MCYPG hosts bi-monthly mixers at venues in
Monterey County that provide attendees the
opportunity to network with other young
professionals while enjoying a variety of venues,
themes and social opportunities. Frequently, these
mixers include Networking Games (and Prizes) to make
it fun and easy to meet new people. The MCYPG event
locations range from upscale, sophisticated
restaurants and lounges, to exciting,
activity-oriented venues.
If you have any suggestions and/or connections to a
location that would be ideal for a mixer, please
contact us.
On Thursday, June 24th, the Monterey County Young Professionals Group, Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers, Salinas Jaycees, and headlining event sponsor Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca welcomed over 300 young professionals to the 6th Annual Mega Mixer. The exciting event took place in the Paddock, VIP Luxury Suites, and Garages.
Attendees enjoyed networking, a tri-tip BBQ dinner (with salad, grilled veggies, beans, and garlic bread), and heart-pumping Hot Laps (provided by Skip Barber Racing School) around the famed 2.238-mile, 11 turn permanent road course ~ Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. In addition, they took part in the Driving School Demos/Hazard Course, Raffle Prizes, listened to Live Music (by the Wild Turkeys), and enjoyed a fun Networking Game. The official after party was held at Danny I's Grill, including appetizers, drink specials, and DJ'd music.
The Mega Mixer was established in 2004 through the convergence of the Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers, Monterey County Young Professionals Group, the Salinas Jaycees, and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This event was developed to serve three purposes. First, the organizers wanted to introduce people in their 20's and 30's to local organizations that support social, professional and community service oriented events and activities. Second, create an atmosphere where local young professionals could network with other like minded individuals. Finally, provide a safe and enjoyable time at a terrific venue (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca) with great food, entertainment and fun.
On Thursday, April 29th, the sun was shining, birds were chirping, and the Monterey County Young Professionals were enjoying The Par-Tee at Porter's Grill & Bar. Thanks to the generosity of the NCGAand Poppy Hills Golf Course, MCYPG Members were able to play a round of golf at a special twilight rate, before attending the Par-Tee. MCYPG Members and guests enjoyed a delicious buffett (catered byPorter's Grill & Bar), competed for prizes in a daunting putting challenge (hosted by the Golf Pros), played a golf-themed networking game called "Scratch Words", learned swing techniques from theNorthern California PGA Teacher Of The Year, and admired the vistas of the award-winning golf course in world famous Pebble Beach. The MCYPG Team also announced the April 2010 Outstanding Young Professional Award Recipient, Ryan Zen Lama, who was recognized for publishing 831 Magazine, in addition to his commitment to helping local organizations.
On Thursday, March 25th, the Monterey County Young Professionals hosted the 2nd Annual Business Speakers Forum at the InterContinental Hotel – The Clement (Monterey, CA). Approximately 75 young professionals attended the highly-anticipated educational event, learning the keys to success from several renowned business experts: Tonya Antle (Vice President of Organic Sales for Earthbound Farms), Dr. Bill Barr (former Monterey County Superintendent of Schools and the Professor of Leadership at UC Berkeley), and Gill Campbell (CEO/GM of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca), with the Opening Speech by Kurt Gollnick (Chair of 1st Capital Bank and COO of Scheid Vineyards).
On Friday, February 26th, the Monterey County Young Professionals hosted the Rock-N-Roll Bowl networking mixer at Valley Center Bowl (Salinas, CA). Over 100 young professionals attended the event, played in a 15-lane Bowling Tournament, enjoyed the Sumo Wrestling suit activity, Billiards, and tasty food and drinks. The February 2010 Outstanding Young Professional Award Recipient, Paul Farmer, was recognized for his exceptional community service work. The official After-Party (held in The Harvest Queen – a.k.a. Bowling Alley Lounge) featured a rockin’ concert by the Wild Turkeys band, which got everyone to boogie-down on the funky, fabulous dance floor.
The Salinas Californian photographed the event: The Californian
On Thursday, January 26th, the Monterey County Young Professionals Group, Salinas Jaycees, and the Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers hosted the 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament & Mixer at Salinas Sports Complex. Approximately 300 young professionals enjoyed mixing and mingling, while playing in a heart-pumping, fast-paced Dodgeball Tournament stacked with over 20 teams. The event also featured a Raffle, full Bar, and tasty BBQ Dinner. Congratulations to the Tournament Winners: 1st Place Team - "Bone Crushers", 2nd Place Team - "Hit & Run", 3rd Place Team - "Team BIP", and Best Dressed Team - "Girl Scouts".
