EVENTS
EVENTS
HYPE offers exclusive events and networking opportunities that fuel social growth, personal and professional development, civic engagement, and community involvement.
Get HYPED is a bi-monthly come-as-you-are networking event hosted at local Hartford businesses. These gatherings give young professionals the opportunity to connect, build personal and professional networks, and explore Hartford’s vibrant business and cultural landscape.
Future Forward Sessions are offered year-round, providing opportunities for young professionals to build skills and advance their career paths.
Access to regional leaders creates meaningful opportunities for young professionals to engage, learn and grow alongside professionals shaping the Hartford region.
HYPE events are intentionally designed to reflect the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
Programming is shaped by young professionals through the HYPE Leadership Committee.
To view photos from our past events, visit the HYPE Flickr page here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HYPE x nassau EVENTIntern Mixer
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 6:30 PM
Location: Nassau Financial Group
1 American Row, Hartford, CT
Hey Hartford-area interns,
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey and start building your future right here in Connecticut?
Whether you're new to the area or already charting your path, HYPE (Hartford’s Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs) is where opportunity begins.
Join us for our Summer Intern Mixer—a chance to connect with fellow interns working in Hartford, enjoy great local food and mocktails, and unwind with yard games and meaningful conversation. It’s the perfect way to grow your network and get inspired for what’s next.
HYPE EVENTHYPE’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Pratt Street
Pratt Street, Hartford, CT
Come celebrate 20 years of HYPE with us! Your ticket includes food, drink, and entertainment. More details to be announced!
HYPE EVENTGet HYPED
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Square Peg Pizzeria
130 Long Hill St., East Hartford, CT
HYPE EVENTGet HYPED
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: GastroPark
637 New Park Ave, West Hartford, CT
HYPE EVENTNextGen Summit
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Bristol
42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT
PAST EVENTS
HYPE x hartford taste EVENTThe Cocktail Classic
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Town Square on Trumbull Street
Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT
HYPE x Hartford Taste present The Cocktail Classic—a live cocktail competition and summer happy hour in the heart of downtown. Bartenders from Wood-n-Tap, The Foundry, and Hartford Flavor Company will craft signature cocktails as they compete for the title of best seasonal cocktail. Judges will score each creation on taste and balance, creativity, presentation and storytelling.
Then the party keeps going. Enjoy a summer happy hour hosted with Wood-n-Tap, games from Mohegan Sun and the chance to soak in the energy of downtown during one of the city’s signature events. Expect good people, cold drinks, incredible food and all the local flavor that makes summer in Hartford the place to be.
Bartenders:
The Foundry, Logan Maccarone
Hartford Flavor Company, Sal Vega
Wood N Tap, Mike Knusden
Judges:
Amir Johnson, Director of External Relations & Programs, The iQuilt Partnership
Shannon Frost, Director of Marketing Operations, City of Hartford
Kathleen Roche, Founder & Content Creator for Connecticut Bucket List
Connor Martin, Mayor of East Hartford
This event is 21+ only.
HYPE x hartford public library EVENTBooks & Brews
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Hartford Public Library Downtown
- Terrace & Cafe
500 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Join HYPE and the Hartford Public Library for an evening of connection, creativity, and community as they celebrate the grand reopening of the downtown library!
Enjoy a complimentary beer tasting with Urban Lodge Brewing Co., tasty eats, and live music.
This is more than a night out—your ticket supports free Library programs for the community. Don’t miss a fun night out!
MHA EVENTYard Goats Partner Mixer
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Dunkin’ Park
1214 Main St., Hartford, CT
Get ready for one of the MetroHartford Alliance's most anticipated events of the year—Networking with the Yard Goats!
Join fellow HYPE members, MetroHartford Alliance investors, and Hartford Chamber of Commerce members for an unforgettable evening at Dunkin’ Park on May 14, where great connections meet great baseball. You’ll kick off the night at 6:00 p.m. with a private picnic featuring all your favorite ballpark classics in our exclusive MHA Investors area. Enjoy food, conversation, and relaxed networking with leaders from some of the region’s top companies.
Then at 7:10 p.m., settle in and cheer on the Hartford Yard Goats as they take on the Portland Sea Dogs—all from the comfort of our exclusive picnic area.
Spots will fill quickly for this signature event. Register today and be part of the fun at the ballpark!
