Escape the Swipe Social Mixers are a new, weeknight social experience that provides an alternative to dating and social networking apps. Our innovative wristband system helps patrons initiate in-person conversation and also improves their face-to-face social skills. Mixers intentionally aim to reduce the loneliness epidemic and support the Food Services and Hospitality industries by driving foot traffic and revenue on slower nights of the week.

Exploring different themes to reach a broad appeal, attendees can expect a night filled with great music, conversation, and opportunities to meet new people from the city. Additionally, to help lessen the high rate of employee burnout within the Food Services and Hospitality industries, the #1 industries for employee burnout worldwide, we seek out free and discounted wellness and lifestyle services to give to the staff of our bar and restaurant partners.

Overview of the Wristband System

Color-Coded Wristbands:

Our wristband colors represent social openness. This system helps attendees quickly communicate and identify availability/boundaries.

Meaning of Each Color:

Green: Indicates that the wearer is open to initiating conversation and is also open to participants initiating conversation with them.

• ex: extroverts/outgoing individuals, those looking to improve their social skills, returning event participants

Yellow: Signifies that they are open to Initiating conversation and vice versa - but is requesting that participants proceed with some level of caution when interacting.

• ex: individuals who are more shy, introverted, or need a little time to warm up, those who may be working the event

Red: Means that the wearer solely prefers to initiate interactions and conversation. (If you wish to interact with someone wearing a red wristband, wait for them to make the first move.)

• ex: individuals with high social anxiety or sensitivities, notable Philadelphians/public figures, press

Blue: Indicates that the wearer Is only interested in platonic connections or networking. (This is our double wristband system. The wearer will wear both a blue wristband and second green/yellow/red wristband - see above.)

• ex: individuals in monogamous relationships or those solely seeking business/creative connections

Benefits

• An alternative to online dating & networking

• Helps to reduce the loneliness epidemic

• Supports the Food Services industry on traditionally slower nights

• Connects new people in the city

• Different themes for different demographics

• Improves in-person social skills

• A safe, positive atmosphere

• Live entertainment**

• Prizes and giveaways**

**dependent on the theme of the Escape the Swipe Social Mixer

Picture this: You arrive at a warmly lit bar—the venue for your Escape the Swipe Social Mixer. At the entrance, a friendly host greets you and provides a brief orientation: “Hi, I’m your host. Restrooms are to the back left. Have your business cards or social media ready for exchange, and make me aware of any interests you have so I can support you with making connections throughout the night.”

You’re then introduced to the event’s wristband system.

Near the host, a table holds four colors of wristbands. Four hues, each a silent communicator of social openness for the night. Green bands highlight that you are open to initiating conversation and for participants to feel comfortable initiating conversation with you. Orange, for the bit more reserved, signals a readiness to engage and be engaged, albeit with a touch of caution. Red is for the truly introverted, preferring to connect on their own terms. And Blue, part of our double wristband system, is the color worn solely for platonic connections and networking. (The Blue wristband should be worn together with a green, orange or red wristband.) You ask for the color(s) that best aligns with your vibe for the evening. And, with your wristband fastened, your event immediately begins.

You head to the bartender for a menu and see social prompts across the bar and on tables as helpful nudges to break the ice with other participants. While you wait for your drink, you use one of the prompts to begin engaging with a new face. The room swells with chatter as more guests arrive. About half an hour in, the host steps up, microphone in hand, to officially kick off the evening. The event’s wristband etiquette, theme, and a heartfelt thanks to the sponsors are all shared. The host shares that they will move around the room, assisting with connections throughout the night.

A playlist featuring local music artists plays in the background. Guests are encouraged to Shazam their favorite songs to support the city’s talent. host occasionally introduces prompts or makes reminders to exchange contact information on mic. They check-in on you to support your Interests and connections for the night.

As the night winds down and a wealth of meaningful conversation is had, your host shares final thoughts and teases upcoming events. He also makes one final callout to exchange contact information and to tip the bar staff generously.

The official event concludes, but the bar remains open, welcoming both the public and guests still wearing their wristbands.

Consent is a must.

• Always seek consent before engaging in any physical or intimate activity.

• “No” is enough—no explanations needed.

Respect is the minimum.

• Respecting each other’s space, presence, and perspectives is the foundation of this event.

• Honor everyone's boundaries, engage thoughtfully, and prioritize understanding over judgment.

Negativity has no place here.

• Leave any negative talk at home (unless it’s about a rival Philly team). Save any “shade” for your private social media accounts.

Make diversity and inclusion our strength.

• Appreciate the diverse group of people around you.

• Proudly share space with various communities, cultures and backgrounds. We value People of Color, LGBTQ+ folks, and the spirit of "COEXIST”.

Expect a safe, not sanitized environment.

• Expect to hear profanity, crass humor, or see consensual and appropriate physical intimacy (e.g., hugging, kissing).

Put yourself out there.

• Move around the room. Put yourself out there. Remember, on some level, attendees are here to join or meet you.

• Talk to new people and expect to face some rejection. Embrace it. Each "no" or "not interested" brings you closer to a "yes."

Show love to our bar and food service staff.

• The Food Services industry is #1 for employee burnout worldwide.

• Show appreciation to our bar and food service staff by giving a generous tip.

Return and be the vibe.

• Return and be a "green wristband" for someone else's Escape the Swipe experience.

• Calendar dates will be released soon. Follow me on IG for updates: @althedoorguy (link)

Registration fees vary by venue (free - $$/pay what you can). However, we strongly request that you purchase drinks and/or food from the bar, as well as tip the bar staff generously (20% - 30%).

Escape the Swipe Social Mixers directly support the Food Services/Hospitality industry on slower nights of the week - which is the #1 industry with the highest employee burnout rate worldwide (link).

Alistair “Al the Door Guy” Williams is a multi-passionate creative, experience designer, motivational speaker, and performance artist. His diverse work spans industries from entertainment to education, all centered on creating meaningful, inclusive, and transformative experiences.

Williams has been featured in prominent publications such as Elle Magazine, People, The Food Network, Fusion, Fox, and Pix, and his innovative projects have resonated with wide-ranging audiences. He has collaborated with top-tier companies, universities, and non-profits including Google, Etsy, Spotify, Dropbox, AT&T, Merck, Tommy Hilfiger, New York University, Sanctuary For Families, KEEN New York, and The Ali Forney Center.

Formerly, Williams served as the Assistant Director of the Mason Gross Community Arts Division at Rutgers University, where he played a key role in advancing arts education for children and adults. He was also featured in the New York Times as one of the “most motivating” fitness instructors of New York City. His passion for merging creativity, holistic wellness, and community-building now informs his current focus on mental health, love, spirituality, and holistic well-being.

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Email Al the Door Guy at althedoorguy@outlook.com (link) for bookings, sponsorships, and to answer general inquiries.

Perfect for slower nights at the bar or as an ice breaker/team building experiences for a luxury apartment building, conference, or tourism company. Email escapetheswipe@gmail.com.

Review our venue brochure by clicking here.