Curated networking for young professionals with guided connections and speaker Darrian Hewlett sharing tips on networking and showing up con
"The Interchange" is a curated, high-energy networking experience hosted by the Metropolitan Business League Junior Board for young professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are actively growing their work and expanding their impact.
Event theme
This experience is built around intentional connection. The goal is to help you meet people with purpose, speak clearly about what you are building, and leave with follow-ups that can turn into partnerships, opportunities, clients, or community. It is about proximity, momentum, and moving with intention, not collecting contacts.
This is not a traditional mixer. Expect guided micro group conversations, thoughtful prompts, and strategic movement designed to replace awkward small talk with real connection.
Featured guest speaker
Darrian Hewlett is an award-winning event planner, fashion executive, and model coach based in Richmond. He is the founder and Executive Director of Threaded, a Men’s Fashion Week launched in 2025 to create a platform for menswear and male models. He also serves as a Promotion Partner at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and has spent over eight years as a housing official for the City of Richmond, supporting underserved communities through affordable housing programs, including HUD and Low Income Tax Credits.
Darrian will also share practical networking tips and strategies for showing up confidently, starting conversations with intention, and making the kind of impression that leads to real opportunity.
What you will experience
- Light refreshments, music, and an elevated environment
- A Connection Card to track who you meet and why you want to connect
- A short speaker segment on networking with intention
- Structured networking rounds followed by open networking
Guests who document three meaningful connections can enter a raffle. The goal is simple: leave with real conversations, clear follow-ups, and a stronger network.
Curated networking for young professionals with guided connections and speaker Darrian Hewlett sharing tips on networking and showing up con
"The Interchange" is a curated, high-energy networking experience hosted by the Metropolitan Business League Junior Board for young professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are actively growing their work and expanding their impact.
Event theme
This experience is built around intentional connection. The goal is to help you meet people with purpose, speak clearly about what you are building, and leave with follow-ups that can turn into partnerships, opportunities, clients, or community. It is about proximity, momentum, and moving with intention, not collecting contacts.
This is not a traditional mixer. Expect guided micro group conversations, thoughtful prompts, and strategic movement designed to replace awkward small talk with real connection.
Featured guest speaker
Darrian Hewlett is an award-winning event planner, fashion executive, and model coach based in Richmond. He is the founder and Executive Director of Threaded, a Men’s Fashion Week launched in 2025 to create a platform for menswear and male models. He also serves as a Promotion Partner at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and has spent over eight years as a housing official for the City of Richmond, supporting underserved communities through affordable housing programs, including HUD and Low Income Tax Credits.
Darrian will also share practical networking tips and strategies for showing up confidently, starting conversations with intention, and making the kind of impression that leads to real opportunity.
What you will experience
- Light refreshments, music, and an elevated environment
- A Connection Card to track who you meet and why you want to connect
- A short speaker segment on networking with intention
- Structured networking rounds followed by open networking
Guests who document three meaningful connections can enter a raffle. The goal is simple: leave with real conversations, clear follow-ups, and a stronger network.
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- In person
Location
1717 E Cary St
1717 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23223
How do you want to get there?
