As I am found of saying, there is A LOT going on in this town. If you know where to look. Now you may be rolling your eyes at me as you read that first sentence. Clearly I know what’s going on. I run an event website. If I don’t know what’s happening, we are all in trouble.

I certainly understand that it can extremely frustrating when you move to a new city. Making new friends. Finding organizations to volunteer for. Scoping out the fabulous shopping spots. Finding the places to go out to eat.  Where do you even begin? Well first let me point you to several of the OVE Directories. These are a great place to start. But I have something even better…

YP    Focus

This Thursday, there is an event that is perfect for all young professionals looking to get involved or just learn more about what there is to do in town: The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County’s YP Expo at the Huntsville Museum of Art. And it is FREE!! I’ll let Fabiani Duarte, one of the talented YP’s who planned the event, explain the event.

“The Chamber’s YP Expo seeks to be that introduction to young pros new to the area or to YPs who were like me just a little while ago: searching for people their age, seeking to join fun groups, interested in seeking exciting entertainment or intriguing causes to get behind. The YP Expo is meant to provide local young pros with a free, relaxed, and smart way to make new connections that can help make their city a real home that they truly love.”

It really is that simple. Organizations and businesses that work with, serve, or need help from (i.e. volunteers) young professionals will all be at the Huntsville Museum of Art’s Spencer Room from 5:30-7:30pm this Thursday, September 27th. If you want to also meet them, come on down!

What’s   New

This year’s YP Expo has several new (and I’d say exciting) features. The most obvious would be a change of location to the Musuem of Art and partnership with the Art Krewe as hosts and Houston Matthews, Art Krewe President, is thrilled.

“We are proud to host this event this year. This event is a great opportunity for young professionals to network among each other and among the vaious groups and associations. The Art Krewe has worked in the past with several other YP goups. The Huntsville Museum of Art is a great venue for this event and we’re proud to be a part of supporting all YP’s in Huntsville,” Houston told me.

Another bonus is the change in cost. This year there is NONE! It’s free, thanks to the sponsorship of Huntsville Hospital. And free is always a plus is this gal’s book!

This year there will also be tasty food and beverage samples (at no cost) provided by The Wine Cellar, Blue Pants Brewery, and Dinner by Design.

The   Folks

I’ve been to the YP Expo for the past couple years representing various organizations in the community (I’m what you might call a little involved) and it’s always a blast. I’ll be there again this year LIVE tweeting for Our Valley Events. Follow the hashtag #YPExpo on Twitter for all the awesomeness of my updates.

But since I know you’ll be waiting up like a little kid on Christmas for this event, I have arranged a speak peak just for all you OVE readers! I spoke to several of the organizations and vendors that will be attending, to give you a better idea of who will be at the Expo.

Looking to volunteer? Then Rotaract Club of Huntsville is the organization for you!

“We strive to be the premiere young professionals’s service organization, but we also have monthly social and professional development events. We hope to meet many new faces at Thursday’s event and look forward to telling them about our organization and why they should join. Fellowship is not just what we believe, it is what we do!” President Kathleen Byrne told me.

If you’re looking for a more general organization, then make sure you stop by the Huntsville Young Professionals (HYP) booth and learn about their events.

“HYP is a great way to network with other local young professionals and strengthen our community through a variety of events and community service. Check out our website for a calendar of events and jump in with anthing that interests you. We are always excited to see new faces and hang out with returning friends. Look forward to seeing you soon.” Rachel Osby, HYP President, told me.

For those who doubt this Thursday will be a fun time, Matt Stearns with America Party Pros will be there to make sure everyone has a good time.

“America’s Party Pros will spice up the 2012 YP Expo with game show style competition and entertainment complete with interactive music, lighting and video. So along with checking out all the great info from participating vendors be prepared to dance, laugh and compete against your fellow young professionals – the Party Pros way!”

Giveaways

What expo is complete without some free stuff? If you answered none, then you are correct! And here is another (exclusive) sneak peak at some of the items up for grabs as giveaways on Thursday night. You’ll have to be present to win, so if you want any of these items (and I sure do) you’ll want to make sure you stick around- and pay attention! I’ve found the 2nd part is the most difficult for me. I tend to get kind of (slash a lot) chatty.

• YMCA giftbasket with 3 month family membership
• $50 gift certificates to J. Hilburn Men’s Clothier
• $50 gift certificates to The Salon Professional Academy
• 3 month individual plus spouse membership to University Fitness Center (located on UAHuntsville campus)
• Eats and Seats certificates for dinner and a movie at the Monaco ($60 value each).

Event Information

Date: Thursday, September 27th
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Huntsville Museum of Art, Spencer Room
Parking: Attendees should park in the rear of the Musuem or up front and walk around to the back of the building (facing the park).
Cost: FREE!