Category Archives: Uncategorized

Singles on first Date
Uncategorized

First Date Tips For Singles

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Need a kick to your dating life?

We thought so! What better way to re-ignite that fire than to brush up on some first date tips from the people who do this for a living?

Events & Adventures has been helping relationships blossom for over 30 years. You’d be amazed at how easy it is to create a spark just by putting singles together in activities they all enjoy. However, dating is not always an exact science, and there is no magic formula. The recent COVID-19 uncertainty has also put a damper on romance, forcing all of us to reconsider how we approach relationships. But the good news is, the world is slowly returning to normal and summer romances are just on the horizon!

Here are 10 first date tips to bring with you into your summer dating scene, whether you are in a group setting or having one-on-one time with someone special.

Be Confident & Friendly

No one likes a big ego, but confidence is very attractive! Group events may seem intimidating; however, it’s quite simple! Just introduce yourself! In this setting, it’s completely normal, even encouraged, to just approach people and start conversations. Share something about yourself and ask others to do the same. A friendly attitude and a willingness to get to know others show confidence and good spirits.

Keep Conversation Light

Some people have a tendency to overshare. Keep the conversation to what’s going on around you. Luckily, at Events & Adventures, you’ll have plenty to discuss whether you’re sight-seeing on a kayaking trip or taking in the nature during a hike. Try to avoid any “ex” topics. A relationship doesn’t seem appealing if the other person is still holding on to the old one.  Leave the resentments in the past and work on something new with the singles you’re meeting now.

Choose Common Ground

Found someone you’re interested in? Try inviting them to an off-site date where you can have some alone time. The first date should always be somewhere you both feel comfortable. Usually, a public setting, like a coffee shop, restaurant, or other fun outing is best practice. You can even leave the intimate dinner date for later, and choose a more interesting outing like a trip to the aquarium. You should have a pretty solid understanding of what your dates interests are, based on where you meet them at Events &Adventures!

The Dreaded Check

WHO PAYS?? A contentious topic, but a necessary one. Traditionally, the man pays. However, ladies, come prepared to split the check just in case. Gentlemen, if you’d like to impress your date, you should pay.

Turn Off Your Phone

This is a no-brainer! If you can’t leave business to rest for an hour or two, wait until you have a day where you can. Should an emergency arise, excuse yourself, and be brief. Don’t let anything take your attention from your date.

Don’t Default to the Bar

This is an easy mistake to make. Of course, drinks might seem like a casual choice with easy conversation, but it shows no effort on your part. Drinks often lead to both parties not being their true self, and can even turn sloppy if you’re not careful. If you’re really trying to get to know someone, a crowded bar is not the place. Events & Adventures has a ton of activities outside the bar scene that will spark your next first date idea.

Don’t “Play It Cool”

One of the most important first date tips is to try to be authentic! Acting like you don’t care isn’t cool, it actually makes your date feel insecure and uncomfortable. If you’re interested, then show that interest by asking your date about themselves, paying attention, and actively responding in the conversation.

Avoid Trigger Topics

There’s a time and place to discuss politics and a first date is not it! Even if you think the other person may potentially have similar views or they voice agreement, just steer the conversation into somewhere else. This can lead an uncomfortable situation or even an argument. Same goes for hot topics like religion, sex, or anything too controversial. The first date is for fun conversation and lighthearted laughs, not political views.

Asking for a Second Date

This one can be tough to navigate but try to keep it simple. As a rule of thumb, wait to ask for a second date until after your first date has already ended and the person has gone home. Express that you had a great time, and let them know you’ll be in touch. Asking during the date can make things slightly uncomfortable, especially if you’re judging the date incorrectly. Wait until you and the date have had time to think over the night and reach out to them the next day if you are too excited to wait!

Don’t Give Up

One bad date is not a good reason to get down on yourself or to give up the dating scene altogether. There is someone out there for everyone, and sitting in your house won’t get you any closer to meeting them. Events & Adventures will help you meet eligible singles just doing things you love. So, you don’t have to crawl the bars or swipe aimlessly through profiles. Just go do what you love, and meet other singles who love those things too!

If you’re ready to live life more and put some of these first date tips into action, sign up for a membership today.

Dating Apps sharing Personal Information?
Chicago, Dallas, Denver, events, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Seattle, Travel Events, Uncategorized, Vancouver

Are Dating Apps Sharing Your Personal Information?

