What we’re about
Welcome to our Food, Music and Fun and Friends social group! (FMFF); also known as Feast and Beats.
This is a community for people who love to explore new flavors, enjoy live music and participate in exciting activities. Our events range from trying out new restaurants and food festivals to attending concerts and organizing game nights. We value diversity, inclusivity and having a good time. Join us and let’s create unforgettable memories together!
A few items to note:
No Shows: Organizing events takes a lot of effort and planning. Sometimes we even make paid reservations for attendees. As such, when someone doesn’t show up without updating their RSVP, it can negatively impact our ability to host successful events. To help us accurately determine attendance, please make sure to update your RSVP status regularly.
This is a common courtesy that we expect all members to follow. We monitor our events for No-Shows and will remove members who have more than three instances of not showing up without notice. Additionally, changing your RSVP to “Not-Going” on the same day as the event will also be monitored for repeat occurrences. After three strikes, the member will be removed from the group. Please adhere to these policies so that we can continue to grow our community and provide a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
No Tolerance for Bad Behavior: We expect all members to treat each other with respect and kindness. Any form of misbehavior will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the group. If any member makes you feel uncomfortable or disrespected in any way, please let the host know so that appropriate action can be taken.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Men, Stop Mansplaining! How to Become a Better Listener & ConversationalistLink visible for attendees
### Are you tired of feeling misunderstood when networking?
Or maybe you catch yourself oversharing, overexplaining, or unintentionally dominating conversations?
You’re not alone.
Studies show the average woman experiences 3 mansplains per week, and 1 in 5 say it happens weekly at work. That’s not just awkward, it’s costing you trust, opportunities, and professional respect.
If you want to break the cycle, become a better listener, and own your conversations without sounding awkward or pushy, this masterclass is for you.
This free online seminar is designed to help you learn how to stop mansplaining, improve your communication skills, and build stronger relationships at networking events. Whether you’re in sales, leadership, entrepreneurship, or a small business owner, mastering your listening and engagement habits can dramatically boost your confidence and influence.***
### Event Details
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Location: Online (Zoom)
Format: Interactive Masterclass + Q&A + Optional Virtual Networking***
### What You’ll Learn in This Masterclass:
✅ How to stop mansplaining – what it is, why it happens, and how to shift into more respectful, effective communication
✅ How to build trust with women and diverse professionals in networking conversations
✅ Why judging others based on appearance or tone sabotages your credibility and how to change it
✅ Listening skills for professionals – how to show genuine interest without feeling awkward or fake
✅ Real-world strategies to become a better conversationalist and more confident networker
✅ Personal stories and actionable tips from leaders in sales, communication, and business networking
✅ Why self-awareness is essential for success especially in conversations that matter most
✅ Plus: Learn how to continue building your networking skills with Dana’s upcoming 6-week Networking Bootcamp
✅ Plus: Learn how to continue building your team’s and company’s sales readiness skills using Gary’s Sales Agility Assessment (intended for sales staff, sales leaders, and business owners)***
### Interactive Q&A — Get Personalized Support
Bring your questions and communication challenges. This isn’t a lecture, it’s a dynamic masterclass where you’ll get live feedback, real advice, and support tailored to your experience.
***
### Wrap with Networking
Stick around at the end to practice what you’ve learned and make real professional connections in our optional virtual networking session.
***
### About Your Hosts:
Dana Alfirevic is a strategic networking coach and founder of Charlotte Networking Knowledge. She’s the author of How to Network Effectively for Those Afraid to Put Themselves Out There, and a national leader in modern networking strategies that focus on connection, confidence, and communication. Dana has helped hundreds of professionals overcome social anxiety and network more effectively without pretending to be someone they’re not.
🔗 Website: https://www.networkingknowledgeandgrowth.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlottenetworkingknowledge
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlottenetworkingknowledge
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-alfirevic
Gary Gagnon is a Fractional VP of Sales with Sales Xceleration. With 25+ years of experience, he provides business owners and sales professionals a path to growth through emotional intelligence and proven sales systems. He has founded businesses from the ground up, delivered 16X revenue growth, built high-performing sales teams, and shaped company culture from the inside out. His approach combines tactical strategy with real human connection and he’s on a mission to help professionals communicate better, not louder.
🔗Website: https://salesxceleration/gary-gagnon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ggagnon/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garygnon***
### Who Should Attend?
This event is designed primarily for men looking to improve their communication and listening skills but is open to anyone who wants to:
✔️ Learn how to stop mansplaining and engage more respectfully
✔️ Improve their networking and communication skills
✔️ Build stronger client relationships without being pushy
✔️ Become better listeners and conversationalists
✔️ Network with emotional intelligence and authenticity
✔️ Become a better boss, team leader, and coworker***
### 💥 This event is 100% FREE but spots are limited.
Register now to receive the Zoom link. (It will be emailed, check your spam if you don’t see it!)
