Introducing Taylor-Made Socials: Bringing People Together in Austin
Creating opportunities for people to connect in person has always been a passion of mine. Back in 2022-2023, I started hosting social mixer events for the Austin Social Scene Facebook Group. These monthly gatherings quickly gained traction, with anywhere from 40 to 120+ attendees, depending on the event. I organized these mixers at some of Austin’s most popular restaurants, bars, and breweries, including ABGB, Pinthouse Brewery, Still Austin Whiskey, Little Woodrow’s, Oskar Blues, and many more. These events were a great way to build friendships, make acquaintances, and foster a sense of community. (See more here: ASS & AYP Networking Event)
After a couple of years of consistent event hosting monthly, I eventually experienced burnout and decided to take a break from organizing socials. However, as 2025 rolled in, I felt a renewed desire to bring people together. Instead of limiting myself to a singular Facebook group, I wanted to create a brand that could expand across multiple communities. Thus, Taylor-Made Socials was born—a monthly social mixer designed to help adults in Austin meet new people in a relaxed, fun, and welcoming environment.
The First Taylor-Made Social: A Pizza Party at Tony C’s
To kick off this new chapter, I hosted the first official Taylor-Made Social at Tony C’s Pizzeria. The event was a great success, bringing together around 50-60 attendees throughout the afternoon. It was great to see both familiar and new faces enjoying the event to connect, network, and talk over pizza and drinks.
Key Elements of a Taylor-Made Social
Building on my previous hosting experiences, I’ve refined my approach to ensure each event runs smoothly and creates a comfortable and casual environment for attendees. Some essential elements I’ve carried over include:
- Free Name Tags: Helping attendees easily identify and connect with each other.
- Venue Coordination: Working with venues ahead of time to secure space and service. (I avoid deposit-style commitments.)
- ADA Accessibility Checks: Ensuring inclusivity and access so that all attendees can physically participate.
- Table Signage & Donations: Providing information about the event and allowing attendees to contribute if they’d like.
- Group Photos & Event Content: Capturing moments throughout the event to generate future promotional content and inspire FOMO (fear of missing out) to attend coming events.
check-in station
Why In-Person Events Matter More Than Ever
In an age where so much of our interaction happens online, it seems challenging to make face-to-face connections as adults. Social mixers like Taylor-Made Socials provide opportunities for people to engage in meaningful conversations, build personal networks, and potentially start friendships. Attendees often leave with a sense of social success, something that can be difficult to cultivate through virtual and passing interactions alone.
Additionally, these events serve as a great way to explore Austin’s vibrant social scene. By hosting Taylor-Made Socials at different locations around the city, I hope to share new venues with attendees they may not have visited otherwise. This not only benefits the social aspect of the event but also supports local businesses and helps create a stronger community.
Looking Ahead
Taylor-Made Socials is more than just a series of mixers—it’s about fostering meaningful in-person environments for connections in an era dominated by digital interactions and social individualism. Each event will be thoughtfully planned to create an inviting atmosphere for people looking to expand their social circles, make new friends, and simply have a great time.
I’m excited to continue hosting these monthly socials and growing this community. Whether you’re new to Austin or just looking to meet new people, Taylor-Made Socials is here to create a welcoming space for all.
Stay tuned for details on the next event, and I hope to see you at an upcoming mixer!