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Are dating apps sharing your personal information?
It seems like almost every day we learn of another report on the news where a large company has been hacked, or maybe even intentionally, releases information. What does this mean though? Is it really applicable to us? The answer—ABSOLUTELY!

Information is one of the most coveted assets for online scammers–especially when it comes to your personal information. From dating to banking, we do it all online, automatically assuming these apps and services have the necessary protections in place to keep our information safe. However, dating services in particular have long been held up to scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of their security for their love-seeking members.

What’s Happening?
The most notable, and maybe most morally questionable, breach occurred with Ashley Madison in 2016. The dating site, which promotes discreet affairs for married individuals, uses the slogan, “Life is Short. Have an Affair.” to attract potential members. In 2016, the most popular dating site you’ve never heard of leaked information about 37 million of its members. Not so discreet!

Many dating apps and websites have since followed suit, with evidence of major security flaws, full breaches, and worst of all, intentional sharing of information. The sidestep shuffle around US and international security laws has allowed some sites to release private information such as location data, employment information, sexual preference/orientation data, personal details, phone numbers, and more. Not only does this expose us to potential financial security threats, but to a full range of interpersonal issues such as identity theft or harassment. For example, how comfortable would you be with your dating profile showing up in a potential employer’s search? Or if your neighbor could look up your sexual orientation? By nature, these sites host a variety of private details that may not be as protected as we are sometimes led to believe.

Meet People Naturally
There are more natural ways of dating that do not have to involve profiles, endless swiping, and potential exposure of your private information. Events & Adventures lets you put the phone down and truly meet people face-to-face, without the usual discomfort of first dates. A membership with Events & Adventures allows you to choose your favorite activities from over 30 dynamic events per month, and the best part is, everyone there will be single! It is the nation’s largest social club for singles where the only information shared is the kind whispered over wine at dinner, or yelled from the tops of your favorite mountain trails. With so many activities, everyone can find something they love to do, without the pressure of making a connection. It’s about making genuine connections and friendships, and learning to just have fun!

You could take the time to hack-proof your profiles or look into privacy agreements, or you could come to Events & Adventures, where none of that stuff matters. Besides, chances are you’ll find someone here who will spark your interest enough to delete all the useless apps. Break up with online dating and visit us at www.eventsandadventures.com.

Event & Adventures Winter Fun & Activities
Uncategorized

Starting The New Year with New Activities

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It might not come as much of a surprise, but studies have shown that the most common New Year’s Resolutions are losing weight and exercising more. These studies have also shown that enjoyment is a key factor in achieving any fitness goal and creating a happier and healthier you. Our clubhouses from Chicago to Vancouver took the time to incorporate new activities into their January calendars so members could start off their 2019 happier and healthier. Here’s a roundup of some of the new activities our club members enjoyed:

Burning Calories and Having Fun

On January 15th, Chicago kicked it into high-gear at a CycleBar class in Kildeer, Illinois. Members cycled their way through a class fueled by an enthusiastic instructor, fun club-like lighting, and energetic music. They were definitely feeling the burn once the class was done, but nothing brings friends closer together than a great workout! Chicago wasn’t alone when it came to featuring high-intensity workouts in January. Our Seattle club had an empowering and fat-blasting afternoon on January 20th at JabX Kickboxing and Fitness. They kicked and jabbed their way through more than 800 calories per member in the workout!

Cold Weather Activities

Three of our clubs embraced the cold weather to help burn away the extra slices of pie eaten this holiday season. Our Vancouver club swept calories away at the Royal City Curling Club in New Westminster on January 13th and enjoyed the benefits of the quirky game of curling. Minneapolis members frolicked through the snow on January 19th as they snowshoed along two miles of trails in Pine City, Minnesota. Members got to learn about winter travel during the fur trade and got to participate in additional activities like throwing a curling stone and playing a round of Ojibwe snow snake. The Denver club enjoyed a winter-inspired activity the same day when they went ice skating at Evergreen Lake!

Dallas gave football a wintery twist during their Flag Freezeball game on January 12th. During their pick up game of flag football, members forgot their winter blues and had a great time! Also embracing another classic activity, Houston gave Throwback Thursday a whole new meaning while roller skating. Houston members managed to get a leg workout in at the Adults Only night, January 17th, at the Dairy Ashford Roller Rink. Reliving roller rink memories with new friends was just a bonus!

