From the moment we graduate from our alma maters, alumni are peppered with invitations for events and get-togethers. Recent alums are asked out to brunch, to grab some cocktails, and perhaps even to hear from a faculty member on future of our institution.
Personally, I love going to these alumni gatherings to catch up with friends that I may have lost touch with, but also see what everyone is doing with their lives. When I receive my invitation for an event, I want to know where I will be going. Is it that swanky new restaurant that just opened up? Or, is it the bar we went to in college with the dollar drafts?
Since you already know who will be going and what you’ll be talking about, the setting is often the most exciting part. Sending in a “Yes” on your RSVP is a wonderful way to try a new place in your city that you otherwise wouldn’t have found. The location of the event is going to set the tone for the entire evening, so choose wisely. To make things easier, we came up with a few alumni hot-spots to get your party off on the right foot. We are starting this series in Boston, where EverTrue is located, and hope to expand to other cities with your suggestions.
Back Bay Social Club – The Crowd Pleaser
I love Back Bay Social Club. I recently attended an alumnae event here on a Wednesday evening and there was another alumni event being held in their downstairs room. Two crowded alumni events on a frozen Wednesday in January? Obviously, they are doing something right. The ambiance is swanky, but comfortable, with great cocktail and food menus. It’s located right across from the Prudential Center on Boylston, so it’s easy to get to by the T and there are also many parking options close by. The staff at BBSC is very accommodating and will block off a section of the main floor or even set you up with a private room free of charge depending on the number of guests. Come for your event, but stay for their burger- YUM!
Harpoon Brewery – Happy Hour
The 5:30 Club at Harpoon Brewery is a great way to unwind with fellow alumni after a hard day at the office. During the 1.5 hour tasting, the brewery staff will tell you about the history of this beloved Boston institution and you’ll learn just what goes into making your favorite beers. Catch up with an old professor while sampling some of Harpoon’s dozen brews on tap in the tasting room. With the low rates for renting the tasting room, it’s a perfect choice. Once you’ve found your new favorite beer, you can even grab a growler or a case of it to bring home. Catching up, learning something, and trying some new beers? This is sure to be a popular event.
Eastern Standard – Fundraising Power Play
Planning an intimate event with high-profile alumni or school leaders? Then the Eastern Standard is an ideal location. This swanky spot is the perfect setting for doing some serious fundraising over the house made charcuterie and oysters from the Raw Bar. An extensive and creative cocktail list with Whiskey Smash and Pisco Sour, just to name a few, will please even the most discerning of attendees. Eastern Standard offers a private room than can seat up to 16 and they can also block off sections of the restaurant to accommodate larger parties. This is an extremely popular spot, especially during Red Sox season since it’s so close to Fenway Park, so plan ahead to hit your annual fund goals!
Hopefully you all can get out to an alumni event of your own in the next few weeks. These events are great to catch up with classmates you’ve lost touch with and make some really great professional connections. If you’re looking to make a career move, meeting up with fellow alumni is also an incredibly easy way to network and ask around for help.
Whether for work or play, where have you been to a memorable alumni event of your own? Tell the team at EverTrue!
Make sure to check out EverTrue’s recent webinar on “LinkedIn for Alumni Engagement and Prospect Research!”
This is a guest post from Kelly McDonald, a passionate alumna of Babson College, Emma Willard, and a member of the Junior League of Boston.