H. Personal Lectures, Conferences & Seminars
I. Artistic Classes, Seminars and Activities
J. Lectures, Conferences & Seminars
M. Neighborhoods — Los Angeles
A-1 Large Cocktail Parties
I host large cocktail parties (200 to 500 people attending), cocktail parties (75 to 150 people attending), and smaller cocktail parties, all of which are for people of all ages. I also host large cocktail parties and cocktail parties that are age specific (A-2 and A-4). About one-half of the large cocktail parties have dancing, the others do not.
My large cocktail parties, cocktail parties and smaller cocktail parties are not singles parties —lots of married couples and those in committed relationships attend these parties. If you’re looking to meet someone special, attending my cocktail parties (A-3) and large cocktail parties (A-1), as well as the age specific cocktail parties (A-2, A-4 and A-8), would make sense, however, as many people who come are single and looking. In addition, you should sign up for B-5 and B-6.
A-2 Large Cocktail Parties — Age Specific
Same as the large cocktail parties (A-1) but for a specific age range (different parties have different age ranges). If you only wanted to be invited to large cocktail parties that are age specific, then you should check “Yes” for this category (A-2) and “No” for A-1. If on the other hand you want to be invited to both large cocktail parties for all ages and large cocktail parties that are age specific, then you should check “Yes” for both this category (A-2) and A-1. We will have very few large cocktail parties that are age specific, simply because our list is not that large to attract that many people of a certain age range. If we hosted such a party, most likely we would do so with another organization.
A-3 Large Parties — Wilder
Same as the large cocktail parties (A-1) but these parties are a bit wilder, less tame. For example, the music might be louder, the lights might be dimmer, there might be go-go girls dancing on pedestals. These parties are more of a scene, they have more of a club atmosphere. These parties are more like to be attended by those 35 and younger.
A-4 Cocktail Parties
Cocktail parties with 75 to 125 people attending. These parties are for people of all ages.
A-5 Cocktail Parties — Age Specific
Same as the cocktail parties (A-4) but for a specific age range (different parties have different age ranges). If you only wanted to be invited to cocktail parties that are age specific, then you should check “Yes” for this category (A-5) and “No” for A-4. If on the other hand we want to be invited to both cocktail parties for all ages and cocktail parties that are age specific, then you should check “Yes” for both this category (A-5) and A-4.
A-6 Parties — Wilder
Just like A-3, these parties are a bit wilder, less tame. For example, the music might be louder, the lights might be dimmer, there might be go-go girls dancing on pedestals. In short, these parties are more of a scene, they have more of a club atmosphere. These parties are more likely to be attended by those 35 and younger. These parties will typically have 100 to 200 people, while the A-3 parties typically have 250 to 500 people.
A-7 Smaller Cocktail Parties
Cocktail parties with 20 to 50 people attending. These parties are for people of all ages.
A-8 Smaller Cocktail Parties — Age Specific
Same as the cocktail parties (A-7) but for a specific age range (different parties have different age ranges). If you only wanted to be invited to smaller cocktail parties that are age specific, then you should check “Yes” for this category (A-8) and “No” for A-7. If on the other hand we want to be invited to both smaller cocktail parties for all ages and smaller cocktail parties that are age specific, then you should check “Yes” for both this category (A-8) and A-7.
A-9 Pre-Parties — Black Tie Charity Events
I regularly send out invitations to black tie charity events and other events not sponsored by Boston Convivium. For many of them, we have a pre-party at a bar or restaurant near the main event. Many of the people who attend do so so they can make some new friends with whom they can attend the main event, rather than just showing up alone. In most cases, you are welcome to attend the pre-party even if you are not attending the main event. This category covers pre-parties for not only black tie charity events but also for other types of events.
A-10 Pre-Parties — Cultural Events
I regularly send out invitations to cultural events, such as classical music concerts. In many cases, we have a pre-party at a bar or restaurant near the cultural event. For many people, the idea is to make some new friends with whom you can attend the cultural event, rather than just showing up alone. In most cases, you are welcome to attend the pre-party even if you are not attending the cultural event. These pre-parties tend to be a bit smaller than the pre-parties for black tie charity events (A-9), simply because more people on my list attend charity events than, say, classical music concerts.
A-11 Casino Nights
Casino night parties with blackjack, roulette, craps and other forms of gambling. People play for phony money rather than real money.
