These gatherings provide both formal and informal space for networking, conversation, and resource-sharing.

No product. No pressure. Just connection.

Each gathering includes the following elements:

• “Mix and Mingle: Attendees are allowed informal time to meet and chat with others in a casual setting with drinks and light bites. This is a moment to break bread and casually build connections with one another.

• Structured "Speed Networking”: Inspired by the Goodman Theatre’s Matchmaking Directors and Designers Event produced by Jamal Howard in August 2024, the “Networking Speed Dates” follow the format of “speed dating”, allowing those in attendance individual or small group time with each other to introduce themselves and make connections. Those in attendance are provided a Community Building Journal that includes their rotation assignment (which will allow them to move smoothly and clearly through their networking “speed dates”), a roster of the other attendees, and suggested prompts for their networking “speed dates”.

• Community Conversation: Following the Networking “Speed Dates”, the Community Conversation is a facilitated conversation centered around specific prompts that allows attendees to share their experiences as historically excluded theatre artists, discuss challenges, and crowdsource resources and solutions.

• Community Building Journal: Attendees receive a Community-Building Journal (either a hard copy or digital) that gives them space to take notes on resources, contact information, or sparks of inspiration. Additionally, the journal will include prompts and activities for them to engage in throughout the gathering to support them in building connections.

• Roster: Each attendee will receive a roster of those in attendance with contact information to support connecting beyond the gathering.