As marketers, a large part of our job is cultivating connections. Connecting the right people with the right message is at the heart of what we do. But within our day-to-day work — meeting client needs, running our own agencies — we often lack opportunities to connect amongst ourselves. So we decided to change that.
In partnership with Carter Parrish of Robotproof, Rootstock’s leaders Terra Elan McVoy and Ryan Klee have created a refreshing series of gatherings: a time and place during which everyone from entrepreneurs to founders, consultants, creatives, artists, and traditional agency- and brand-side marketing folks are welcomed to form authentic connections that help each other grow. Here’s a closer look at our Atlanta Marketing Mixer events, including how they were created and the impact they’ve made so far.
Re-centering Relationships
Here at Rootstock, we believe in the power of deep conversations and their ability to form lasting links with like-minded and like-valued individuals — and we know many others feel this way, too. It was this shared desire for growing kinship within the community that brought Carter, Ryan, and Terra together in pursuit of establishing an in-person event where such magic could unfold.
“Relationships are the foundation of almost everything we do in our lives, professional and personal,” says Ryan. But from the advent of smartphones to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many disruptions to the way we interact in personal ways. “Never before have we been so connected yet so isolated. We could sense a yearning for people to be around others in their industry that could inspire them,” he continues.
Certainly, digital touchpoints keep projects moving, but nothing can replicate the spark of face-to-face conversation. “In person, you’re actually present,” Carter asserts. “You can’t be distracted by other things, and people open up more.” Our mixers stand as proof: We’ve seen deep conversations — both work-related and not — play out in real time at each event we’ve held.
Helping Connections Take Root
In February 2024, we hosted our first marketing mixer at the HQ of local software company MoZeus — an event that was met with enthusiasm and encouraged us to continue the series. What began as a small gathering has grown organically, and our circle has expanded substantially as past attendees have looped their own guests in. Each mixer has varied in scope and size, and while you can expect some standard elements like brief welcomes from the organizers, you’ll also encounter those that are a bit less conventional.
“We only had name tags for the first event, and that’s intentional,” says Ryan. Instead of the standard meet-and-greet, we aim to cultivate more unique interactions while exploring some of our city’s hidden gems in the process. Gratitude exercises, conversational BINGO, and art walks throughout Atlanta’s most inspiring galleries, are just some of the ways Terra’s creative programming encourages thoughtful exchanges that far surpass the standard business card shuffle and surface-level mingling.
“There’s something special about doing the unexpected and working together — having a goal instead of just coming to a networking event,” says Terra. “As grown-ups, I don’t think we play enough. Having an element of play and discovery brings people together.”
We’re thrilled that past attendees seem to agree and have found value in these events. Here are some recent testimonials from our community members:
“The meet ups are always fun and unique and continue to grow. Without fail I meet someone new and learn something new each time,” -Kenya Brock, Director of Sales Development at Comcast Advertising
“Networking events get stale. This was anything but! Discussing art with our small groups and how it made us feel was an awesome way to get to know people better.” -Sarah Woodward, Founder of AI Growth Ops
“Amazing people, great energy, and a truly one-of-a-kind setting.” -Heather Gibbons, Co-Founder & Managing Director of INMO Creative
Looking Ahead
Five mixers in, we’re delighted that the momentum is only building. We’re scouting venues and fresh experiences for a late-summer edition, and we welcome your ideas on spaces, activities, or collaborative twists. Let us know if you want to be included at the next one: ready to share, listen, and grow with our incredible community.
