Dating App Disconnect: How to Actually Meet People IRL
So, how do I actually meet someone out in the world? When you are trying to move from apps to dating in real life, fears, questions, awkwardness, and insecurities can come up. This event is all about diving into the tactical of going from swiping to IRL.
Build skills and confidence, while also connecting with others dating in NYC!
How?
🔹 IRL Dating Panel Discussion – Hear from IRL dating experts as they share insights on how to navigate real-life interactions. Featuring: Elle Wilson (founder of Met Through Friends), Brandon Dawkins of (founder of Beyond Nice), and Tawny Lara (author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without Booze).
🔹 Interactive Activities – Connect with people through guided activities exploring the fundamentals of IRL dating — initiating conversation, navigating rejection, reading body language. Melissa Franks (founder of Embrace Club and professional certified cuddle therapist) will lead a light, fun exercise exploring consent.
🔹 Mingling & Connection – Put your new skills and awareness into practice with informal mingling time. Meet a friend, a date, an acquaintance...see what happens!
Dating in NYC can feel lonely and frustrating. Let's rediscover the joy of meeting people in the real world, one connection at a time.
Alcohol-free refreshments provided by Parentheses and Third Place Bar!
What is The Full? The Full is a connection company that is addressing the loneliness epidemic through building community in dating. When founder Isabella Cassell was coaching people 1:1, she kept hearing the same things "I feel disconnected," "dating feels weird," and "this is a soul sucking experience." She realized so many felt alone in their dating experiences, although they were going through similar experiences. Through Dating App Disconnect, we are getting to the root of the issues with dating, helping people connect with themselves so they can better connect with others -- bringing joy, hope, and fun back to dating in NYC. Check out The Full on Instagram!
What is Met Through Friends? Met Through Friends started as a series of apartment parties for founder Elle Wilson’s real single friends. It began with the insight that she knew so many wonderful, “dateable” people weren’t finding luck on the apps - what would happen if they and their friends got offline and into a room full of others looking for the same thing? Since 2022, it has grown to welcome thousands of friends from across NYC and beyond who are looking for more social, fun ways to connect. Elle is also a certified dating coach who works with individuals who are looking to build meaningful, productive, fun IRL dating lives. If you want more support to get “un-stuck” fast, we’d love to work with you. Check out Met Through Friends on Instagram!
What is (parentheses)? (parentheses) is a fermented, artisanal spirit handmade in Brooklyn by a former sommelier and his wife who missed slow-sipping a stiff drink. Tawny Lara has reported on the sober curious and non-alcoholic beverage industry since 2015. She is the author of Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze and co-author of The Sobriety Deck. She also co-hosts the Recovery Rocks podcast. She teaches virtual courses about writing, publishing, media strategy, and DIY PR. Check out (parentheses) and Tawny Lara on Instagram!
What is Beyond Nice? Beyond Nice was created by founder Brandon Dawkins, to remind men that they don't have to stop being nice to start being loved. Brandon works with men both 1:1 and through his event series "The Confidence Code" helping men move past the 'nice guy' label and step into confidence in their relationships and social life. Check out Beyond Nice on Instagram!
What is Embrace Club? The Embrace Club is a digital marketplace and community that offers a broad range of well-being, platonic, and holistic services. The founder, Melissa Franks, is a professional certified cuddle therapist, offering NYC's first and only cuddle studio. Her work is driven by a belief in nurturing the whole self. Check out Embrace Club on Instagram!
What is Third Place Bar? Third Place Bar NYC is a series of alcohol-free pop-up bar events in New York City founded by Sam Bail in late 2022. The goal of Third Place Bar is to provide an environment for people to socialize and connect without feeling the pressure to drink - whether they’re just not drinking for the night, taking some time off, or are on a longer alcohol-free journey.
What is Fabrik? Fabrik is on a mission to uplift communities and foster serendipitous connections in real life. Fabrik is a home for communities where everyone has a place to belong. With spaces designed to feel more like your living room than your office, Fabrik’s third spaces are vibrant hubs where people can come together in real life, explore interests, forge meaningful connections, and build a sense of community. Check out Fabrik on Instagram!
Please note:
We use RSVPs to plan for the number of attendees and ticket pricing to cover our costs in hosting. Unfortunately, we cannot grant refunds, but you are welcome to pass your ticket on to someone else.
Emails will be collected and photos will be taken during the event for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to your email being used for future promotions and image being used in future marketing materials. If you have any concerns or do not want your photo taken, please let us know.