The Interchange

"The Interchange" is a curated, high-energy networking experience hosted by the Metropolitan Business League Junior Board for young professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are actively growing their work and expanding their impact.

Event theme

This experience is built around intentional connection. The goal is to help you meet people with purpose, speak clearly about what you are building, and leave with follow-ups that can turn into partnerships, opportunities, clients, or community. It is about proximity, momentum, and moving with intention, not collecting contacts.

This is not a traditional mixer. Expect guided micro group conversations, thoughtful prompts, and strategic movement designed to replace awkward small talk with real connection.

Featured guest speaker

Darrian Hewlett is an award-winning event planner, fashion executive, and model coach based in Richmond. He is the founder and Executive Director of Threaded, a Men’s Fashion Week launched in 2025 to create a platform for menswear and male models. He also serves as a Promotion Partner at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and has spent over eight years as a housing official for the City of Richmond, supporting underserved communities through affordable housing programs, including HUD and Low Income Tax Credits.

Darrian will also share practical networking tips and strategies for showing up confidently, starting conversations with intention, and making the kind of impression that leads to real opportunity.

What you will experience

• Light refreshments, music, and an elevated environment
• A Connection Card to track who you meet and why you want to connect
• A short speaker segment on networking with intention
• Structured networking rounds followed by open networking

Guests who document three meaningful connections can enter a raffle. The goal is simple: leave with real conversations, clear follow-ups, and a stronger network.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher MBL Junior Board