A-12 Fashion Shows
Sometimes we have a party where there is a fashion show. In most cases, the primary emphasis is on the party rather than the fashion show, and thus you should not exclude this category unless you’re certain you do not want to attend such parties. Depending on the clothing being modeled and the party, we may use your Mature Content Rating choices to also determine whether to invite you to the party. For example, if the only choice you made was “G” and the models will be wearing skimpy outfits, we would not invite you to that party.
A-13 Model Competition Parties
Sometimes we have a party where there is a model competition — e.g., five girls are chosen as finalists for a magazine’s swimsuit photo shoot. In almost all cases, the primary emphasis is on the party rather than the competition, so you should not exclude this category unless you’re certain you do not want to attend such parties. Depending on the competition, we may use your Mature Content Rating choices to also determine whether to invite you to the party.
A-14 Girls Night Out
Events for women only, no guys allowed. Includes parties, shopping expeditions and almost anything else under the sun. A great way to make new girlfriends. (We do not offer the equivalent for men due to a total lack of interest.)
B-1 Other Parties
This is a catch all category that covers parties hosted by others — everything from black tie charity events to informal parties.
B-2 Cocktail / Dinner Parties
A cross between a cocktail party and a dinner party. People are expected to stay for the entire evening, arriving promptly at 6:30 p.m. and leaving no earlier than 10:30 p.m. Conversations tend to be more in-depth than at a cocktail party and frankly these are my favorite type of events, since you get to know a few people fairly well. Attendance is limited to 30 to 40 people. Tickets typically cost between $60 and $75 and must be purchased in advance, as I have to pre-pay the hotel or restaurant. These parties are given at a "high end" venue in Back Bay. If you cannot afford the cost to attend, or you're not able to purchase a ticket in advance because of your schedule, you may want to choose not to be invited to these cocktail dinner parties.
B-3 House Parties
Parties at private homes
B-4 House Parties — Wild
A friend of mine has parties at his house (often pool parties) that are quite (and I mean quite) wild (much much wilder than A-3 and A-6). What this exactly means I will leave to your imagination. Obviously you should select “Yes” only if you would be comfortable at such a party. Even if you select “Yes,” your Mature Content Rating choices may preclude an invitation being sent to you.
B-5 Speed Dating Parties
Speed dating parties are for those who are single and looking to date a member of the other sex. Women sit at a particular table and the men rotate from table to table. Depending on the sponsor, you have 3, 4, 7 or 8 minutes to converse. At the end of the evening, you circle the number of every person you’d like to go out with. If both of you select each other, then the host sends both of you contact information for each other. We do not have sufficient demand to offer gay or lesbian speed dating parties.
B-6 Singles Parties
All heterosexual singles parties other than speed dating parties, which are covered in B-5. We do not have enough demand to offer gay or lesbian singles parties.
B-7 Singles Classes and Seminars
Classes and seminars in almost any subject where the people attending are in most cases single, heterosexual and often looking
B-8 Social Cooking
Create a meal with fun people and learn a few tips. This is an alternative to going out for dinner with a friend but not serious cooking lessons, which are covered in Section H-15. These parties are often oriented toward singles.
B-9 Girls Night Out
Events for women only, no guys allowed. Includes parties, shopping expeditions and almost anything else under the sun. A great way to make new girlfriends. (We do not offer the equivalent for men due to a total lack of interest.)
B-10 Harvard College Final Club Parties
Boston members only
Harvard College does not have fraternities or sororities, but it does have final clubs. These are all-male social clubs, all of which own lovely old clubhouses located near Harvard Yard. These parties are several steps up from a typical fraternity party, with most of the people attending being undergraduates, some graduate students and those in their early or mid-twenties at the oldest. Some of the final clubs have decided they want to open up attendance at their parties and a few times a year, we invite people from our list to these parties, in almost all cases those who are 25 or younger.
B-11 Boston Harbor Hotel Events
Boston members only
In the Summer, the Boston Harbor Hotel has various events on different nights of the week, such as swing dancing on Wednesdays, blues concerts on Thursdays, and movies on Fridays. In most cases, you will be invited if you're on this list or the other appropriate list, such as swing dancing (E-2), jazz concerts (C-2), or movies (G-2). All of these take place on their outside patio on the Boston harbor.
B-12 MBA Alumni Monthly Networking Parties
Boston members only
Once a month, the alumni clubs of 12 business schools sponsor a monthly cocktail party.