The Salinas Californian photographed the event: The Californian
Holidays Around The World – Annual Mixer & Toy Drive in Downtown Carmel - held Thursday, December 17, 2009 View Photos
On Thursday, December 17, 2009, MCYPG hosted its Annual Holiday Networking Mixer & Toy Drive in downtown Carmel. This fun filled event provided young professionals with the opportunity to network, while visiting various unique businesses throughout Carmel, and raise toy donations for Community Partnership for Youth. The progressive mixer began at Wyland Gallery, and continued in half-hour intervals with the next stop at Bistro Beaujolais, Romanoos Fine Art & Jewelry, Vino Napoli, Exposed Gallery and ending at Mundaka. The successful mixer, attended by 75+ MCYPG Members, included a toy drive, the “Passport Game” scavenger hunt (with prizes), drink specials, tasty appetizers, and incredible raffle prizes.
The 3rd Annual Forum For The
Future was held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at
Pasadera Golf & Country Club. This annual event was
co-hosted by the Monterey County Young Professionals
Group, Salinas Jaycees, and Central Coast Young
Farmers & Ranchers. The forum featured 3 Panelists:
Jeff Pereira (Mayor of King City & Owner of King
City Nursery); Patrick Orosco (Partner at The Orosco
Group & President of the Seaside-Sand City Chamber
of Commerce); and Carolyn Swanson (Founder of
Passion Purveyors). Each panelist provided
highlights of their inspiring, real life stories of
how they became successful leaders through being
actively involved with their community. In addition
to the featured panelists, several political leaders
and candidates attended, including the Dennis
Donohue (Mayor of Salinas) and Debra Bowen
(California Secretary of State). Secretary Bowen
made a special trip from Sacramento to attend the
event and gave a well-received opening speech
explaining her involvement in the community. The
event was concluded with a “call to action” by local
businessperson and community leader, Jeff Gilles.
Young leaders walked away from the forum with
additional insights on how they can get involved in
their community by running for elected office,
taking a position on a non-profit board, and/or
joining a charitable organization.
Monterey Museum of Art-La
Mirada, August 27, 2009 View Photos
On
Thursday, August 27th, MCYPG and MMA co-hosted La
Mirada Lounge at Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada.
The theme of the event was Over Rainbows and
Down Rabbit Holes, a networking mixer designed
to inspire the inner child. This event featured an
art exhibit of children’s storybook illustrations,
music by DJ Peter B, a caricature artist that
sketched pictures of event attendees, a creative
art-themed networking game, appetizers, a Wine &
Beer Bar (wine donated by Chock Rock Vineyard, beer
donated by Couch Distributing, bar tended by Salinas
Jaycees and Volunteers Jaime Baxter, Kelly Ansaldo,
Tom Addcock, Alan Daum, Brian Mack, Jeremy, Mallory
Hattori), character appearance (Model: Maria, Hair
and Make-up by Accista Spa) and event photography by
Glen McDowell Photography. At the event, the MCYPG
Management Team recognized the 2008-2009 MCYPG
President for her contributions to the organization,
introduced the new 2009-2010 MCYPG President and
Management Team, and also announced the August 2009
“Outstanding Young Professional” Award Recipient,
Brian Higgins.
5th Annual Mega-Mixer on
Thursday, June 4, 2009 View Photos
The Monterey County Young Professionals (MCYPG),
Salinas Jaycees and Central Coast Young Farmers &
Ranchers co-hosted the 5th Annual Mega-Mixer on
Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (track-side in the VIP Suites & Garages). This
year’s exciting Mega Mixer attracted 400 attendees,
the largest turn-out to date. In addition to a BBQ
Tri-Tip dinner and fabulous Raffle Prizes (Dining at
Pebble Beach restaurants, VIP Red Bull U.S. Grand
Prix Tickets, and gift baskets), the main highlights
were “Hot Laps” (professionally-driven rides around
the world famous course) and “Driving School Demos”,
provided by Skip Barber Racing School. At the event,
the MCYPG Management announced the June 2009
“Outstanding Young Professional” Award Recipient,
Francine Sullivan. After the mixer, attendees
enjoyed a fun-filled after party hosted by Chamisal
Tennis & Fitness Club.
Established in 2004, the Annual Mega-Mixer was
designed to serve three (3) purposes.
To introduce people in their 20s and 30s to
local organizations that host social,
professional, and community service events and
activities.
To create a fun atmosphere for local young
professionals to mingle and network.
To provide a safe and enjoyable experience at a
terrific venue with great food and
entertainment.
