Shared experiences result in meaningful connections
Let's be honest: traditional networking can feel like a chore. The endless exchange of business cards, the self-promotional monologues, and the pressure to make a "valuable" connection often leave us feeling drained and disconnected. We've all been there, wondering if there's a better way to build a professional circle.
Now there is - and it starts with play.
Networking at Play was born from a simple, yet powerful, realization. Our founder, Chris Keody, is a serial entrepreneur who has navigated countless networking events across a variety of industries—from digital marketing and web development to business consulting. While he valued making new connections, he grew increasingly frustrated with the transactional and often superficial nature of these gatherings. The experience was always a gamble; it was rare to walk away feeling genuinely inspired or having forged a real bond.
The "aha moment" came unexpectedly. In the winter of 2025, Chris attended a friend's event centered around role-play. As attendees stepped into character, something remarkable happened. The usual guards came down. The ice wasn't just broken; it was shattered. Freed from the pressure of their professional personas, people connected more authentically and effortlessly. The shared experience of building a story together created a foundation for genuine relationships.
That spark of inspiration led to the creation of Networking at Play. What if professional events could be built on this very principle? What if we could trade our elevator pitches for character backstories and our business cards for collaborative quests?
We founded Networking at Play on the belief that shared experiences are the catalyst for the most memorable and meaningful connections. Our mission is to show the world that professional events don't have to be boring or forced. We are here to prove that the words "networking" and "fun" can, and should, be synonymous.
Our goal is to tap into the creativity and spontaneity that so many of us leave behind in adulthood. By engaging in activities that echo the playfulness of childhood friendships, we create a space to discover something new about ourselves and the people around us.
We are just beginning our adventure. After a series of foundational events in 2025, we are excited to host experiences across the Seattle area throughout 2026, with plans to expand to new cities in 2027. Our vision is a future where professionals everywhere look forward to networking, not as a necessary evil, but as an opportunity for genuine human connection and, most importantly, for play.
Join us, and let's build a better story together.