B-13 Business Networking Parties
Business networking parties, other than the MBA Alumni monthly networking parties (B-12)
B-14 Information Technology Networking Parties
Networking parties for information technology and Internet professionals. If it is more of an educational seminar, it would be listed in J-9 or J-10.
Every event in Section C is for a musical concert. Those who want to sing should choose I-7.
C-1 Classical music
C-2 Jazz
C-3 Rock
C-4 Folk
C-5 Country
C-6 Blues / R&B
C-7 Other
Any form of music not listed above
D-1 Art Gallery Openings
When an art gallery features an artist for an exhibit, they typically have an opening party. These openings are typically like regular parties so I recommend not excluding them even if you are not particularly interested in art. If an art gallery is having an event that is primarily educational, it is listed in D-2.
D-2 Art Museum and Gallery Events and Lectures
Includes tours and other educational events at an art museum or gallery. If an event at an art museum is primarily a social event rather than educational, then the event is listed under Other Parties (B-1).
D-3 Ballet
D-4 Comedy
D-5 Dance
All dance other than ballet (D-3)
D-6 Improv
D-7 Literary Events
Any literary event other than author readings (D-8), including poetry readings
D-8 Author Readings and Events
An event, often at a bookstore, in which the author of a book talks about and/or reads from his book. If the topic of the book is a subject you have chosen in another category on this list, we will in most cases also invite you.
D-9 Book Discussions
Discussion of books. Covers every topic. In most cases, these are not one-time events; rather, people meet on a regular basis.
D-10 Opera
D-11 Theatre — Musicals
D-12 Theatre — Plays
Includes classes and dances
E-1 Ballroom
If an event such as a black tie charity event will have ballroom dancing, the invitation will be sent to those on the Other Parties invitation list (B-1). This category is for events where the focus is on ballroom dancing rather than the party.
E-2 Swing
E-3 Oldies & Goodies
E-4 Latin / Salsa
E-5 Latin / Tango
E-6 Disco and Techno
E-7 Other
Board games and card games are usually held in private homes. Given the small number of people that typically attend such games, if you RSVP “Yes,” it is really important that attend. If you fail to show once, particularly without a compelling reason, we might remove you from this list. If you fail to show twice, your removal is guaranteed. If you have a really nice house or apartment that is centrally located, and you are willing to host games, please send an e-mail to jmitchell@kensingtonllc.com.
F-1 Chess
F-2 Diplomacy
F-3 Life
F-4 Monopoly
F-5 Pictionary
F-6 Risk
F-7 Scrabble
F-8 Trivial Pursuit
F-9 Baccarat
F-10 Blackjack
F-11 Bridge
F-12 Gin Rummy
F-13 Hearts
F-14 Poker
F-15 Backgammon
F-16 Wild
Board or card games in a wild atmosphere, and I do mean wild. As in B-4, I will leave what that exactly means to your imagination.
G-1 Food and Wine
Includes food appreciation, wine tastings and restaurant tastings. Does not include cooking classes (H-15).
G-2 Movies
Getting people to go to a movie at a public theatre or sometimes the Boston Harbor Hotel. Different from G-4 because G-4 is at someone's home.
G-3 IMAX Movies
Movies being played at any IMAX or similar theatre, including education movies at museums as well as commercial theatres
G-4 Movie Dinner Parties
Getting people to watch a movie at a private home. If you have a upscale apartment or home that is centrally located, an awesome entertainment center, and you're willing to host some of these events, please send me an e-mail at jmitchell@kensingtonllc.com.
G-5 Walking Tours of Neighborhoods
G-6 Professional Sporting Events
Attending or watching on television professional sporting events as a spectator, not as a participant. Excludes Super Bowl parties, which are included under Other Parties (B-1).
H-1 Personal Finances and Investing
H-2 Investment Clubs
People meet on a regular basis to discuss investing, usually in the public equity markets. Angel investing is covered in J-2.
H-3 Retirement Planning
Both financial and non-financial issues
H-4 Personal Real Estate
How to buy a house or condominium
H-5 Personal Real Estate Investing
Personal real estate investing, including purchase and rehabilitation of residences and pure financial investing. If you simply want to learn how to buy a residence to live in, choose H-4. The real estate industry is covered in J-6.
H-6 Legal Issues for the Layperson
Issues such as landlord/tenant law, immigration, prenuptial agreements, etc. Also includes lectures by law professors on legal philosophy and other issues.
H-7 Home Decorating
H-8 Style and Fashion
Choosing clothes, colors, image, dress for success, etc.
