By: Gracie Covarrubias, DePaul University organizational and multicultural communication major ’18 and Career Center communications assistant
Chicago is a hub for creativity, innovative conversations, and collaborative efforts amongst the most inventive minds in the city. With that said, Chicago’s best and brightest have come together in a variety of different ways and spaces to make knowledge, ideas and connections not only accessible, but engaging and entertaining. Check out this list of the top four monthly meetups that should be on your radar this year!
Cost: Free
Coffee and Conversations (C&C) is the brainchild of DePaul adjunct and consulting guru, Levi Baer. This Chicago-based group of entrepreneurs and innovators meet on Saturday mornings once a month to partake in collaborative conversations and learn about community-wide projects. C&C unites professionals across all fields including, health and wellness, event planning, photography, fashion, nonprofits, education, business, and tech. The exciting conversations take place at a new location each month in an effort to explore the wide range of businesses in the Chicago area. Stop by to learn from Chicago’s driven network of young entrepreneurs.
Publicity Club of Chicago Luncheons
Cost: $25
The Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) is recognized for the connections and resources it provides Chicago’s leading public relations professionals. This group hosts monthly luncheons at Maggiano’s Little Italy where they moderate a panel of communications aficionados ranging from broadcast assignment editors to successful crisis PR professionals. These luncheons provide a space for PR lovers, both established and aspiring, to engage in critical conversations surrounding industry trends and innovative PR strategy. Visit their website for more info on their upcoming events.
Cost: Free
CreativeMornings is a meetup that provides out-of-the-box minds with a space to connect and share ideas. CreativeMornings began in 2008 with Tina Roth Eisenberg’s dream of hosting an accessible event for New York’s creative community. This dream snowballed and is now a reality in over 100 cities worldwide. Chicago’s local chapter hosts a CreativeMornings once a month on Fridays to help celebrate the overflowing talent in the city. Revamp your Friday mornings and attend one of their meetings.
Mac and Cheese Productions: Idea Potluck
Cost: $10
Mac & Cheese Productions is a consulting movement spearheaded by Saya Hillman, a community-building expert. Mac & Cheese Productions offers a variety of consulting services to companies and individuals, but beyond consulting, idea sharing is at the top of their to-do list. As a result, the “Idea Potluck” was born. This potluck is made up of ideas rather than food, and it brings together Chicago’s most hilarious, brilliant and visionary citizens and invites them to share wisdom for just 6 minutes at a time. Idea Potluck presenters have ranged from documentary filmmakers and love coaches to Chicago Tribune columnists. This Idea Potluck is a must see event year-round.