After5Chicago - Hidden Psychology Of Play: Why We Stopped Learning For Fun

A Conversation on Play, Community, Curiosity, and Why We Need Each Other IRL
About this Event

A Conversation on Play, Community, Curiosity, and Why We Need Each Other IRL

Join a community builder, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital marketing expert for Hidden Psychology of Play: Why We Stopped Learning for Fun, an engaging exploration of why humans are naturally drawn to play, curiosity, and shared experiences—and what happens when those experiences increasingly move online.

As technology and digital communities have transformed how we work, socialize, learn, and connect, we're spending more time behind screens and less time gathering in person. This conversation will explore what we've lost along the way, why play is such a powerful tool for learning and connection, and how we can create more opportunities for meaningful community in real life.

What We'll Cover:

• Why we stopped playing - Explore how the way we work, learn, socialize, and use technology has changed our relationship with play, curiosity, and unstructured experiences.

• The psychology of play - Discover why play isn't just for kids and how curiosity, experimentation, and fun can help us learn, connect, and engage more deeply with the world around us.

• Why IRL community matters - Examine what happens when our social lives become increasingly digital and why in-person experiences can create a different, and often deeper, sense of connection and belonging.

• Bringing people back together - Explore how we can design experiences, events, and communities that encourage people to put down their phones, show up in real life, and connect through shared experiences.

• The future of community - Consider how technology and AI can work alongside, not replace, real-world connection, and what it takes to build communities that people genuinely want to be part of.

Whether you're interested in psychology, community building, technology, fitness, or simply curious about why we don't have as much fun learning and connecting as we used to, you'll leave with a fresh perspective on the power of play and why getting together IRL still matters.

Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.

About The Speaker:

Umama Kibria is a community builder, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital marketing and social media influencer focused on creating meaningful connections through fitness, technology, and real-world experiences. She is the founder of SweatPack, a community-driven fitness startup and marketplace that organizes recreational sports leagues and fitness groups and has partnered with major brands including Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. Umama is also the co-founder of Play, where she focuses on AI, in-real-life (IRL) community building, and event strategies for tech and content creators. As a TEDx speaker, she has spoken about the psychological momentum of fitness, bringing together her experience in fitness, community, and human behavior to explore how movement and connection can shape the way we live and interact.

Good to know before you come:

• Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email

• Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled

• The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward

• This is a participatory event

• Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate

Agenda

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow

Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!

🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Guided Experience / Talk

Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in - it's your experience to enjoy.

🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection

Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!