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minglespaces have started in Milwaukee. Join us.
ABOUT
What is minglespace?
It's a space at an event or public place where it is socially acceptable and expected to walk up and say hi to someone you’ve never met.
It’s a dedicated space to introduce yourself—i.e., a space, at each place, to mingle.
In most public spaces, you have to go out of your way to introduce yourself. This can be difficult, takes a special personality to do so, can be awkward, can make people uncomfortable, or wouldn't be appropriate to do. Most events, fairs, and public markets, while they bring people together, do not have designated spaces to mingle.
Think of your own experience...
Have you ever:
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Wanted to go to an event but didn’t want to go alone, perhaps being new to the city or traveling?
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Been at an event by yourself or as a couple and wanted to meet new people but felt awkward approaching them?
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Gone to an event but didn’t meet anyone outside of the people you came with?
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Hung out at a public space and didn’t see a socially acceptable way to introduce yourself?
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Walked into an event where everyone knows everyone else and no one knows you?
Then you’ve experienced the need for a minglespace.
With minglespaces, it will be easy to meet new people and make more connections at events and public spaces.
Feeling social? Go meet new people. Have a spontaneous interaction. Just say hi. Pick a discussion topic and have an inspired conversation.
VALUE
Benefits of a minglespace
More people
People who stay home because they don’t want to attend alone
Small groups or couples who want to make new connections
People new to a city or traveling
Improved experience
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People will stay longer and return to make new connections
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Create an atmosphere of welcome conversation
Build community
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Create more opportunities for social connection
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Connection increases community safety and trust
Types of minglespaces
Examples and ideas >
Restaurants & Bars
Going to lunch alone at the sandwich shop and looking for someone to eat with? Look for the minglespace table sign and chat with someone over a meal. Or dine at night at the minglespace table with a bigger group and meet other couples. Restaurants can increase their patrons and become places to make new friends.
Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops & shared work spaces can have tables for those who are open to conversation. Feeling social? Sit at the table with the minglespace sign. This let's people know you are happy to chat. Scan the QR code or check-in with the app to find discussion topics. With the app, the store will determine which hours to make tables available.
Concerts & Shows
Music events are a great place to meet new people but for those going alone they can feel isolating or many stay home. Create a designated area at your music event with banners, posters, and signs, inviting people to introduce themselves and make connections. Within the app, the event can set discussion themes. This conversation space can create a safe place for people attending alone to meet someone.
Markets, fairs, festivals
Organizers of farmers markets, festivals, and fairs, can reserve a booth, tent, or area specifically for people to have friendly conversation with other attendees. Devote someone on staff to help get conversations started. Attending a festival or fair and want to increase your group size for added fun? Go the minglespace and find people to join your group.
Movie Theatres & Plays
Feeling social after seeing a movie and want to talk about the plot afterward with other movie goers? Go to the minglespace area of the movie theatre near the concession stand and meet someone!
Libraries
Libraries and similar spaces can have a designated room where people can stop in and have a conversation, similar to an employee break room. Within the minglespace app, the library can set the hours when it will be available for mingling.
Hotels & Apartments
Hotel lobbies are an underutilized place for socialization and meeting other travelers. Easily add value by create a devoted minglespace table in the dining area and a place in the hotel lobby where guests are welcome to introduce themselves and converse.
Public Parks
Designated minglespace park benches and tables or covered areas can make your visit to the park become a social experience. Want to go the beach but don't want to go alone? A minglespace area near the lifeguard stand can connect beach goers.
Universities
Help students struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness by creating minglespaces in University common areas where students can meet each other.
Sporting Events & More
Sporting events, stadiums, convention centers can have a designated mingle area for fans to convene. Not meeting enough people at your place of worship or your company? Have them set up a designated minglespace for after the service to engage in conversation.
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What our collaborators are saying
We can't wait to partner with MingleSpaces on our summer event series in Milwaukee in 2024!
Event Partner
I was looking for a way to find meaningful social connections, and cannot wait to have this community!
Milwaukee Resident
Social Connection Circle's vision is important and timely. We're hopeful and excited to help many people.
Milwaukee Community Organization
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