Media and marketing events around the city are blurring the line
between work and play as Philadelphia's young professionals talk
business and network at some of the cities trendiest hot spots.
Young marketing moguls-in-the-making know the value of hard
work, and many are putting in long days to get the job done.
But they understand the value of a work/play balance, and
staying connected with fellow employees, industry colleagues,
and the community. Patrick McKenna and James Delaney,
co-founders of DMi Partners, an interactive marketing firm in
Center City, try to appeal to their employees' tastes and
hobbies when planning company activities. After moving into a
bigger office, they brought in a ping pong table for employees
to blow off steam.
"It's not unusual for us to start the day early and not leave
until late," said McKenna. "Our employees give 150%, so the
table provides a good release."
Rather than sticking to the typical office party, DMi has
hosted events at Philly night spots like Strikes Bowling Lounge,
Helium Comedy Club, and Buffalo Billiards, where the casual
atmosphere and presence of games and entertainment puts people
at ease and lowers the "schmooze" factor that many people dread.
The formal B-to-B networking process is also being replaced
with low pressure, casual gatherings that do not require an
elevator pitch and a business card. In the marketing industry,
socializing is the new networking. Professionals are gathering
for business during the week at the same places they go for
pleasure on the weekends.
Young professionals have more relaxed options through social
events planned by outlets such as mediabistro.com, an online
marketplace for public relations professionals, journalists, and
freelancers. Mediabistro.com hosts "All Media" parties in major
cities across the country, where young professionals mingle at
hot venues like Philly's World Café Live!.
"Business has changed over the years because of the onslaught
of young people," said Laurel Touby, founder of mediabistro.com.
"They don't want to have things quite as formal as they used to
be. Informal settings where people can talk business are
definitely a trend."
About the author:
Nina Nocciolino is a copywriter for,
DMi Partners, an
interactive marketing firm specializing in higher education,
retail, real estate and finance.
