This Year's YPC Kick-Off Will Be Cooler Than Ever

As a longtime member of Young Professionals Connection (YPC), I have been involved and been to many, many events. Some of them stick out to me more than others, and the Annual Kick-Off event is certainly falls into that category. It’s one of those events that you don’t want to miss. It rejuvenates your passion for your community, it introduces you to new peers and gives you a great taste of the size and scope of YPC’s reach in the community. It gets you excited for the new year and presents you with all the information you need to become more involved.

I remember my first Annual Kick-Off party in January of 2013. It was held at what was then called The Venue – now known as Beer Can Alley. As most Kick-Off events go, it was packed, and full of energy. Although I didn’t know many people as I entered, the feel of the room was one of inclusivity and friendliness. I was able to meet several people at the event and developed great friendships through continued involvement with YPC.

A History of YPC Kick-Off Parties

The Annual Kick-Off event has changed over the years. In 2014, YPC hosted this event at the Kum N Go Theater. In 2015, it was held at Jasper Winery, and in 2016 it was moved to Wells Fargo Arena. This move then brought the event to a whole new level. Not only were young professionals able to have great networking, as all Kick-Off parties seem to have, but it added additional layers of greatness. You could enjoy catching an Iowa Wild game (for free — thanks to those great sponsors!), and even after the game have the unique opportunity to play games on the ice! Hang out with your new friends and play broomball, try out curling, or just figure skate like an Olympian. These activities allowed event-goers to mingle without the stiffness of prototypical networking. And that’s what it’s all about — breaking down those barriers to allow genuine relationships to form and for young folks to get to know one another, and their community, better.

2018 Event Info

This year’s Kick-Off Party will be back at Wells Fargo Arena at an Iowa Wild game on Friday, Jan. 19 5:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees will catch a game, have a private area reserved for the event and be able to have fun on the ice after the game. The experience of this YPC event is unmatched — learn all about YPC, meet new friends, enjoy a game, and then have some fun. If you are a bit nervous about attending, bring a friend. If you’re going it alone, reach out to a board member prior to the event — these folks are there to help you meet others and get involved. They’re a great resource. Above all, Greater Des Moines is a place where young people can make a big impact — and the YPC Kick-Off event is a great introduction into how to make that happen for you.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) aims to attract and retain young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM) by connecting emerging leaders to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. Learn how you can get involved.