Outdoor Adventures

Archery Tag was Phoenix’s activity of choice. They combined a game of tag with the combative skills used in other fun activities like paintball and dodgeball. Add the timeless activity of archery into the mix and this event made January 19th a unique, fun, and unforgettable day for Phoenix members. Speaking of paintball, Santa Clara had a great time enjoying this adrenaline-filled classic on January 12th. This was a great and colorful way to run around with fellow E&A members. Their friends just down the road at the San Francisco club spent January 13th participating in a Scavenger Hunt throughout the boats found at the Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour. This low-impact activity managed to incorporate a leisurely walk into a fun afternoon with friends.

No matter what city you’re in, Events and Adventures will be sure to help you live a happier and healthier 2019 while you make new friends and stronger connections. With over 30 scheduled events every month you can experience so many new activities and exciting things. After all, it’s our mission to help you live a life you love.

Events & Adventures New Year's Eve Party
Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Seattle, Uncategorized, Vancouver

New Year’s Eve Party How-to Guide

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The Experts at Events & Adventures Share How to Throw a New Year’s Eve Party

  • Location. Where you choose to throw your party is almost as important as what you do at your New Year’s Eve party!  Are you going for a destination event, like hosting it at the beautiful and historic Hotel Galvez?  If your guests are going to travel you want to make sure you make it an all-day or two-day affair.  Planning meals and cocktail hours in the area makes for a complete experience your friends will enjoy.  If you want to stay in the city, look and feel is important.  A good planner can transform any space, but why spend the extra time if you don’t have to?  Book early if you can, but if you have to book late then make sure to negotiate.  Banquet/event coordinators will be willing to negotiate because an additional, unexpected end-of-the-year sale will bump their paycheck and year-to-date totals. So we recommend going private if you can.  Separating yourself from the party people who have a carefree spirit on New Year’s is a way for your guests to relax and get into the event.  If you book a room in a restaurant or bar hire security to keep out unwelcome guests and under-age explorers.
  • Theme?  Putting pressure on your guests to dress up or do work for your event must be taken seriously.  Am I really going to have more fun if I make a mask for a masquerade ball or a western theme?  If the answer is yes, make sure your guests know exactly what to expect.  To put it bluntly—don’t half-ass it.  Expect to put in some money to make it come to life in the space you are using.  Simple color scheme themes make it easy for people to participate without having to put in a lot of effort.
  • Food?  Start later and go lighter.  If you start around 9pm, most of your guests will have eaten dinner beforehand allowing you to have more fun with your food budget.  Finger foods only with light or no sauce—you don’t want there to literally be stain on your evening! Food is important if you plan on a night of drinking so think about serving lite bites that will soak up at least a couple Manhattans.
  • Drinks.  We’re talking booze for a New Year’s Eve party, so this is where you want to focus your budget.  Don’t cheap out.  Open bar at most venues will run you about $15-25 per hour per person depending on your options.  The perfect time to host a bar is from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am.  If you are running the bar yourself, try to focus on one or two signature cocktails, two wine choices, and a mix of quality beer and domestics.  If you are hosting the party you shouldn’t feel obligated to stock an entire bar.  Choose one or two of your favorites and stock up.  A fun bourbon drink and vodka will cover most of your bases. You can still serve bourbon on the rocks and shake up a martini for those guests who just have to have it their way.
  • Entertainment.  Friends and tasty cocktails should be all you need for a fun-filled evening.  If you must add on, keep it simple.  A photo booth and casino are easy.  You don’t want your guests to separate themselves from the party vibe or have to sit and think about anything else other than socializing.  If you must spend more money, consider upgrading your drinks or investing in drivers to take guests home at the end of the evening.
  • Champagne Toast.  This is a must have, but even though it’s a New Year’s Eve party, don’t overspend on champagne.  Get the cheap stuff and rip the label off or keep it in the kitchen, then pour and serve to your guests.  You’ve already given them drinks and no one needs more than a sip of champagne after their liquor or they will regret it the next day.  If you are hosting a house party, only people trying to look cool will splurge on fancy champagne glasses they will only use once, so use the plastic.  When half of your guests drop their glass they won’t have to feel bad for breaking your stemware.

Hopefully, these tips that we’ve learned over the years at Events & Adventures will help you throw some awesome New Year’s parties of your own.  And if you’re ever in doubt, or want to skip the work, joining Events & Adventures is a great way to take part in legendary bashes and meet new people without having to buy all the booze and handle all the planning!

mini golf with Events & Adventures Bay Area
Uncategorized

Mini Golf is a Blast in the Bay Area

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Get to Know Urban Putt Mini Golf – Your Inner Child Will Thank Me Later!

