Networking at WINC Creates a Different Kind of Buzz

In a room filled with women at The Women in Construction (WINC) event in August, the buzz was all about the connection. Without the alcohol. The event, held at the Warners’ Stellian showroom in St. Paul, modeled a futuristic networking event where no booze was present.

Attendees rolled into the event at its start time of 2:00. It was a Tuesday. Many took a refreshing pause to contemplate that the bar offerings would be all nonalcoholic at this event. Not the norm in 2024 just yet, some may have been momentarily thrown to be reminded that alcohol wouldn’t be served. Its presence is that prevalent.

While the nonalcoholic excellence flowed with a Hibiscus Margarita (PerSe and Abstinence Spirits), Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs, and varieties of Drink Proxies, the 60+ attendees enjoyed reconnecting and meeting new WINC guests. It felt much like any networking happy hour, with a celebratory drink in hand. “Pinch me, this is nonalcoholic wine?” someone questioned. The beauty of nonalcoholic beverages is that they pair so well food, as the healthy offering of eats from cheeses and fruit to savory favorites and dessert solidified.

The conversation continued to flow as everyone took to their seats on the showroom floor to hear from the event keynote. This is where it becomes distinctly different… the speaker (me), would have the mike for 30 minutes to talk about the nonalcoholic movement—what's driving it, how it's changing networking and workplace culture, and what it looks like to offer quality nonalcoholic beverages at events and social experiences.

The topic wasn’t sprung on attendees, of course. The details of the event were clearly communicated – and women signed up in promising numbers to be present for this conversation. The RSVP count going into the event was encouraging and telling of the growth and interest as more people become mindful drinkers, which 34% of Americans now say they are. With everyone mindfully present, I started with the share of my story and wove in stories, stats, and calls to action along the way. Here’s a little recap:

Just What Is the NA Movement?

The NA (nonalcoholic or nonalcohol) Movement is a cultural shift that celebrates a lifestyle choice focused on choosing not to drink alcoholic beverages on occasion or not at all. It's a movement that fosters inclusivity and offers a wide range of elevated nonalcoholic alternatives, encouraging individuals to socialize, unwind, and celebrate without the presence of alcohol. Whether driven by health, personal preference, or a desire for more mindful experiences, the NA Movement reflects a growing trend towards more conscious and balanced choices in social settings.

What’s Happening in Workplace?

I guided people through what I see happening in workplace and networking and how alcohol shows up, drawing from my corporate background and ten years of alcohol-free living. From cultural conversations that decentralize alcohol to the offering NA options as an inclusive move, the talks and tactics go hand in hand. I talked about what it looks like to be a nonalcoholic advocate and invite others into hard conversations. I touched on stats, data, impact, and the language in the sober curious space. We also discussed the professions nationally that are the most affected by alcohol misuse, prompting everyone to consider how it appears in their lives and workplace.

As We Wrapped…

The high-level of audience engagement was telling of our collective readiness to go alcohol-free at corporate events (or at a minimum, have quality NA options), especially as women who professionally network. A lot. In more one-on-one conversations after my talk, I was inspired to hear that many are interested in taking their learnings and ah-has intro their own workplaces and events.

After the event, I reached out to long-time sober friend, AEC industry leader, and WINC VP, Kristin Reinitz, to get her take on the event. She shared, “I'm thrilled to support 'Networking with a Different Kind of Buzz' alongside Jen Gilhoi and Zero Proof Collective, both from a WINC perspective and my own. The idea of inclusion truly resonates with me. WINC is dedicated to advancing women within the building industry, and normalizing networking without alcohol is a crucial step in creating supportive and safe spaces for everyone. Historically, many industry events have been closely tied to alcohol, which isn't always conducive to a positive experience for women. As someone who has been alcohol-free for almost a decade, it's encouraging to see the industry evolve, offering NA options and reducing the stigma of not drinking at events. It's a change that fosters true inclusivity and empowerment for all.”

I also circled back with the event hosts, Julie Carlson and Angela Warner of Warners’ Stellian, who I’ve known from AEC ties that date back 15 years. I loved that they’d been following my sober journey and LinkedIn posts. That was enough to prompt them to reach out to me as they planned their 2:00-4:00P August 13 event and were considering the typical alcoholic offerings. They wondered why they were needed at all. I applaud them for having the thought, pausing, then acting on that intuition to simply not offer alcohol. More of that!

Angela shared the following insight with me, “I was excited to host this event because as a mom I want to attend industry events to network and grow, but I have struggled because many times they are centered around alcohol. Many of us were leaving the events and then going to daycare/school pickup or going home to be with our family and it didn’t seem to me like alcohol belonged in that scenario. I had a feeling that I was not alone in thinking that and based on the turn out and overall vibe in the room, I was right!” – Angela Warner

The Buzz of AF (alcohol-free) Connection

Ultimately, this event modeled more than a nonalcoholic bar, quietly or subtly existing in alcohol’s domineering presence. It gifted people a corporate networking experience without alcohol, demonstrating the connection is still possible (and more genuine, perhaps?), and giving people – no matter where they’re at in their relationship with alcohol – permission to not drink alcohol at a work function. That’s a buzz we can all support!