and friendships. While their events are focused on professional growth, I always found them to be casual and approachable. I highly recommend HYPE to any new or young professional in the Richmond region.

What: HYPE is an extension of Chamber RVA
Where: Currently virtual; otherwise HYPE events are usually hosted at cool venues around the city including breweries and coworking spaces.
Cost: The annual subscription cost varies, click learn more below for more information!

>> Learn more <<

Fuckup Nights

Buckle up because this event series holds nothing back and it’s hella motivating. Sure, anyone can share their success stories, but how about all the failures that led them there? FuckUp Nights is another global movement with a chapter right here in RVA where speaks share their stories of professional failure -- think businesses crashing, partnerships going up in flames, product recalls, going broke, and more. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s a reminder that we are all doing the best we can and sometimes an idea just doesn’t work out. Learn from fellow professionals and sympathize (or empathize) with them and then get ready to hit the ground running.

When: FuckUp Nights is currently taking a break due to COVID but plans to return for the second half of 2021. Follow them on social for updates.
Where: Usually hosted at The HofGarden (and yes, you can enjoy an adult beverage if you wish)
Cost: Free to attend (beverages are extra)

>> Learn more <<