MCYPG Asian-Inspired Networking Mixer at Orientations (Monterey, CA) – held Thursday, April 30, 2009 View Photos
On Thursday, April 30th, MCYPG hosted an Asian-Inspired Networking Mixer at Orientations. This exquisite store (and National Landmark), provided the perfect setting for a fabulous evening of networking, set amongst Fine Asian Antiques. This exclusive Members-only event featured an entertaining Haiku-based networking game, a Sushi Boat of California Rolls (catered by Ocean Sushi), a Wine & Cocktail Bar (tended by Salinas Jaycees) and Private Security (provided by ESA International). At the event, the MCYPG Management announced the April 2009 “Outstanding Young Professional” Award Recipient, Tony Vincent.
Photos Courtesy: Dane Thompson
MCYPG Business Speakers Forum at Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club (Salinas, CA) – held Thursday, March 19, 2009 View Photos
On Thursday, March 19th, MCYPG proudly hosted its first "Business Speakers Forum” at Chamisal
Tennis & Fitness Club. The inspirational event
honored and featured presentations by three
successful local business leaders (Margaret D'Arrigo-Martin:
Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing for
D'Arrigo Brothers, Jeff Gilles: Partner at Lombardo
& Gilles, and John Narigi: Executive Vice President
and General Manager for the Monterey Plaza Hotel), who were selected for their commitment to personal excellence, community service and unsurpassed success in their fields of business. This educational event was also a great opportunity for young professionals to network with and gain insights from business experts.
MCYPG Wine Tasting & Networking Mixer at Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge (Monterey) - held Thursday, February 26, 2009 View Photos
On Thursday, February 26, 2009, MCYPG hosted a Wine Tasting & Networking Mixer at the elegantly-designed, brand new Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge on Cannery Row, in Monterey. The sophisticated event was attended by 100 guests, and included appetizers, exquisite wine tasting, and a wine-themed networking game that provided interesting facts about wine varietals, while making it fun and easy to meet new people. At the event, the MCYPG
Management also announced the first “Outstanding Young
Professional” Award Recipient, Dexter Farm.
Dodgeball Tournament &
Networking Mixer at Salinas Sports Complex (Salinas)
- held Thursday, January
29, 2009 View Photos
On Thursday, January 29th, MCYPG
proudly co-hosted the Monterey Peninsula’s first Dodgeball
Tournament & Networking Mixer at the Salinas Sports Complex
(Salinas, CA), with the Salinas Jaycees and Central Coast
Young Farmers & Ranchers.
The purpose of the event was to simply encourage attendees
to participate in a fun and exciting activity, while
providing the opportunity to network with other young
professionals. The successful event attracted hundreds of
local professionals, featured 15+ Dodgeball Teams (decked
out in a range of outrageous coordinating outfits), and
included trophies and awards for the Tournament Winners
(including the prestigious Golden Dodgeball).
The event was covered by several local TV stations and
Newspapers:
MCYPG Annual Holiday Mixer & Toy Drive at Fuse Lounge Café (Carmel) - held Thursday, December 18, 2008 View Photos
On Thursday, December 18, 2008, MCYPG hosted its Annual Holiday Networking Mixer & Toy Drive at the coolest new hotspot, Fuse Lounge Café (Carmel Mission Inn), in Carmel. The fun-filled “Winter Wonderland” event included appetizers, cocktails, music DJ’d by “Showbiz” (from 102.5 KDON), a Snowflake-themed networking game, and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Being big kids at heart, MCYPG asked its 100+ event attendees to bring children’s toys, which were donated to Community Partnership for Youth (www.cpy.org), in time for Christmas.
Event photos were featured in the Winter/Spring 2009
issue of 831 Magazine.
The event was featured on KSBW-TV in a special
report about young professionals:
Photographer: Dane Thompson
Opa! Ole! Cin Cin! Mediterranean Mixer
at La Playa Hotel - held Thursday, October 16, 2008 View Photos
MCYPG hosted a Mediterranean-themed Networking Mixer at
La Playa Hotel (Carmel, CA) on Thursday, October 16th, 2008.
The mixer included tantalizing appetizers inspired by global
cultures, exotic musical background, and a fun-filled
networking game (based on trivia about Mediterranean
countries) with great prizes. Attendees enjoyed this
historic, world-class venue, while mixing and mingling on a
beautiful terrace complete with panoramic ocean and garden
vistas.
The purpose of the event was to inspire young
professionals to get more involved in the community
through voluntarism, politics, and leadership
opportunities.
