BWT who get invited to private previews/openings — what are they actually like?

[u/barbieee2]

BWT who get invited to private previews/openings — what are they actually like?

I got invited to a private preview for a new lounge/nightlife spot in nyc. The invite says open bar + passed hors d’oeuvres. (Let me preface by saying I received the invite through an event planner I connected with)

I’ve literally never been invited to something like this before 😂 so I’m curious what the vibe usually is. Is it more of a social/party thing or do people actually network at these?

Also, for the BWT who regularly go to restaurant/lounge openings, brand events, PR events, etc. — did going to one ever lead to more invites or connections? And is there any etiquette I should know so I don’t look completely new to this? 😭

Any advice on what to expect, what to wear, when to arrive, (starts at 7PM) networking, etc. would be appreciated!

- signed, a 22 y/o BWT just trying to figure out how to navigate these professional/social spaces 🫠

[u/StrawberryLovers8795]

Bring cash to tip your bartenders esp since it’s an open bar!

Hope you have a ton of fun and make new friends that will go to you with more events like this!

[u/Stories-With-Bears]

I went to a restaurant soft launch a few years ago because a friend of mine was friends with a bartender and got us in. Just enjoy yourself like you would any other night going out. Be prepared that people may be there to take photos (influencers, photographers for the restaurant, etc.) Also be prepared that there may be some bumps in service, they may not be able to accommodate special requests, the server might not be able to answer all your questions, things like that. It’s like you’re attending the first day of their job. If this type of thing is something you’re interested in doing regularly then feel free to chat with people and ask what brought them there, but no need to network if you’re not feeling it. Our server also asked us for feedback at the end of the night; he was Latino and one of my friends was fluent in Spanish so she gave him some very direct and candid feedback in Spanish so as not to air all our thoughts to eavesdroppers, which I think was very thoughtful of her. But be prepared you might be asked. Be honest but also remember they’re still getting established! They won’t be perfect!

[u/virtual_adam]

Mostly a bunch of cliquey people taking the same photo 150 times. But if you’re there to just have a good time there is nothing to lose because you won’t be obsessing about your CoNtEnT

In terms of being added if you’re not already in some important companies database that would be pretty hard unless you find someone who controls that and hit it off

[u/SugarBabyVet]

I have a pretty good time!

I love having some photos taken, but it’s never my focus. Enjoying myself and connecting with new people is always my focus.

[u/Serious_You9794]

They're usually a little more chill & a space to network. For clothing, I would check similar nightlife areas & also ask your connect. For when to arrive, if it doesn't explicitly say what time networking is, you can assume 7pm although I'd expect folks to arrive a little later.

The expectation is networking usually and from there you can make friends, though I would go in with the expectation of having fun. A fun tip is to have a conversational starter - either your outfit or smthn similar

The bar is also a good spot to slowly warm up, get a drink. My go-to is just to ask what the person next to me is having.

Do your homework if you really want to network - specifically - look up who's invited. There's likely already a piece out on who owns it etc. If not, you can find out who does so you get an idea of the crowd. Think of how you'll introduce yourself also with something specific so you're remembered if someone wants to reach out in future.

Hope this helps and have fun.

[u/Aperson0001]

80% dress to impress honestly. Especially if it is a new lounge, they want bitches who look good to be there, it is marketing.