This one is different.
An event designed to break down barriers and help people connect more authentically.
It’s more intentional, less awkward.

- Want to connect with local small biz owners, but not fond of “networking”?
- Dread the transactional feel of business card exchange events?
- Uncomfortable introducing yourself to strangers?
- Often find others dominating a conversation?
- Frustrated by not getting time with the one person you really wanted to talk to?
This is the event for you – a fun, fulfilling way to “network”.
You’ll have the chance to share your expertise and goals and learn about the talents and aspirations of others. You’ll talk about who you are and the why behind what you do.
The way we structure these events helps conversations go beyond the typical “Hi, so what is it that you do?” of so many other networking events. When it’s over, you’ll walk away having made connections, not just a handful of business cards.
Brought to you by the Cowork Frederick Foundation.
May 21 | August 27 | November 12
6:30 pm
(Registration opens 90 days prior to each event.)
NOTES:
- Because we’re intentional about connection, this event is limited to 20 people.
- This is a fundraiser, so tickets are non-refundable. You can reschedule with 2+ business days’ notice.
- Because empty seats impact others, please be sure to join us for your scheduled event.
Here’s how it works:
Preparation
It can be awkward to come in “cold”, so we help you prepare. Ahead of the event, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about yourself and your business. We use the info to make name tags and an “about you” page that we post ahead of the event (just for attendees).
Learning about people ahead of time gives you a chance to formulate, ahead of time, questions you may want to ask.
Icebreakers and Speed Dating
We do a quick ice-breaker to get things moving. Then, like speed dating, you’ll be paired up with another person for a one-on-one discussion, shift to the next person, and so on. Unlike other speed-dating type events where you’re grouped with multiple people, here you get to meet each person individually.
Happy hour social time
As if we hadn’t all had enough fun already, the event ends with a happy hour – the perfect opportunity to solidify the connections you made earlier in the evening. Grab a beer, kombucha, soft drink, or glass of water (still or sparkling) and continue the conversations you started.
Follow up
Follow-ups are easy because you’ll get the bios of everyone who participated.


ABOUT THE COWORK FREDERICK FOUNDATION
The Cowork Frederick Foundation is the community-supported, non-profit arm of Cowork Frederick. We help Frederick County freelancers, remote workers, and solopreneurs be more successful by creating ways for them to connect, learn, and build better businesses – and lives – together. In so doing, we support a vital part of a healthy, growing, fluid, free-market economy. Help support our efforts here.