Last Wednesday evening, AIGA Jacksonville and the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Jacksonville chapter hosted our “Alphabet Soup” networking mixer at Ruby Beach Brewing. The event brought together a vibrant mix of professionals from Jacksonville’s design, marketing, and advertising industries, creating a lively atmosphere for networking and idea exchange.

A New Chapter for AIGA Jacksonville

The success of the Alphabet Soup mixer marks an exciting milestone for AIGA Jacksonville. As one of the first major events organized by our new board, the strong turnout and positive energy demonstrated the enthusiasm and dedication of our refreshed leadership team. The event’s success underscores the board’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, creative community in Jacksonville and sets a promising tone for future initiatives.

Fostering Connections Across Jacksonville

Throughout the evening, conversations flowed freely, covering a wide range of topics from career transitions and job-searching strategies to the evolving landscape of the creative industry. The mixer provided a welcoming platform for professionals at all career stages to connect and share experiences.

A recurring theme was the unique potential of Jacksonville’s creative scene. Attendees discussed how the city’s diverse neighborhoods and expansive geography present opportunities for the creative community to grow and innovate. Many expressed excitement about AIGA Jacksonville’s goal to unite creatives across different areas of the city.

Expanding Our Reach: The C&C Initiative

Inspired by the success of Alphabet Soup and the insights gained from our attendees, AIGA Jacksonville is committed to making our events more accessible to a broader range of community members. We’re excited to announce the expansion of our “C&C” (Creatives & Connections) initiative:

• Cocktails and Creatives: Our established evening mixer for design professionals.
• Coffee and Creatives: A new daytime mixer series in a casual, non-alcoholic setting.

These events will alternate on a monthly basis, ensuring regular opportunities for our community to connect. The addition of Coffee and Creatives allows us to cater to diverse schedules and preferences within our creative community. Whether you’re an early bird, a night owl, or simply prefer a non-alcoholic environment, there’s a C&C event for you.

Upcoming Events

In addition to our C&C series, we’ll continue to host special events throughout the year. We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Design + Music poster show, an event that combines a design contest with a lively party where attendees can enjoy music while voting on their favorite poster designs.

As part of our commitment to supporting emerging talent, we’re also hosting a portfolio review at Flagler College on November 1 at 5:00 p.m. This event represents our dedication to bridging the gap between education and industry.

Navigating the Post-COVID Landscape

An important topic that emerged during the mixer was the evolving nature of professional connections in a post-COVID world. Attendees exchanged ideas on how to enhance meetups and create more impactful networking opportunities in this new context. The enthusiasm for Alphabet Soup demonstrated the community’s eagerness to reconnect and engage in person, reinforcing the value of events like these.

Building Future Collaborations

The success of Alphabet Soup has sparked exciting discussions about future collaborations between AIGA Jacksonville and AAF. Both organizations are committed to continuing cross-promotion efforts and working together to strengthen Jacksonville’s creative community. This partnership promises to bring more diverse and engaging events to our local design and advertising professionals.

Join Us in Shaping Jacksonville’s Creative Future

AIGA Jacksonville remains dedicated to fostering connections and professional growth within our creative community. We encourage all designers, marketers, and creative professionals in the area to join us at future events. Whether you prefer the evening ambiance of Cocktails and Creatives or the daytime setting of Coffee and Creatives, there’s a place for you in our community.