In a city like San Francisco, it can be hard to slow down to appreciate the simple things in life. When you’re constantly running around being the responsible adult that your parents are so proud of, it’s nice to grab those little moments where you can be a kid again. That’s why we were so excited to plan an event at Urban Putt, an AWESOME mini golf bar here in the city. Their venue is very modern, with a little nod towards the steampunk aesthetic that they carry out through their elaborate course.

Upon our arrival, we noticed that there was a wall of Polaroid pictures. When we moved a little closer, it became very apparent that all of the photos had one thing in common—all of the groups were holding little pink putters. Being the curious group that we are, we had to ask what this was all about. When we were told that it was a challenge to play the whole course with the smallest (and I mean, bite-sized) putter, we were IN. It became our mission right then and there to make it on the wall, and ultimately into the hearts of many. So, armed with tiny pink putters in hand, we headed onto the course.

We ended up golfing our way through San Francisco streets, underwater kingdoms, mazes, and beautiful mountains that I’m convinced were pulled from the set of “The Sound of Music”. You know what this means, right? Oh yeah. We made it on the wall. And since I’m a firm believer in “pictures or it didn’t happen,” the proof is below! I think I can speak for us all when I say that this is the proudest moment of all of our lives…but don’t quote me on that.

Urban Putt was another great opportunity to get together with the great members of Events & Adventures in the Bay Area and do the things you love to do but never get the chance to do, or to even do things you didn’t know existed!

Singles Social with Events & Adventures
Uncategorized

Join Events & Adventures Chicago for the Singles Social at the Arlington International Racecourse

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Single?  Time to get back on that horse—literally!  Events & Adventures members know that horseback riding, wine tastings, camping, white water rafting, rooftop parties and baseball games are only the tip of the iceberg of what we do in the summertime here in Chicago.  But that’s not all, because we’re adding yet another amazing experience for our members this summer!  On Saturday, June 25th, Events & Adventures and the Arlington International Racecourse present Singles Social!

Ladies and gentleman, it’s time to break out your sun dresses, sun hats, bow ties, and slacks because we’re throwing the BIGGEST singles’ party in all of Chicago at the horse races!  At the first annual Singles Social, members and ALL CHICAGO SINGLES alike will have the opportunity to join us for ice breaker games, live music, an all-inclusive drink and hors d’oeuvre package,  and of course all the heart pounding thoroughbred horse racing action!

It’s going to be a fun-filled day at the racecourse!  Don’t miss your chance to meet plenty of singles, place some bets, and participate in activities that will keep the conversation flowing all day.  It will be another beautiful sunny day in Chicago, so why stay in when you can live a life you love?  Click here to get in on the fun at this one-of-a-kind event!

Weekend Getaways with the Phoenix Club

February 19, 2016

pinetop cabin
Most of us really don’t take time off to enjoy the wonders of natures or the companionship of others on a weekend getaway. Some are afraid to take the time off from work and others just aren’t sure how to plan such a trip. But every few weeks Events & Adventures does just that. Our members treat themselves to the chance to make new friends and have a spectacular time away from the grind of daily life. Just last month, a short three hour drive from the Valley of the Sun brought the Phoenix club to Pinetop, where a light dusting of snow was on the ground and a chill was in the air as we got settled into our cabin for the weekend.

No E&A getaway would be complete without the adventure, right? While we were there, we went skiing and snowboarding; some were experts and some were just learning, but all had a great time on the slopes. While the active group was taking to the snow, the less adventurous in the group went antiquing downtown, relaxed in the cabin and took a walk along the lake. Whether you are the thrill-seeking type or the lounging-around type, sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need to take you away from your daily stress.

In the months to come, Events & Adventures Phoenix will be in Globe overlooking the valley, we’ll be taking to the Upper Salt River for some white water rafting, camping in Sedona in tents, and kayaking the Verde River, all in addition to our daily events around our great city. There is just so much to do when you are with the right people, and your hosts at Events & Adventures make sure of that. So regardless if you’re idea of a weekend getaway is an adrenalin-fueled adventure or an opportunity to slip away and relax, Events & Adventures has you covered!

My Ultimate Valentine is Vancouver!