The event featured speeches by 3 Panelists, who are
outstanding local young businesspeople actively
involved in supporting the community through
voluntarism and philanthropy (Kelly Duffy: Assistant
News Director for KSBW-TV, David Alan Bernahl II:
Co-Founder of Pebble Beach Food & Wine and CEO of
Pacific Tweed Inc., and Kevin Healy: Northern
District Knowledge and Innovation Department Manager
for Reiter Affiliated Companies). The event included speeches by
Tiffany Ditullio (CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber
of Commerce), Chuck Della Sala (Mayor of Monterey),
Dennis Donohue (Mayor of Salinas) and Jim Gattis
(Founder/Past President of the California
International Airshow). This successful event
attracted over 125 community leaders (including elected
officials, the Mayors of Monterey, Salinas, and King City,
etc.), Business Executives, and Non-profit Board Members
from several local organizations.
This gorgeous venue was the perfect
setting for a warm summer night, outside, listening to live
music provided by Bryan Dennis, and mingling with new
friends. Guests
played “People Bingo” to help meet other MYCPG members and
learn something unique about those individuals.Wave Street is a
natural setting for music, art, and socializing to take
place. Whether
seated on the heated bench near the outdoor waterfall or
dancing on the cushioned wooden floors of the studio, this
location is great for entertaining!
Several lucky members were awarded drink tickets in
the raffle, and our Grand Prize winner received a signed
bottle from the winemaker of Otter Cove Wineries!
This event was also the inaugural event for the new
Management group for MCYPG.
4th Annual Mega Mixer at Mazda Raceway
Laguna Seca - held Wednesday, June 25, 2008
View Photos
Co-hosted
by the Monterey County Young Professionals Group, the
Salinas Jaycees, and the Central Coast Young Farmers &
Ranchers, the 4th Annual Mega Mixer was held on Wednesday,
June 25, 2008 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Monterey, CA).
Over 200 attendees enjoyed a delicious Tri-tip BBQ and salad
dinner, Hot Laps with Skip Barber’s Racing School, and
networking with other young professionals.
Nautical Themed Mixer at Schooners Bistro on the Bay -
held Thursday, April 3, 2008 View Photos
MCYPG
hosted a nautical themed spring mixer at Schooners Bistro on
the Bay located on the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. Members
socialized under the heated outdoor terrace suspended over
the waters of the Monterey Bay while playing a “go fish”
networking game. A drawing was held at the end of the night
with 4 members winning drink tickets and one lucky member
winning the grand prize of a 50 minute spa service at Vista
Blue Spa, which is located inside the Monterey Hotel & Spa.
Wine Themed Mixer at Taste of Monterey - held
Wed, February 6, 2008
View Photos
MCYPG tested out their
palates at their first 2008 mixer at A Taste of Monterey,
the regions official wine visitors’ center of Monterey
County. While sampling wine from various local wineries
throughout the region, guests played a networking game where
they had to get into groups and come up with their own
winery by creating a wine label, present it to the group and
then be judged by a group of judges to win fabulous prizes.
Photography for the mixer at A Taste of Monterey was
generously sponsored and provided courtesy of Topher Mueller
Photography -
www.topherpages.com.
MCYPG celebrated the holidays with a Baja-inspired mixer and
toy drive. With the generous sponsorship of Baja Cantina,
attendees brought an unwrapped toy as a substitute for the
normal $10 admission fee. The recipient of this year’s toy
drive, Community Partnership for Youth (www.cpy.org),
was thrilled to receive all of the wonderful gifts. Members
in sombreros and ponchos munched on delicious steak fajita
quesadillas and ceviche, and drank tasty margaritas while
mingling in the festive atmosphere
Photography for the Holiday Mixer
at Baja Cantina was generously sponsored and provided
courtsey of Rachael Short Photography - www.rachaelshort.com.
Sangria, tapas and good times! MCYPG held its second fall
mixer at Esteban, located at the Casa Munras Hotel. This
well-attended event featured a “pairs” networking game,
Spanish guitar player and delicious sangria. Generously
sponsored by Esteban, mixer attendees enjoyed the fresh
appearance of the restaurant and mouthwatering Mediterranean
cuisine. Winners of the pairs networking game were the
following: Starsky (Sarah Kendrick) & Hutch (Christina
Pollack); and Salt (Chris Aubuchon) & Pepper (Janell Fleenor).
Photography for the Esteban Mixer was generously
sponsored and provided courtesy of Topher Mueller
Photography -
www.topherpages.com.
Tips ‘n’ Sips - held September 20, 2007 View
Photos
A great time was had by all! MCYPG held its first-ever
golf-themed mixer at Edgar's at Quail Lodge in Carmel
Valley. Generously sponsored by Quail Lodge Resort and Golf
Club, young professionals ages 21-39 mingled in the bar
while playing a networking game, played the six-hole putting
challenge and received complementary instruction and swing
analysis by Todd Southard, director of instruction at Quail
Lodge.
