Minglers

Because adulting doesn’t have to equate standing in the corner of an event, wondering whom to talk to and why you didn’t just stay home… Because adulting can mean admitting that “getting out there” isn’t always the most fun and that you’d love a way to find your people that was easy and enjoyable…
 
A Mingler is people interested in expanding their network and knowledge of interesting ways to explore the world gathering for a low-key, no-pressure experience that’s the opposite of the bar and networking scenes.
 
The one caveat? Everyone comes solo. No significant others, no friends, no security blankets. This levels the playing field so you don’t have to be nervous about not knowing anyone — no one knows anyone!
 
This is NOT a networking event. This is NOT a singles event. (People who are in relationships come too, they just can’t come with their mate.) This is a “unique experience with an interesting and diverse group of people who are all there for the same reason: to get to know friendly new people and learn about other cool ways to live life” event.
 
In other words, a Life of Yes℠ event.
 
The host is a master at event curation and facilitation — Saya makes everyone feel comfortable, flips back and forth between speaker and listener with ease, keeps things moving, knows when to jump in and politely facilitate away from Person A to Person B, and has a tool belt of goodness that allows extroverts and introverts to shine and enjoy themselves.
 
Maybe you simply have fun. Maybe you simply get out of the house. Maybe you simply try something new. Maybe you also meet a new friend, gain a client, learn of a job opening or a career couch referral or an online course or or or… Come for the fabulously curated, welcoming experience; everything else are cherries on top.
 

Upcoming Minglers

 Next date: TBA… best way to learn of upcoming dates is to get on the newsletter delivery route and/or follow Saya on Instagram or Facebook

In Person Minglers take place in Wicker Park near Division & Wood (exact address sent upon registration; check spam if not in your inbox). Advance registration is required.
 
🚨 OF NOTE
  • Highly recommended that you noodle around the FAQs below before registering
  • You’ll be sent a chock full of detail email the week of the Mingler to the email you used when you registered. If you don’t see it in your inbox by four days before the Mingler, check spam. Make sure you’re checking the email account you have tied to your Eventbrite. If not in your inbox or spam, reach out to Saya.
  • No refunds
  • If you register and end up not being able to make it, you can give your spot to someone else, just make sure if you’ve been sent communication about the event that you forward it onto them
  • If you have any trouble with the registration widget below, you can register on Eventbrite
  • Facebook Event if you want to share/invite

 

FAQs

WHAT’S THE GOAL OF A MINGLER?

Expand your network—professional, social, romantic, whatever!—by making new connections in a comfortable and unique way.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A MINGLER?

People chatting, getting to know each other, sharing resources and ideas, engaging in connection-making activities, exchanging contact info, all with skilled, “everyone feels comfy” guidance of the host.

WHERE DO MINGLERS HAPPEN?

Virtually on Zoom and in person in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, near Division and Wood (exact address sent when you register). 

WHEN WILL I GET MORE LOGISTICAL DETAILS?

You’ll be sent a chock full of detail email the week of the Mingler to the email you used when you registered. If you don’t see it in your inbox by four days before the Mingler, check spam. Make sure you’re checking the email account you have tied to your Eventbrite. If not in your inbox or spam, reach out to Saya.

ARE YOU IN OTHER PLACES OTHER THAN CHICAGO?

In person, when people pay to have Mac & Cheese travel to them. But Mac & Cheese has a variety of virtual offerings so anyone anywhere can join, which you can see on the Calendar.

IS THIS A DINNER PARTY? WILL THERE BE SNACKS?

No, eat beforehand so you have energy! Drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic – are provided but it’s about meeting others and not so much about the grub. And, no, mac ‘n cheese is not actually served.

WHAT DO MINGLERS COST?

See Eventbrite widget.

IS IT BYOB?

Drinks are provided.

WHO IS THE AVERAGE MINGLER GUEST?

There is no average mingler guest and that’s what makes the gatherings fabulous!

Ages have ranged from 22 to 65. Most attendees live in the city but suburbanites also show up. All genders, sexualities, and marital status’. Variety of professions. Introverts. Extroverts.

Mac & Cheese is an inclusive, “for everyone” space and that’s reflected in who shows up.

IS THIS A DATING SERVICE?

No. Do people get dates out of it? Yes! (The host got a husband out of it!)

IS THIS AN EMPLOYMENT SERVICE?

No. Do people get jobs/clients out of it? Yes!

CAN I COME WITH SOMEONE?

No. One of the things that make Minglers unique is the fact that no one knows anyone else. This levels the playing field and puts people at ease: you don’t have to worry about coming by yourself because everybody will be there solo!

I’M PART OF A COUPLE. CAN I SIGN UP?

Definitely! But to maintain the popular dynamic of no one knowing each other, you’ll have to leave your significant other at home.

WHEN WILL I BE INVITED TO A MINGLER? WHEN’S THE NEXT MINGLER?

Minglers are not on a regular schedule; they occur as the wind blows aka when the host has the time and energy 😂. Everyone receives notification of an upcoming Mingler at the same time and then it’s first come, first served (caveat: if someone you know is already coming, you’ll have to wait). To ensure you hear about them, sign up for the Mac & Cheese newsletter and/or follow on Facebook  Twitter  Instagram.

CAN I COME TO MORE THAN ONE MINGLER?