H-9 Time Management and Personal Effectiveness
Time management, personal effectiveness, and other seminars of a similar nature. Includes David Allen seminars.
H-10 Career Management and Change
H-11 Personal Health and Medical
H-12 Human Sexuality
H-13 Dating, Romance and Courtship
Oriented towards singles and those who are not in committed relationships
H-14 Couples and Romantic Relationships
Oriented towards those who are in a committed, exclusive relationship, whether married or not
H-15 Cooking
The focus is on learning how to cook, rather than the social experience. The latter is covered under Social Cooking (B-8).
H-16 Stress Management and Reduction
Massage, yoga, TM, etc. Classes with participatory massage are also covered in P-7 and P-8.
H-17 Personality Profiles
Seminars on personality profiles such as DISC and Myers-Briggs. Includes Robert and Carly Twoomy's seminar on speed reading people.
This category includes classes, seminars and activities for writing, acting, singing, drawing, painting, graphic design, Web design and Arts and crafts. Each category includes coffee shop get togethers and similar events for that category — e.g., if you’re on the Painting invitation list (I-9), if I ever publicize an artists’ get together, you will be invited to it.
I-1 Creative Writing
I-2 Non-fiction Writing
Includes non-fiction writing, business writing and how to give presentations
I-3 Poetry
I-4 Acting
I-5 Improv
I-6 Comedy
I-7 Singing
Includes singing classes as well as events where you can sing. We do not have enough demand for activities for those who want to play a particular musical instrument.
I-8 Drawing
I-9 Painting
I-10 Graphic Design
I-11 Web Design
I-12 Arts & Crafts
Includes pottery classes
J-1 Business & Economics
Includes entrepreneurship
J-2 Angel Investing
Angel investors are individuals who invest in early-stage companies that need capital. In most ways, their investing styles and preferences are similar to venture capital firms — they are usually quite active (not passive) in their investments and they seek investments with high growth prospects and high rates of return, which means that in most cases, they invest in technology companies. (This is not always true, however.) Angel investors usually invest smaller amounts of money than venture capital firms and they often invest at an earlier stage — zero or first stage investing would be typical. (There are some extremely wealthy individuals (e.g., Michael Dell) that have set up private investment firms to invest their money. In these cases, they usually act like venture capital firms rather than angel investors.) This category includes classes and seminars in angel investing as well as for those who are seeking to raise money from angel investors.
This category also includes angel investor clubs: Many angel investors band together to screen as a group potential investments, with each member deciding whether to invest and how much. Note that in many cases these clubs are looking for individuals with a substantial net worth — e.g., they want you to be able to invest $50,000 or more per investment. Given that you would want to make several investments in order to diversify your risk, and that angel investments should be a small part of your overall portfolio, the math dictates that you have a fair amount of money (exclusive of your equity in your house) to invest. Also note that these clubs usually expect you to have a fair amount of business experience, as they are not looking for “dumb money.”
Formal venture capital investing, almost always by firms rather than by individuals, is covered in J-5.
J-3 Financial Services Industry
J-4 Private Equity — Corporate Acquisitions
Acquisition of mature companies, using non-technology firms. Such acquisitions are often called leveraged buyouts. Includes any other form of private equity except for venture capital, which is covered in J-5.
J-5 Private Equity — Venture Capital
Equity investing in early stage and mezzanine-stage companies, usually technology firms. Angel investing is covered in J-2. Any other form of private equity is covered in J-4.
J-6 Real Estate Industry
The real estate industry, including developers, financers and brokers. Excludes personal real estate investing (H-5).
J-7 Entertainment Industry
J-8 The Business of Education
J-9 Computers & Information Technology
Excludes Internet / Web-based businesses (J-10). If it is more of a networking party, it will be covered in B-14.
J-10 Internet / Web-based Businesses
Both technical and business oriented. Includes blogging. If it is more of a networking party, it will be covered in B-14.
J-11 Law
For attorneys and non-attorneys who are somewhat sophisticated about law. Would include business law seminars unless it is a total beginner seminar. Lectures and conferences for those who are not sophisticated about the law are listed in H-18.
J-12 Life Sciences
Life sciences, medicine and biotechnology
J-13 Politics and Policy
Includes Current Events
J-14 Science
Excludes Computers & Information Technology (J-9) and Technology (J-15)
J-15 Technology
Excludes Computers & Information Technology (J-9) and Science (J-14)
J-16 Women’s Groups and Issues
Includes women’s networking groups and seminars for women in how to advance in their career
These include parties and lunch and dinner tables where a certain foreign language is spoken. For each language, we have three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Realistically, we are not going to offer any other languages — there simply is not sufficient demand.
