Do you have a side hustle? Are you working on a passion project? Need help building a new team? Want to expand your network? Interested in meeting new clients?

If you answer to any of these questions, CONNECT is back with Second Shift!

CONNECT is partnering with our friends at the Urban Tech Hub to co-create a space for multi-talented professionals, dynamic entrepreneurs, and motivated students to build their network and/or meet their new personal or work-related needs.

With this pandemic, occasional procrastination tries to take over, and social isolation creates more problems than we can manage. However, CONNECT always guarantees amazing people and a great time. So, whether you are tackling your next project, growing your team, or looking for a new space to do your best work, join us! Increase your productivity, improve your connections, and meet brilliant thought partners, driven accountability buddies, and/or new "coworkers" in an encouraging environment with a positive, after 9-to-5 vibe. Because after work, there's more work, but at Second Shift, it doesn't feel like work...

Our networking event is a perfect opportunity to meet forward thinkers who are looking to make meaningful connections with progressive people in our community. Moving away from the overly-rehearsed elevator pitches and predictable "small talk," our team uses our CONNECT "features" to help all guests make unforgettable introductions and dazzling first impressions. We reduce the social pressure, physical barriers, and sheer awkwardness usually associated with networking, creating a vibrant environment conducive for building and exploring. So, have a bite, take a sip, and connect with potential business partners, sponsors, mentors/mentees, new clients, and/or new friends/associates. Share this event with another forward thinkers, and please RSVP as soon as possible. Space is limited. Ticket cost covers admissions, food, drinks, CONNECT features, and CONNECT raffle tickets.

***SPECIAL NOTICE: We use an “RSVP Now-Pay Later” model to support our guests during these uncertain times. Therefore, we need you to:

(1) RSVP ASAP to secure your spot by TUESDAY, MAY 18 at 12:00 p.m., and

(2) purchase your ticket via CashApp ($Sharqness), Zelle (202-491-9952), or Venmo (Sharnetta-Tyler-1) by WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Also, you will need a government-issued I.D. to attend the event. Please call/text Sharqi at 202-491-9952 at anytime if you have any questions.

Event Agenda:

6:00 p.m. - Doors Open, Greetings, Temperature Checks, Sign In, and Networking

6:30 p.m. - Welcome, Introduction, Goal-Setting, and CONNECT Feature: "Cannonball”

6:45 p.m. - CoLab-orating, G.S.D. Session and Networking (Self-Guided)

8:30 p.m. - Raffle, Awards, Contact Exchange, Closing Remarks/Thank Yous

8:50 p.m. - Farewells and Doors Close

***PLEASE NOTE: There is space for 50 GUESTS. Face masks and temperature screening are required for entrance. Observing 6-foot social distancing standards, floor pods and seating arrangements will be used to support guests in maintaining a safe environment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Can I come alone? Answer: Absolutely! This is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Question: Can I bring a guest? Answer: Of course! We offer discounted tickets for guests who bring other guests. So, feel free to invite friends, colleagues, or other progressive people in your network.

Question: What is the suggested age range? Answer: 21 years and older.

Question: Are masks required? Answer: Yes. Need a masks? No worries. We also provide new masks upon request.

Question: What is the dress code for this event? Answer: There is no official dress code. Come as you are, business professional, business casual, or after-work chic looks are all welcome.

Question: Can I bring a computer, tablet, or other devices? Answer: Yes, and there is free, high-speed WiFi. Feel free to bring whatever you need to get into your zone to create and/or get work done.

Question: Where is the Urban Tech Hub at Company? Answer: Urban Tech Hub at Company is a one-of-a-kind space purpose-built to support and materially advance the prospects of entrepreneurs and companies seeking to address NYC challenges. It is located at 335 Madison Ave 4th floor, New York, NY 10017. The venue is a one-minute walk from the Grand Central Terminal.

Question: Where will the event be held? Answer: The event will be held in a room that can accommodate 280 people, but under CDC regulations we will only host 40 guests for this event. Before and after each event, the management team the steams, sanitizes, disinfects the furniture and space.

Question: Is there parking? Answer: Yes. There is street parking outside of the building. There is also the Central Parking located at 46 E 44th St, New York, NY 10018, which is a one-minute walk from the building.

Question: Do I need a ticket to attend? Answer: Yes, you need a ticket to attend. You have to RSVP online, purchase your ticket at the door, and sign in with our host upon your arrival.

Question: Do I need an I.D. to attend this event? Answer: Yes. You will need a government-issued I.D. to attend the event. Please present your I.D. at the security desk in the lobby before entering the venue.

Question: Can I arrive late? Answer: Sure. Join us at the time that works best for you, and we can get you signed in at any point in the evening. Although timely arrival is suggested to maximize your CONNECT experience, 7:30 p.m. is still a good time to arrive.

Question: Will there be food and drinks? Answer: Yes, there will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. Tapas-style appetizers and light refreshments (including vegan and gluten free options) will be served, as well.

Question: Can I bring my own food? Answer: Sure. There are a few restaurants located near the Urban Tech Hub.

Question: Should I bring business cards/flyers? Answer: Sure, if you would like our staff to post it on our touchless message board. However, we STRONGLY encourage touchless contact exchanges. So, feel free to connect with other guests via phone/text/email.

Question: Is there music? Answer: Yes! Great music will be played most of the event at the perfect volume for conversing or grooving (when/if you need to).

For more information, follow us on Instagram at @CONNECT_networking. For all other questions, email us at connectcolab2020@gmail.com, or call/text at 202-491-9952.