Yes! There have many repeat guests, some going on yearsssss.

WHEN ARE THE MINGLERS?

Sometimes Friday and Saturday afternoon and evenings, sometimes weekday evenings.

HOW LONG DO MINGLERS LAST?

Around two and a half hours.

WHAT DO I BRING?

  • A ready-to-meet-new-people and open mind vibe
  • Suggestions of other cool things to do/ways to meet people (optional)
  • Business cards, if you’d like

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE AT THE MINGLER?

It varies. But they tend to be more intimate than overwhelming, small group rather than large group.

WHAT IF I’M A SHY PERSON? WILL I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH A BUNCH OF PEOPLE I DON’T KNOW?

Remember, everyone’s in the same boat: nobody knows anybody at the start of a Mingler! That often elicits a freeing sensation that you can be whoever you want to be. And the host is great at ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

This is not a suit/stiletto heels/buy a new outfit evening (unless you want to). Your host will most likely be in flip-flops/Uggs and jeans/yoga pants. Dress for comfort.

CAN YOU TELL ME SPECIFIC THINGS ABOUT THE MINGLER I’M ATTENDING [WILL I BE THE OLDEST? HOW MANY WOMEN? MEN? WHAT EXACTLY WILL WE BE DOING? ETC.]?

(Said with love) No! Don’t stress about details. Just come to have a good time and trust that you won’t die and might even enjoy yourself. Minglers have been around since 2004. Something’s going right…

I REGISTERED BUT CAN NO LONGER ATTEND. CAN SOMEONE ELSE TAKE MY SPOT?

Yep! Log into Eventbrite and update the name and email with the new person, and if applicable, forward any communication you’ve gotten about the event. If they’re paying you for the spot, you’ll need to work out payment between you two.

Testimonials

“I was initially not up for the Mingler, with the pandemic making me feel like I couldn't reach out for additional support and decreasing my motivation. I was SO glad that I followed through and attended - seeing others, meeting new people, and sharing with them did wonders for my mood. I would highly recommend attending to anyone who struggles with social anxiety, isolation, or overall negative feelings from the quarantine!”

“The most enjoyable Zoom I've been on since quarantine! Saya has a way to make everyone relax and be their authentic selves while creating a fun virtual environment. I dread networking events but 10/10 would recommend a virtual mingler!”

"I'm on Zoom calls practically all day e'ryday so I KNOW the idea of one more virtual call can sound draining. BUT LET ME TELL YOU... a Mac & Cheese Mingler is quite the opposite — it is LIFE-GIVING! Saya is masterful when it comes to intentionally designing events (virtual or IRL) for maximum Life of Yes'ness. There is no awkward small talk like at other ""networking"" events, there are activities that serve as wonderful ice breaker alternatives, and of course, the best part is meeting people you've never met before who also have no agenda or ulterior motive other than to meet other cool folks. Saya is all about finding the win-win-wins in life and Minglers definitely check off those three boxes. 12/10 would recommend. "

“A networking activity that goes somewhere.”

“Mac & Cheese is a great way to meet new people in a welcoming environment. Saya is a terrific host and facilitator, and frankly, I have had more fun at her parties—where I knew no one—than at some parties where I knew everyone! There is something to be said for a room filled with people who actually want to get to know one another.”

“It is one of the most easy and relaxed settings I have ever been in to meet new people.”

“One of the most interesting and original things I have been to in a long time.”

“When I woke up on this day a year ago, I had no idea that later that night I would be meeting the most amazing woman at a Mingler. I will never forget the first time I saw her lovely smiling face. I love you honey and am so incredibly grateful to have met you and to have the pleasure of calling you my girlfriend.”* [*Note: though this romantic story is AWESOME, Minglers are NOT dating events. Folks in relationships come (solo) as well. Though M&C is very happy to report that “girlfriend” is now “wife”.]

“I didn’t think it was possible to get so many fun, interesting people (complete strangers to boot!) in the same room at the same time."

“On my drive home, I couldn’t help thinking how much last night confirms exactly why I love this city of ours. There are not a lot of places where you can go to (an event) with a room full of complete strangers and leave with new batch of friends.”

“I think I may be addicted to these parties because I can’t seem to turn them down when you send out the notices . . . ”

“Such a great balance of ages, professions, neighborhoods—such a better option than the local corner bar.”

“I’ve been to around five of the Minglers. The party is always awesome, and it eliminates one of the things I don’t like about going to most parties thrown by friends or people you know . . . that you already know everyone there and don’t meet anyone new.”

“Since everyone shows up alone, there are no cliques to break into, no inside jokes, no cool kids.”

“Having recently moved to Chicago, I knew no one. I go to business networking events all the time, but it’s always work, work, work. Then I discovered Mac & Cheese. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun! Everyone was very social, was there to make new friends, and was all about having a good time. And as if that weren’t enough, Saya’s amazing job of keeping everyone happy throughout the night with food, drinks, and games definitely made the nominal price of admission well worth it.”

“Who knew you could have fun mingling with others on Zoom? (The Mingler) was a fun, laid back, stress free experience. Saya makes you feel as if you aren't a stranger on Zoom with 30+ other strangers; you become part of a supportive, encouraging, diverse group who just wants to get to know each other.”

View Cheese-It Testimonials →