February 18, 2016

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The Ultimate Valentine’s Party—what can we say, except that it was without a doubt the single best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! What a great opportunity to get to know the beautiful and dynamic place we call home, and do it fashionably.

We kicked off the night by getting dressed to the nines before boarding our 50-passenger deluxe party bus to begin a two hour tour of our fair city. The surround sound system pumped out the party music, beverages and snacks were provided on board, the starlit ceiling and mirrors inside the bus set the VIP atmosphere, and we were treated to several stops at Vancouver’s best lookout points.

At exactly 9pm we hit Stanley Park for a beautiful view of the city, and to see the 9 O’ Clock Gun—a cannon that is shot at 9pm every night! From there we cruised through downtown before making a stop at Queen Elizabeth Park to look out over the city. Our driver really knew how to cruise Vancouver comfortably and in style, and it truly made the experience!

After such a unique nighttime adventure, it was hard to believe the second half of the night was just starting! We arrived at the historic Fox Cabaret just in time for the doors to open, and we were promptly ushered up to our private VIP balcony overlooking the vintage cinema, now converted into a nightclub. It was really the best of the both worlds—our own personal security guard ensuring our privacy and our own bartender, but also in-and-out access to one of the club’s most popular nights, as well. Not to mention the bottles of complimentary sparkling wine that were waiting for us when we arrived!

The club downstairs was absolutely packed and we all had a blast dancing when we hit the floor. All in all, this year’s Valentine’s party was a huge hit with the members of Events & Adventures Vancouver. If you weren’t lucky enough to be there, make sure you join us for next year’s!

Breaking the Ice with New Members in Dallas

February 17, 2016

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Games Night with the members of Events & Adventures is guaranteed to be a blast! As always, Games Night started with an introduction to our newest club members, as well as playing icebreaker games for all of us to get to know each other. It wasn’t long before the party really got started and we got into the crazy assortment of games.

This month it was at a local gym so there was plenty of space to play cards, giant jenga, or board games all at the same time, not to mention we had the whole gym to ourselves to play racquetball, basketball, and ping-pong. We even got in a game of wallyball, which is basically volleyball in a racquetball court using the walls to play. If you haven’t tried it, you should join us for our next game, because it will definitely give you a new perspective on some sports you probably haven’t played since you were a kid!

At this most recent Games Night, there were over 50 people in attendance, but regardless of how many people are present, there are always new and interesting people to meet. And you meet them while everyone is having a great time! On this particular night—being that it was the Saturday before Mardi Gras—the evening featured the appropriate theme. We all wore the beads synonymous with the occasion and got to eat gumbo, red beans and rice, king cake cupcakes, and all sorts of other delicious Big Easy treats!

No matter where or when the event takes place, Events & Adventures provides the games and equipment for the all the games, so the members just have to show up and have fun! As a member of Events & Adventures, finding something to do is never the problem, it is deciding what to do that presents the challenge!

Living Life to the Fullest in Phoenix

February 11, 2016

Skydiving in Phoenix
Last weekend, the members of Events & Adventures Phoenix went skydiving, and well, whether or not you were excited about jumping out of an airplane beforehand, it was sure to get your blood pumping once you got on that plane! The adrenaline junkies love this event, but it always gets you wondering what it is about the thrill of bailing out of a perfectly good airplane that makes a person want to repeat it over and over again. Every jump with Events & Adventures results in a member making skydiving a new hobby! Many of us struggle with the notion of finding something we are really passionate about as adults, but as members of the club, several of us have found the hobbies that truly feel alive.

As members of Events & Adventures, we have had the opportunity to skydive, hike all over the world, find wine that matches our palate perfectly, and discover the joys of trampoline dodgeball! With so much to do, it is easy to find activities you enjoy, but more exciting than that, many of our members have found that one thing that makes moves them more than any other activity, and many more have found that person to share those passions with.

During my time in Events & Adventures I have had the opportunity to see people terrified of airplanes actually go on to get their skydiving certification. I’ve seen some drinkers who used to prefer their wine from a box expand their palates to the point of taking sommeliers classes and changing careers. The opportunity has risen on so many occasions to witness the marriage between two people that had simply given up on the idea of ever meeting that life-long partner. When you spend time getting to know yourself, what makes you tick, and take the opportunity to try something new, it’s amazing what happens in your life. Once you have found what makes you put out positive energy, the positive energy returns to you.