A mixer event called Tech cocktail is going on tonight. It sounds like a fun way to meet other techies & entrepreneurs here in Chicago.

1 tiny problem, they’re holding the event at a 21 and over bar. 3 of my co-workers won’t be able to attend because they are under 21.

There are plenty of combination restaurant/bar spots in Chicago that card at the bar rather than at the door Many entrepreneurial minded people are under 21, it’s pretty lame to exclude them.

UPDATE: Check out Frank Gruber’s response. We’ll come out to Tech cocktail tonight, if they don’t let our group in because of my co-workers’ age (20), we’ll just hang out in Wrigleyville.

UPDATE2: We didn’t go. The idea of getting turned away didn’t sound terribly appealing.

Event: Evening Entrepreneurial Event
Date: Weds. Jul. 11th; 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Metropolitan Club;
233 S Wacker 67th Fl ( map )
Cost: $10 for Members
$20 for Non-Members
Who: Everyone is Welcome!
RSVP: professional@ypchicago.org by 7/10

This should be a fun event. The last one was.

According to Career Key there are (at least) 6 networking mistakes you can make at a mixer.

1. Not preparing for the networking event and not having a plan of “attack.”
2. Taking your resume with you to a networking event.
3. Not having a PREPARED and REHEARSED 20 second “mini” speech/introduction about your expertise.
4. Not finding out how you could contribute.
5. Focusing on yourself.
6. Not sending a thank you note.

This has been on my mind because I just attended the Chicago young professionals happy hour. I definitely broke rules 1, 3, and 5. Anyone else have networking suggestions or tips?

The Chicago Young Professionals are having a mixer event tomorrow in the Lincoln Park area. It’ll be interest to see how events out here are different & similar to Silicon Valley events. Here are the details of the event:

Take a Summer Vacation with YPC

Event: YPC Happy Hour
Date: Thurs. June 28th 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: John Barleycorn (Lincoln Park)
658 W. Belden Ave ( map )
Cost: $20 YPC Members
$30 Non-Members
Who: Everyone is Welcome!
RSVP: social@ypchicago.org

Does anyone know if jeans are appropriate attire out here in Chicago?

UPDATE:  The event was great. Some highlights: I had a great chat about politics with the Publisher of Chicagolifestyle Magazine. Also, met a number of people who work at humatal a recruiting firm which seems to have their priorities straight (taking care of the talented people they work with). Everyone without exception was very friendly.