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At the Eastern Market mixer, I saw a huge line for the free coffee stand but the actual vendor tables were empty.
Some folks think free stuff draws a crowd, but others say it just gets people grabbing coffee and leaving. What's the best way to get real connections at these events?
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clairer792mo ago
Right, because nothing says networking like a caffeine hit and a quick exit.
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benk261mo ago
Not totally sure forcing people into group projects is the answer either, I've seen that backfire at events where folks just felt awkward and checked their phones. Your mileage may vary, but in my experience a simple setup where the coffee is at the same spot as the sign-up sheet for a low-stakes activity works better than blocking it in back.
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the_oscar2mo ago
Wait, the vendor tables were completely empty? That's wild to me. It defeats the whole point of having a mixer. If people just want free coffee, they can go to a grocery store sample day. For real connections, the event needs activities that force mingling, like a short group project or a fun quiz that gets people talking to each other. The free stuff should be at the back of the room, so you have to walk past the people you're supposed to meet. What was the event even for if no one talked?
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