FAQs

Why are the events called Mac 'n Cheese Connections?
My company is called Mac 'n Cheese Productions because I like what the dish represents - comfort, nostalgia, universal-love, overalls, and big wheels... You get the idea.  Connections aim to evoke the same feelings.

Why are you doing this?
I’ve been throwing “no one knows anyone but me” dinner parties for years, to take advantage of a random and expansive circle of friends.  Two things prompted me to turn these informal, inconsistent gatherings into more organized events –

1. Learned of an organization that gathers groups of men and women for dinner at restaurants, basically doing what I do, but charging $450 just to join, plus the cost of meals. 

2. After a recent screening of my film on dating, I was bowled over by the number of people who came up to me afterwards to express interest in my "matchmaking services."

This told me that people are really looking for ways to meet new people other than bars or the computer.

What is the main goal of MnC Connections?
Expand your network - professional, social, romantic - by making new connections.

What happens at MnC Connections?
Get to know each other, appetizers, drinks, games, low-key mingling, exchanging of contact info...

When are the events?
Friday or Saturdays, usually starting at 8 or 8:30PM.

How long do MnC Connections last?
However long people choose to hang out.  Guests have stayed till 4:30AM, but the average Connection breaks up around 1AM (you of course may leave whenever you'd like).

Is this a dating service?
No. Do people get dates out of it? Yes!

Is this an employment service?
No. Do people get job connections out of it? Yes!

What kinds of people come to Connections?
Average age is early 30s (range is from 23 to 50).  Most live in the city.  Gay and straight.
Sampling of jobs-
Copy Writer
Bartender/Party Planner
Lawyer
Grad Student- Architecture
University Housing Staff/English Professor
Photo Researcher
Healthcare Software Consultant
Painter
Option Trader
Barista

What do I bring?
A ready to meet new people vibe, your assigned snack/drink, and business cards if you'd like (guests are often scrambling for pen and paper to write down contact info).

When will I be invited to an event?
Everyone is invited at the same time and then it's first come first serve (for the most part - if someone you know is already coming, you'll have to wait and I try to balance male/female numbers). I try to have at least a couple a month. 

Why was my friend whom you don't even know invited to an event before me?
Probably because of one of the following answers:
a. You know someone who'll be at that Connection and/or their circle of friends, your friend doesn’t
b. I needed a male/female, and you're the gender I didn't need this time around
c. I thought that friend might better mesh with that particular group of people due to job, age, personality, interests, etc.

How can I help make the Connections more frequent?
Spread the word, especially to your male friends.  The list is about 2455 girls to every 8 guys.

But if I tell more guys, and I'm a guy, won't that make more competition and possibly push me further down the invite list?
Not necessarily.  I will throw more frequent Connections as the number of males increase.

Can I come to more than one?
Yes! Often have repeaters, threepeaters, etc.

How much do Connections cost?
$15 plus a drink/snack to share.

How do I pay?
Once your spot is confirmed, pay via the website's PayPal button.

What's your refund policy?
No refunds. If you sign up for an event and have to cancel, if I'm able to find a replacement, you'll recieve a credit for a future event.

What if I'm a shy person?  Will I feel uncomfortable with a bunch of people I don't know?
I can't guarantee that you'll feel at ease, but not knowing anyone there often brings up a freeing “I can be whomever I want to be” sensation.  Plus, I'm pretty good at getting strangers to mesh quickly. And remember, everyone is in the same boat - no one knows anyone else, so you're all the new kid!

What should I wear?
This is not a suit, stiletto heels, and buy a new outfit evening.  I can almost guarantee I'll be in flip-flops 'n jeans.  Comfort comfort comfort.

Does coming to a Connection mean I can't meet anyone myself?  Am I a loser?
My philosophy is that you can never meet too many people/have too many friends. And my other philosophy is that hanging out at McGee's never leads to anything good.  Coming to a Connection means you want to consume some good food ‘n drink, play some board games, expand your social network, and not have a "I should've stayed home and watched MadTV" feeling when you get home from a night out.

If romantic matchmaking isn't your primary goal, why do you want to have a balance of males and females?
It's a different dynamic.  There just always seems to be a certain vibe when the two sexes come together that's high energy and … just different.

I’m gay.  Can I sign up?
Of course! 

I’m dating someone/married, just looking to meet new people/have a new social experience.  Can I sign up?
Of course! But to maintain the popular dynamic of no one knowing each other, you can't come with your significant other.

How do I sign up?
Click on sign up on the website. Make sure to fill out ALL the fields. Wait for an email with details of the next event. Respond back with your interest in attending. If a spot is open, reserve it via PayPal.