Mission:
To help young professionals become better engaged in community life, expand professional and social opportunities and become ambassadors for the Hartford region.

Purpose:
To position the Greater Hartford Region as an attractive place for diverse young professionals and entrepreneurs to live, work and play.

Target Audience:
Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s from metro Hartford region, though all ages are invited to participate.

Organizational Structure:
HYPE is managed and directed by a core group of volunteers. Four committees (Core, Development, Events, and the Entrepreneur Task Force) have been established to coordinate each function. The MetroHartford Alliance provides staff support to the core working group and its subcommittees.

Diversity:
The membership of this core-working group strives to represent the region’s diverse population. HYPE offers programs to promote and appeal to the region’s diversity.

Support of Allied Agencies:
HYPE encourages cross collaboration among agencies and organizations that offer programs and activities for young professionals and entrepreneurs. HYPE promotes the events and activities of others and act as a clearinghouse as appropriate.

For more information on HYPE please contact:
Kevin Henry at the MetroHartford Alliance at (860) 728-2282
or email: jdaly@metrohartford.com
or visit the website @ www.hypehartford.com

EVENT REGISTRATION
Advanced online registration is preferred for all HYPE events except Get HYPEd.
Registration is available here

GET HYPED
This casual Happy Hour is held the First Wednesday of every month at a different Downtown location. It is a great opportunity for for non-members to meet other HYPE members are and speak directly with committee chairs when considering membership. *Please note* this is the only HYPE event that does not require preregistration online.

DINING IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
The Dining in the Neighborhood series is designed to expose young professionals to the rich cuisine and culture that expand beyond the renaissance of downtown Harford (appetizers are provided, and there is a cash bar). This event offers young professionals and entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the City's cultural diversity. There is always some sort of activity to experience at these events as well (past examples: salsa dancing, wine tasting, apartment tours). These events are held about every 5 weeks, and are free for members, $5 for non-members. Advanced online registration is preferred.

CEO LUNCHEONS
CEO Luncheons provide a group of 15 HYPE members the opportunity to interact in an intimate luncheon environment with some of the premier CEO's in the region. This unique and unparalleled opportunity is designed for our local CEO's to share some of the essential skills that they have utilized throughout their career to achieve and maintain a high-level of industry and personal success. This is a member only event, and RSVPs are taken via email once the invitation has gone out (it is not done through the website like other events).

RISKS AND REWARDS
These events are very similar to CEO Luncheons (above), but are held in the evening as a reception and feature a local Entrepreneur (who may also be a CEO, but has started their own business). This series is sponsored by Blum Shapiro and is therefore free for members and non-members. Up to 25 attendees are accepted for each Risks and Rewards event, and advanced online registration is preferred.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HYPE's professional development activities expose area young professionals to the tools, techniques and current practices that will allow them to develop a competitive edge in the workplace. Activities include - but are not limited too - business etiquette, vertical networking and dressing for success.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
HYPE is committed to supporting at least two major community service projects annually. These projects serve as opportunities for HYPE to work with other organizations who are dedicated to improving the economic and social vitality of the Region and the City of Hartford. Applications for organizations looking to partner with HYPE on a community service initiative will be available on the website soon.

HYPE'S ANNUAL CELEBRATION
The Annual Celebration, ususally held in June, is time for HYPE members to come together and celebrate the successes and triumphs of the previous year. The 2007 Celebration, HYP(E)volution, was a Fashion Show of Young Professionals through the Ages, featuring workwear through the decade. The 2008 Celebration, HYP(E)levation, will be a Taste of Hartford type Expo, featuring local restaurants, visual artists and performers. Advanced online registration is preferred.

TONS OF TOYS
This event held annually in December collects toys and monetary donations for CT based charities in need during the holiday season. The event is always a lot fun, with great food, drinks, music, and festive activities. Advanced online registration is preferred.