For the Young Professionals of Durango, networking doesn’t always have to be dull and wrapped in a suit and tie; sometimes it can involve a night on the town and a costume party.
The Young Professionals of Durango, a program of the Durango Chamber of Commerce aimed at connecting and empowering young professionals aged roughly 20 to 40, is holding its annual Falliday Party 6:30 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Black Heron Lounge.
To register
For event information and to register for the Young Professionals of Durango Falliday Party, visit: web.durangobusiness.org/events/Annual-YPOD-Falliday-Party-Durango-Formal-14473/details
The Falliday – a mix of “fall” and “holiday” – party theme this year is Durango Formal, said Ryan Simonovich, president of the Young Professionals.
“We thought it was a fun idea, (because) Durango isn’t known for being the best dressed as a mountain town,” Simonovich said. “We thought we could call it Durango Formal and just leave it up to people how to interpret that. They can dress super fancy if they want, (or) they can dress in their mountain bike outfit or river outfit or whatever they want to dress as.”
The event will include games, prizes and a costume contest, where attendees can enter their best interpretation of Durango Formal garb for judging.
Anyone who considers themselves a young professional or wants to connect with others in the local business community is invited, Simonovich said. Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members, and two drink tickets are included with the price of admission. Zia Taqueria will cater the event.
The mission of the Young Professionals is to connect, engage and empower young professionals in the community, Simonovich said – and the Falliday Party is one way to do that.
Outside of social and networking events like the Falliday Party, the Young Professionals engage in philanthropic, volunteer, mentorship and leadership activities, Simonovich said. Some key programming from this year included hosting trash cleanup days along the Animas River Trail, a first-time homebuyers workshop, and an upcoming community leadership class led by nonprofits in the area.
The party will serve as a casual and fun way for the young professionals of Durango to connect, Simonovich said.
“The Falliday Party (is part of the) social part of our mission,” Simonovich said. “There’s (going to be) networking, but it’s definitely more of a party vibe, you know? It’s (an) end-of-year type of event, where people can let loose a little bit, blow off some steam and celebrate all our accomplishments.”
epond@durangoherald.com
