Event hopping is so hot right now. Here’s your strategy.
In case you haven’t noticed, Charlotte has a lot of events. Just about any night, you can venture out for a meetup, a gallery reception or a show. The tricky part is when all of those potential activities overlap in one night and you’re aching to go to one, your coworker expects you to go to another and your dear friend needs your support at yet another.
I went event hopping last week, bouncing from an art reception at Jerald Melberg Gallery in Cotswold to a Goodyear Arts reception uptown. I felt pretty hardcore — an introvert going to two events in one night. But then I noticed a bunch of other people doing that very same thing. A lot of the people holding complimentary glasses of wine at the Melberg Gallery were the exact same people I saw the next hour holding coffees slung by Lindsey Pittman with Hyde Brewing.
I’ve noticed this happening more and more this year. We seem to be becoming a community of energetic, must-see-everything-and-experience-all-things event hoppers.
My tips for doing it right:
RSVP
If an RSVP is expected on your Evite, let that trembling finger of yours click on the affirmative button. Hold yourself accountable. You’ll be fine, I promise.
Don’t be afraid to show up on time
Enough of this fashionably late crap (we’re all guilty of this). If you can promptly arrive at the first event on your list, do it. My friend actually showed up 10 minutes early to an event I hosted and chatted with me while I finished making a sign. I liked having the company (and the suggestion to throw glitter on it), and she stood out as a guest because we had some one-on-one-time.
Wear something that works for each event
Unless you’re “just dropping in on a gala” later, chances are, business casual should do just fine.
Prioritize
When event hopping, time is of the essence. Start with the event(s) that has the earliest end time, so you have the freedom to stick around the later event to your heart’s content.
Don’t miss the main spectacle
In the same vein, be aware of event programs, if what you’re heading to is more than just a drop-in-style hangout or cocktail reception. If you miss the guest speaker or slam poet, you’re missing half the fun.
Know who you should say ‘hi’ to
Particularly if an event is work-related, at least figure out what the organizer looks like if you are unclear (here, defer to mild social media stalking). Make sure you find that person, thank them for the invite and shake a hand (or give a side hug) during your time there.
Have a cocktail strategy
No need to make this complicated. You know what works best for you. Consider the One Drink Per Location rule until you reach your final destination — or dinner. Remember, the point of event hopping is to be able to make it (safely) to each event on your list.
No ghosting
Rather than spontaneously disappear, say goodbye to the people you’ve met and/or the people you showed up for in the first place. Let them know they matter. And they probably won’t mind that you’re event hopping — you’re a person on a mission with places to go and people to see, and that’s ok.
In the mood to event hop? Start tonight:
– Season Finale party at The Common Market Southend starts at 6 p.m.
– Tread Nightly at the U.S. National Whitewater Center starts at 8 p.m.
– Live Music with Ellie Morgan at Namastay Kitchen & Hangout starts at 6:30 p.m.
– It’s An Absolutely Fabulous Premiere! starts at the Regal Manor Twin at 7 p.m.
Photo: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published July 21, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Event hopping is so hot right now. Here’s your strategy.."