​Join us for Fabrik's inaugural Social Connection Summit, Thursday, June 26th

​We prioritize our physical health by going to the gym, our mental health by meditating or seeing a therapist, but what about our social health?

​Social wellness is the third pillar in our wellness triangle, often meaningfully influencing the others, yet it remains largely invisible. Loneliness is the largest health crisis of our time—as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and costing our economy $460B annually. Despite the severity, no one has identified a real solution.

​We're changing that by pioneering the social spaces industry and giving us all a reason to approach social connection with the same intentionality we bring to the gym. This isn't just about addressing loneliness - it's about designing a life where connection isn't left to chance.

​Ready to get back together IRL? Join us as we build the social health movement together at Fabrik, a network of social spaces designed specifically for community, connection, and finding a sense of belonging.

​Agenda:

​5:00PM - Early Arrival Perks! Experience Fabrik's social spaces, connect with other attendees, and get your copy of The Connection Cure signed by Julia Hotz

​5:15PM - 6:00 PM: Panel Discussion on Social Connection in Our Neighborhoods

​6:00PM - 6:15PM: Connect IRL

​6:15PM - 6:45PM: Meet the Author: A Fireside Chat on Social Prescribing

7:00PM - 7:45PM: Panel Discussion + Building Your Social Prescription

7:45PM - 8:30PM: Connection + Reflection with fellow attendees

​Panel Discussion

​Building Social Connection in Our Neighborhoods

​In an era of increasing isolation, the antidote might be right outside your door. This panel explores how local community builders are combating loneliness and creating vibrant social connections at the neighborhood level.

​Our panelists will reveal the frameworks, tactics, and mindset shifts that turn neighbors into friends and streets into communities. Learn how to identify local assets, spark meaningful conversations, and create the kind of neighborhood where everyone knows they belong.

​Moderated by: Lenny An, Founder of Dumpling Dude and Locally Sourced NYC

​Panelists:
- Laís de Oliveira, Author, Entrepreneur & Community Builder
- Daniel Stillman, Author, Keynote Speaker on the Power of Conversation & Community Builder
- Tony Bacigalupo, Entrepreneur, Advocate for Local Communities & Community Builder
- Elisa Richou, US Head of Partnerships & Brand Growth at Cohabs

​Meet The Author

​What is Social Prescribing? Meet Julia Hotz, Author Behind The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging

​What if doctors could prescribe a nature walk or joining a community group - such as a knitting club or a photography class - alongside traditional medications? Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.

​In this foundational conversation, Hotz will introduce social prescribing - a revolutionary approach that's transforming healthcare by recognizing that wellbeing requires more than medical interventions. From reducing doctor visits in the UK to combating loneliness worldwide, social prescribing acknowledges that sometimes the best medicine isn't found in a pharmacy, but in the connections and community we make.

​This discussion will explore what social prescribing actually looks like and why it's gaining momentum globally, setting the stage for our deeper dive into social health solutions.

​Panel Discussion

​Your Social Prescription: What It Looks Like and Why It Matters

​If a doctor could prescribe connection the way they prescribe medication, what would that look like? Social prescribing is already transforming healthcare systems worldwide, but the concept extends far beyond clinical settings. This panel explores how we can all write our own "social prescription" - identifying our unique connection needs and creating intentional practices to meet them.

​Our diverse panel will dive into the fascinating science of connection, sharing insights on how quality relationships impact everything from our daily resilience to our long-term wellbeing. We'll explore different types of social needs - from emotional support to shared purpose - and discuss practical frameworks for assessing and improving your social wellness.

​Whether you're an introvert looking for meaningful one-on-one connections, a busy professional seeking community, or someone navigating life transitions, this conversation will help you diagnose your social health needs and design personalized solutions. Join us to discover why social connection isn't just about feeling good - it's about living well.

​Panelists:
- Julia Hotz, Author of The Connection Cure
- Larissa W. Trinder, MPA, Assistant Vice President for Arts in Medicine at New York City Health + Hospitals
- Prachir Pasricha, Associate Program Manager, The Foundation for Social Connection
- Jaclyn Pascocello, Co-Founder of Fabrik
- Stay tuned for additional panelist details

​About The Speakers:

​Tony Bacigalupo is on a mission to inspire folks everywhere to make their hometowns more socially connected. He's currently doing that by sharing his efforts in his new hometown of Norwalk, CT, which include programs like the New to Town Meetup, a new municipal Club Directory, and Bike Parties. He wrote the 2023 State of Belonging Report and is currently hosting the You Are Invited radio show. He is organizing local programming and coordinating with the local government to make his new hometown of Norwalk the most belongful city in the world—and daring others to do better. 

​Elisa Richou is the U.S. Head of Partnerships & Brand Growth at Cohabs, a global coliving company and certified B Corp creating shared living spaces designed for connection. Based in New York, she leads U.S. expansion and community strategy, helping young professionals find belonging in a city where loneliness is common. With a background in media and lifestyle, Elisa is passionate about designing urban experiences that prioritize social wellness, build intentional communities, and make human connection part of everyday life, not an afterthought.

​Julia Hotz is a solutions-focused journalist and award-winning author of THE CONNECTION CURE—the first book chronicling the science, stories, and spread of social prescribing. She helps other journalists report on evidence-backed ideas at the Solutions Journalism Network, and advises health organizations like Walk with a Doc and Social Prescribing USA. For her work on social prescribing, she has spoken at TEDx, taught in medical schools and practices, delivered keynote speeches, advised policymakers, and more.

​Larissa W. Trinder is Assistant Vice President for Arts in Medicine at New York City Health + Hospitals. The visual collection is installed throughout the health system to support evidence-based design principles and enhance patient and staff experiences. In addition, she oversees the development and implementation of evidence- based art and cultural programs for patients, staff and the community that are incorporated into the continuum of care. Arts in Medicine is part of a larger systemwide strategy to support and address workforce burnout at the largest municipal health system in the United States. In addition, Larissa leads a growing civic engagement strategy that identifies art and cultural assets in communities that connect patients, staff and families to meaningful activities that address loneliness and isolation. She is a dedicated advocate for the essential role of the arts and humanities as interventions in healthcare systems to advance patient health outcomes, enhance staff engagement and retention and to empower communities.