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 hartford chamber of commerce EVENTChamber Chat
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: LiteBox
1429 Park St Unit 117 & 102, Hartford, CT
Join the Hartford Chamber of Commerce and Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) for an educational breakfast event focused on influencer marketing on September 30 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at LiteBox in Hartford.
Social media and influencers can be powerful tools for small businesses, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. We are bringing together local creators and marketing experts to break down what influencers do, how they can help businesses reach new audiences, and how small businesses can start building their own presence online. Attendees will walk away with practical tips and ideas they can use to get their business noticed and grow their brand.
This chat will be moderated by Jeannette Dardenne of INGroup Creative and will include the following panelists: Allison Bellucci of Bellu Jean Creative, Mimi Gonzalez of Mimi Gonzalez Consulting, and David Milton of The Dam Gram.
Register today—HYPE members can attend for free using the link below.
Thank you to our event sponsor, Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut.
HYPE EVENTGet HYPED
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: GastroPark
637 New Park Ave, West Hartford, CT
Join us for our Get HYPED networking event at GastroPark in West Hartford. Enjoy a bite to eat from a selection of local food trucks and connect with fellow young professionals in a casual, come-as-you-are setting. Your first drink is included with your ticket!
HYPE x uconn school of business EVENTStand Out 2.0: The Human Skills AI Can’t Replace
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: UConn Graduate Business Learning Center
100 Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT
Don't miss this exciting opportunity for professional growth and networking. HYPE and the UConn School of Business are partnering to bring Hartford-area young professionals a workshop event featuring Michael Bozzi.
This will be an interactive workshop designed to help young professionals develop the skills that set them apart in today's rapidly changing workplace. As AI reshapes how we work, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough.
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. Space is limited.
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
Join HYPE for its fourth annual NextGen Summit! This year's event will explore the skills and qualities that become even more valuable as AI continues to transform the workplace.
Whether you're a young professional, recent graduate, entrepreneur, side hustler, people manager, or leader, you'll gain insights and connections to help advance your career.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Travelers, UConn School of Business, and NBC Connecticut/Telemundo.
PAST EVENTS
HYPE x theaterworks hartford EVENT
(TWH ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY)Pizza & Beer Night: The Cannibals
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. (pizza); 7:30 p.m. (show starts)
Location: TheaterWorks Hartford
233 Pearl St., Hartford, CT
To celebrate the new TWH access offer (see flyer for details), we’re teaming up with TheaterWorks Hartford for a night of pizza, beer (or a soft drink), and great theater on Tuesday, August 25, as we see The Cannibals. Come connect, enjoy a bite, and experience one of Hartford’s incredible arts organizations!
NOTE: This event is currently only open to TWH access members. To register for TWH access, use the link below. Space is limited for Pizza & Beer Night.
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 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.
Thank you to our event sponsor, Travelers.
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 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.