HYPE EVENTBeyond the Title: Leadership Unplugged
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Location: Hartford City Hall
550 Main St., Hartford, CT
Public service plays a critical role in shaping our communities, but what does leadership in that space look like, and where do young professionals fit in? Join Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam at City Hall in Hartford for a candid conversation on leadership in public service and what inspired him to pursue a career rooted in service.
Drawing from his experience emphasizing public service as a collaborative effort, from neighborhood revitalization and expanding access to homeownership to bringing diverse voices into Hartford’s future planning, this discussion will highlight career pathways within public service and how young professionals can get involved locally. From boards and commissions to advocacy and community initiatives, attendees will explore how early-career talent can play an active role in shaping Hartford’s future and contribute to a thriving city.
Space is limited—reserve your spot as soon as possible.
HYPE EVENTGet HYPED
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: The Local at Parkville Market
1400 Park St., Hartford, CT
We started off the year strong, let’s keep the momentum going! Join us at our next Get HYPED on April 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Networking, but better - hosted at The Local at Parkville Market, where Thursday means all-day happy hour.
Join us to explore a diverse food scene, sip something good, and connect in a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere.
Bring a friend or colleague. Your first drink is covered.
chamber EVENTHustle Hour
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
(postponed from 2/26/26)
Location: The Russell
187 Allyn St., Hartford, CT
HYPE members are invited to join the Hartford Chamber of Commerce on April 23 at The Russell for an authentic Caribbean experience in the heart of downtown Hartford! Grab a bite to eat and mingle with our local business community while enjoying a drink—the first one is included with your ticket!
Thanks to Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut and ADP for sponsoring this event
mha EVENTPulse of the Region Connect
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Location: Dunkin’ Park
1214 Main St., Hartford, CT
Join the MetroHartford Alliance on Thursday, April 2 for our Pulse of the Region Connect event at Dunkin' Park, hosted by the MetroHartford Alliance and featuring the City of Hartford's Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. Gain valuable insights during our State of the City discussion, expertly moderated by Joe Gianni, President of Bank of America Hartford.
This event is made possible with support from title sponsor, Bank of America, media partner, Hartford Business Journal, and host, Dunkin’ Park and the Hartford Yard Goats.
HYPE EVENTBeyond the Title: Leadership Unplugged
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 AM
Location: One State Street
1 State St., Hartford, CT
We’re HYPED to announce our newest series, Beyond the Title: Leadership Unplugged — an opportunity for young professionals to gain real access to the leaders shaping the Hartford region through candid, small-group conversations.
For our first session, join Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, on March 19 for an inside look at his career journey, leadership philosophy and what it truly takes to guide a large mission-driven organization.
Stay after the conversation for a sneak peek of United Way’s new downtown Hartford space. Space is extremely limited — reserve your spot as soon as possible.
EXCLUSIVE hype EVENTWorking Smarter with AI: Practical Skills for Young Professionals
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
(postponed from 2/25/26)
Time: 3:30 - 6:00 PM
Location: CityPlace - 12th Floor
185 Asylum St., Hartford, CT
Join HYPE for a professional development workshop designed for young professionals across the Hartford region, in partnership with Charter Oak State College and led by Dr. Dave Ferreira, provost of Charter Oak State College. This interactive session introduces participants to generative AI, the tools professionals are increasingly encountering in the workplace, and how AI is being applied across industries today.
The workshop focuses on practical skills, ethics, trust and professional judgment, helping attendees understand how to use AI responsibly as an extension of their work, not a replacement. Participants will explore real-world tools they can use to streamline day-to-day tasks at work and at home. Attendees will leave with greater confidence in evaluating when and how to use AI, along with actionable strategies they can implement immediately in their professional and personal lives.
This exclusive professional development workshop is a benefit for MetroHartford Alliance (MHA) regional investors and above. Check whether your organization is an MHA investor to unlock access and contact HYPE’s Executive Director if you are eligible and would like to attend.
HYPE EVENTGet HYPED
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Urban Lodge Brewing Co. - Manchester, CT Location
47 Purnell Pl., Manchester, CT
Join us for our first Get HYPED event in 2026!
Kick back with us for some after-hours drinks and good vibes at Urban Lodge in Manchester.
This come-as-you-are networking event is your chance to unwind, connect with fellow young professionals, and grab a fun drink—the first one is on us!