Gist IRL Social

4.6•460 ratings

San Francisco, CA, US

4,286 members · Public group

What we’re about

Gist is a guided experience designed to make it simpler for humans to connect — intentionally, meaningfully, and without the noise.

Each mixer has a unique theme. Through a series of one-on-one 8-minute rounds, you get to meet everyone in the room. You show up as you are — no bios, no algorithms, no judgment. Just real people meeting in real life, with structure that makes it efficient, non-awkward, and unexpectedly joyful.

Whether you're here for new friendships, collaborators, or a deeper sense of presence, Gist creates space for mutual discovery — of others and of self.

We’re not building another networking tool — we’re restoring what it means to truly connect, and inviting you to try it for yourself.

Upcoming events

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Thu, Jan 8 · 18:30 PST
Creative Minds Speed-Friending [Oakland]
Oakland United Beerworks, 262 2nd Street, Oakland, CA, US
🎟️ Join and Check-In

Creative Minds Speed-Friending: Find Your Collaboration Crew

Are you tired of the isolation that often comes with creative work? Do you struggle to find like-minded collaborators? We know the feeling. That's why we created Creative Minds Speed-Friending. This evening is specifically designed to unite passionate creative professionals, artists, designers, and innovators to share ideas, swap tips, and spark new collaborations or friendships.
Format

6:15 pm: Doors open, grab your first round.
6:30 pm: Speed-friending rotations begin (8 min each)
7:30 pm: Free-flow mingling – stay as long as you want.

What to Expect Typical mixers or social gatherings can feel overwhelming, daunting, or just plain awkward. We've crafted a format for genuine connection, designed specifically to take the pressure off. The core of the evening is a series of rotating, one-on-one conversations. This structure is intentionally designed to reduce social anxiety, letting you relax, be yourself, and focus on one person at a time. Think of each brief chat as a chance for sparking inspiration. You'll move through several quick Speed-friending rounds. In each round, you might find the start of a Creative collaboration, a valuable Professional networking connection, or a lasting Friendship.

Want to connect with someone? Use the app! It lets you stay in touch without ever revealing your phone number.

PS: Please support the venue by getting an item off their menu.
84 attendees
Fri, Jan 9 · 18:00 PST
Photo Walk @ FiDi/Chinatown
Broadway & Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, San Francisco, Ka, US
Bring a camera if you have one, dress warm, come open-minded.

The plan:

Photo walk around FiDi/Chinatown (Starting point: Language of the Birds)

Grab a quick bite somewhere on Sacramento Street (we'll decide together)

End at RM 212 for cocktails (exclusively discounted for our group)

All ages, all photography levels welcome. See you there!
40 attendees
Sun, Jan 11 · 12:00 PST
Photowalk: Mission Street
Clarion Alley, between Mission and Valencia 16th/17th, San Francisco, CA, US
Back at it again! Round #3 at Temos, but we're switching it up. No coffee mixer this time—we're starting with street art.

Bring a camera, good vibes, dress for the weather.

Rough plan:

Hit Clarion Alley for street art (murals, graffiti, the real Mission)

Walk down Mission Street, shoot photos, explore

End at Temos for coffee (exclusive perks just for our group)

All ages, all experience levels welcome.

Meet: Clarion Alley (between Valencia & Mission, 17th & 18th St)
End: Temos Coffee, Mission District

See you there.
28 attendees
Sun, Jan 18 · 13:30 PST
New Year's Speed-Friending [Oakland]
Mad Oak Bar, 135 12th St, Oakland, CA, US
🎟️ Join & Check-In

New Year, New Friends! This New Year's Speed-friending event is your chance for a fresh start. We've designed a relaxed evening to unite help expand your social circle, share ideas, and spark new friendships. The main goal is to form a go-to circle for future activities.

Agenda

Welcome! Here's Your Guide to the Event.

🎟️ Join & Check-In

Step 1: Get Started (Check-in begins at 1:20PM)
When you arrive, please Check-In: just follow the link to complete a quick and easy profile setup on your phone.

Step 2: Meet Your Matches (1:30PM ~ 2:30PM)
This is where the fun begins! For the next hour, our app will be your guide. At the start of each new round, it will introduce you to your next one-on-one match. Simply find your partner and enjoy the conversation!

Step 3: Mix & Mingle (2:30PM+)
Once the one-on-one rounds conclude, the rest of the night is yours to chat with everyone. Feel free to continue a great conversation or introduce yourself to someone new.

Want to connect with someone? Use the app! It lets you stay in touch without ever revealing your phone number. PS: Please support the venue by getting an item off their menu.
52 attendees