Local Businesses

Social Sips & Bites Presents: A Monthly Culinary Experience **Small Group • Big Flavor • Great Company** We’re kicking off a brand-new monthly food series designed for those who truly appreciate great food and even better company. Each month, a small group of just 12 food lovers will gather at one handpicked spot in the DMV area, chosen for its vibrant flavors, cozy vibe, and overall wow factor. Think hidden gems, chef-driven menus, and memorable bites. This isn’t just about eating out. It’s about sharing a beautiful meal, great conversation, and unrushed time together. Reservations will be made in advance, so you can relax, savor the moment, and connect. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just someone who loves a well-plated dish, this is your table.

Let's do some social business working. Introduce you and your business to neighborhood business owners. Bring your energy, a smile, business cards and some of your marketing materials to share with your new friends. Event is free but the bar is pay as you go.

SSB family, we’re heading out for a high-energy night of live music, dancing, and nonstop throwback vibes. On stage: Quantum Leap - a professional 80s tribute band bringing the best of pop, rock, dance, and R&B hits from the decade that knew how to party.

**Meet Thurmond Alford, Design Thinking RVA** Mr. Thurmond Alford Jr. is a mindfulness practitioner and design thinker who applies his skills and knowledge to a range of professional and personal endeavors. He is passionate about sharing his insights on how mindfulness, design thinking, and human-centered design can help people solve problems, enhance creativity, spark entrepreneurship and improve our overall well-being. Mr. Alford is a certified Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner and Teacher with over 300 hours of personal meditation practice. He engages in weekly mindfulness practice through his employers EAP Mindfulness Group, which serves their 30,000- employee community. He is also called on at times to facilitate as an adjunct instructor, supporting the program with clarity and commitment. His journey into mindfulness began through martial arts during his service in the U.S. Navy and was further deepened during a health challenge while pursuing his graduate degree in 2018. Mr. Alford has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Design Thinking from Radford University and is certified as a Human-Centered Design Practitioner from LUMA Institute. Mr. Alford has a notable career in design, mindfulness, intrapreneurship and education. He is a sought-after speaker, guest lecturer, workshop facilitator, and former adjunct professor who covers topics such as Design Thinking, Mindfulness, Interior Design, Service Design, Human-Centered Design, Mindful Leadership, Intrapreneurship and Creative Confidence. Mr. Alford’s company (Mindflow804) and independent research is focused on more modern mindfulness and design thinking practices that help people find a balance between the technology of our modern lifestyle and the benefits of traditional mindfulness and human-centered design. He is a mindful leader in the industry and a pioneer in the use of these soft skills in the age of new emerging technologies, such as Generative AI, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality. This is where mindfulness and design thinking will be needed the most as we move through the 4th industrial revolution. **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, March 20, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️ Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District 2987 District Ave Ste 100, Fairfax, VA 22031 🌟 3rd Friday Spades in Virginia! 🕕 6:30pm to 10:30pm 😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚗 Parking is FREE!!! 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. ✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. ❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! 🌟 The fun starts at 7pm! RSVP today.

Come hang out with your fellow AKPsi brothers for a night of games, laughs, and reconnecting at Dave & Buster’s! Whether you’re an alum looking to catch up or a current brother wanting to expand your circle, this is a chance to unwind, swap stories, and enjoy some friendly competition. Expect arcade games, plenty of laughs, and a relaxed space to connect with other AKPsi brothers in the DC area. Bring your competitive spirit — and maybe your best skee-ball skills. Let’s keep the AKPsi spirit alive and have a great night together.

Big stage, big dance floor, great food and drink great prices. The perfect fun night with the best 70s/80s dance band in the DMV!

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

Hey Social Sips & Bites crew! We’re heading back to WHINO — and you’re invited. You already know the vibe: bold art, creative cocktails, delicious bites, and the perfect atmosphere for mingling, laughing, and making new connections. It’s one of our favorite spots for a reason. And here’s the real kicker… 🎧 **Live DJ from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM** spinning all our favorite hits and keeping the energy high all night long. This isn’t just another night out. It’s connection. It’s laughter. It’s that Social Sips & Bites magic we always bring. Come ready. Come social. Come make it a night everyone talks about after.

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Come support Velocity's Monthly Warehouse Sale! We'll need help moving bicycles outside the warehouse before 9 a.m. and back inside at 1 p.m. In between, we'll greet customers, help them find bicycles and parts, and ring up their purchases on Square. Feel free to sign up even if you can't volunteer for the whole time. And remember to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty with bicycle grease! Please note that volunteers under 18 are required to have a parent or guardian attend the beginning of their first volunteering session in order to sign a waiver for them, and volunteers under 16 are required to have a parent or guardian present with them during all the time they spend volunteering at Velocity.

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Let’s try some Filipino food at a well known Grandview area restaurant, This is the menu: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHByDNxwDA/TO8oxEmjQrBp_PP_mLPUag/view?utm_content=DAHByDNxwDA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h435abfbbb3#1

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*