So, it has been a while since I attended a Raising the Bar Event for YPN.  And, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too sure about the event…who would be there, what should I wear, where do I go when I walk in, how would I meet people, and should I casually stroll in just a little late to make sure people are there?

I walked into The Sanctuary fashionably late wearing a casual turtleneck sweater and jeans. As soon as the door shut behind me, all my uncertainties disappeared.  Some very friendly YPN Members greeted me and we began chatting.  Little did I know when I got there, The Sanctuary is not actually a bar, but rather a health and fitness center which includes spa services, workshops/seminars, and even a tea room! The employees of the wellness retreat were also warm and gracious. They had a stash of wine for people like me who wanted to wind down from a long day at work.Wine in hand, I was ready to switch gears and start some social interaction.  I immediately recognized a good friend of mine.  Unlike me, she arrived very early to the event and already had a chance to scope the place out.  She acted as my tour guide and took me to the different fitness areas and spa rooms.

People tend to congregate around food, and that’s when I had a chance to see who was at the event. Some people were chatting in small groups, some were touring the place and experiencing demos of really neat fitness machines, and others (like myself) were nibbling on yummy cheese and brownie bites while chatting with my peers.

I’m so glad I gave Raise the Bar another go. It was not difficult to get into “relax” mode when you are in a beautiful venue with a nice glass of wine, delicious food, free chair massages, and great people. I met quite a few young professionals and am looking forward to seeing my new friends at next month’s event!

AMY NELSON
YPN Member