How to Make Real-Life Connections Through Twitter: The 1st Atlanta Chicks Tweetup

The 1st ATLChix Tweetup at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead

I know, I know: what the heck does Twitter have to do with copywriting, anyway?

Well, allow me to take a brief hiatus from the world of copywriting to share with you some highlights of a super-successful all-women’s networking event—brought to you by me and two of my über cool gal pals, Stephanie Frost and Stephanie A. Lloyd.

On July 16, the three of us hosted the very first Atlanta Chicks Tweetup at the stunning St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead (that’s Atlanta proper’s northernmost neighborhood, for all of you non-Atlantan readers).  The vision?  To create meaningful, real-life relationships out of virtual ones—and to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the here-and-now. 

The result?  A pretty darn kick-ass gathering of professional women from all around metro Atlanta!  And, what we hope will be many positive, lasting connections and friendships with each other. 

Out of a whopping 84 “yes” RSVPs, the total head count was seventy-three!  Wow!  (That, folks, is what I call an awesome turnout.)  And, the best part?  It was the most laid-back, relaxed atmosphere you could ever imagine.  Sure, there was a whole lotta estrogen in the air.  But there was no cattiness.  No brattiness.  No female bravado or bitchiness.  Why?  Because we had nothing to sell.  No ulterior motives.  No strings attached.  No competition to be had.

It was, plain and simple, a grand ol’ time.  Nearly 75 women—all in one place at one time—meeting, greeting, and mingling.  Oh, and exchanging business cards, of course.  After all, that’s what networking is all about!

Below are a few photos of the evening, which—by the way—ran from 6:30 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. for some!).  Of course, for “complete coverage” (ah, that phrase is so redolent of my days in TV news….), be sure to check out Stephanie A. Lloyd’s blog, Radiant Veracity, which chronicles the event in photos and video from preparation to finale.  You can also check out CNN’s iReport, where pro-networker Taryn Pisaneschi submitted some of her video from the event.

Thank you to all of the lovely ladies who attended the first Atlanta Chicks Tweetup and helped make it such a success.  And, very special thanks to our generous sponsors, who happily donated some pretty cool gifts for our goody bags: Swoozies, Lux et Stellae LLC, City Dog Market, Jolie Spa, Charming Charlie, Sweet Riot, Amy Hoga Photography, Bang Salon, Kristi G Company, On The Go Stuff.com, and Fuego Mundo.

 

Rachel Rose (me) with co-hosts Stephanie Frost + Stephanie A. Lloyd and our goody bags galore!

The gaggle of goody bags.

Rachel Rose (me) + co-host Stephanie A. Lloyd.

Rachel Rose (me) + co-host Stephanie Frost.

The hostesses: Stephanie Frost, Rachel Rose (me), + Stephanie A. Lloyd

As guests begin to trickle in, everyone writes their names and their Twitter handles (for easy ID) on adhesive name tags.

Atlanta chicks chatting it up!

The gathering grows! The wonderful men + women of the St. Regis Hotel and Paces 88 Restaurant were kind enough to provide free charcuterie, much to our palates’ delight!

Amy Hadra + Allison Escott. Amy, a jewelry designer, provided beautifully handmade, custom earrings for the goody bags!

Networking at its finest!

Enjoying some wine on the patio of 88 Paces.

Victoria Dunmire + Rachel Rose (me).

Meeting, greeting, and mingling!

Co-host Stephanie A. Lloyd conducting a video interview for her blog, Radiant Veracity.

Legal ladies. We had professionals from all career paths!

All three of us had just met in person for the first time!

Stephanie A. Lloyd + Rachel Rose (me) Vanna White-ing it in front of the St. Regis sign.

Megha Bradley, Norma Strange, + Cathy Hankinson after a delicious dinner + dessert at Paces 88.