The Chamber is excited to announce that Young Athens Professionals (YAP) Happy Hours are back for 2022! Founded by Career Connections and the Athens Economic Development Council in 2009, the Athens Area Chamber joined as an organizing partner in 2021. YAP’s goal is to provide career-minded young adults with the opportunity to connect with area business leaders and each other.

YAP Happy Hours

Geared towards young adults, graduate students, and young professionals in the early stage of their careers, YAP promotes social interaction and business networking at happy hours that offer a casual, laid-back environment in which to connect. Each month, YAP Happy Hour is sponsored and hosted by different local businesses, giving attendees the chance to explore area venues and sponsors and hosts the opportunity to reach the significant young professional demographic. YAP charges no membership fees or dues and works to ensure that all events are free and open to the public. All you need to do is show up and be ready to connect with others!

 

Upcoming YAP Happy Hours:

All events are held on Thursdays from 5-7pm.

April 21 at Devil’s Kettle Brewing. Sponsored by Athens Sunrise Rotary.

May 12 at OU Inn & Conference Center. Sponsored by OU Inn.

June 9 at Jackie O’s Taproom. Sponsored by Uptown Realty Group.

July 14 location TBA. Sponsored by Merchant’s National Bank.

 

Get Involved!

If you are a young professional looking to develop your career and make deeper connections in the Athens community, come on out and join us! Otherwise, please help spread the word to employees, colleagues, and other young professionals in your network who you think may benefit from these events.

 

Sponsorships Available

YAP also provides sponsorship opportunities for our happy hour events – sponsorships are $250 and pay for the complimentary appetizers provided to attendees at each event. Sponsorship perks include having your business spotlighted in all marketing materials for the Happy Hour on both the YAP and Chamber websites and social media accounts. Sponsors are also welcome to attend the Happy Hour to connect with attendees and/or to put out materials at the event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for August 11, September 8, and October 13. Please contact Kristin Slemmer for more details: kristin@athenschamber.com