K-1 Chinese (Mandarin)
K-2 French
K-3 German
K-4 Japanese
K-5 Italian
K-6 Russian
K-7 Spanish
This Section L is for Boston members only.
These are parties for people who live in a particular neighborhood to meet each. For example, we have a substantial number of people who live in Providence, and if we have enough interest, someone on our list might have a party for those who live there to meet each other. Even if you do not live in a particular neighborhood, you are free to select that neighborhood.
L-1 Back Bay
L-2 Beacon Hill
L-3 South End
L-4 Financial District / Downtown Crossing / Chinatown
L-5 North End
L-6 South Boston
L-7 Cambridge
L-8 Brookline
L-9 Western Suburbs
Close to Route 128 — Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Waltham, Lexington, etc.
L-10 Worcester Area
Framingham to Worcester and beyond
L-11 North Shore
L-12 South Shore
L-13 Providence, Rhode Island
L-14 Southern New Hampshire
This Section M is for Los Angeles members only.
These are parties for people who live in a particular neighborhood to meet each. For example, we have a substantial number of people who live in Beverly Hills, and if we have enough interest, someone on our list might have a party for those who live there to meet each other. Even if you do not live in a particular neighborhood, you are free to select that neighborhood.
M-1 Malibu
M-2 Santa Monica
M-3 Redendo Beach / Torrence
M-4 Rancho Palos Verdes / Rolling Hills
M-5 Long Beach
M-6 Huntington Beach / Newport Beach
M-7 Laguna Niguel
M-8 Burbank / San Fernando Valley
M-9 Westwood / Brentwood / Bel-Air
M-10 Beverly Hills
M-11 Hancock Park
M-12 Downtown Los Angeles
M-13 Huntington Park
M-14 Pasadena
M-15 Pomona / Claremont
M-16 Aneheim
M-17 Santa Ana
M-18 Irvine
We will not be adding categories for any other religions, simply because there is not sufficient demand.
N-1 Religious Awareness
World religions, Muslim overviews, etc. A class or seminar rather than a religious ceremony
N-2 Spiritual
N-3 Protestant Events
N-4 Catholic Events
N-5 Jewish Events
N-6 Buddhist Events
N-7 Hindu Events
N-8 Muslim Events
O-1 Culture — Art Museums and other cultural organizations
O-2 Social and Other Events
Volunteering at social events hosted by cultural organizations — Check in, greeting, helping run the event, etc.
O-3 Board Development and Service on Non-Profit Boards
O-4 Business — Advising entrepreneurs
O-5 Career and Professional Development Coaching
O-6 Education / Literacy
O-7 Employment
O-8 Non-Profits — Advising Non-profit Organizations
Separate from serving on the Board of a non-profit
O-9 Community
Civic minded activities, such as making your local town a better place
O-10 Crisis Support
O-11 Emergency
O-12 Hurricane Relief
O-13 Animals
O-14 Environment
O-15 Population Control
Includes family counseling
O-16 Homeless
O-17 Hunger
Note — What other pro bono professional services can we offer? We have all these professionals on our list who would be willing to volunteer their time. In all cases, pro bono volunteering means not being paid for your services.
O-18 Computers and Information Technology
Computer programming, system design, systems administration and maintenance and other services provided by computer professionals. Excludes Web Development (O-30).
O-19 Finance & Accounting
O-20 Graphic Design
Graphic design other than Web design (O-29). Different from Visual artists (O-28).
O-21 Legal
Attorneys and paralegals providing pro bono legal services
O-22 Marketing
O-23 Medical Care
Physicians, nurses and physician assistants providing pro bono medical services. Mental health professionals should choose O-24.
O-24 Mental Health
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers and counselors
O-25 Modeling — Artistic
Modeling for art classes and the like
O-26 Modeling — Events
Modeling for fashion shows, charity events and the like
O-27 Performing Artists
Musicians, actors and the like who are willing to perform at charity events
O-28 Visual Artists
These are people who paint, draw and sculpt. This is a separate category from Graphic Design (O-20) and Web Design (O-29).
O-29 Web Design
Design of Web sites, using a Web design package such as Dreamweaver or a content management system such as WordPress. Different from Graphic design (P-20), Visual artists (O-28) and Web development (O-30).
O-30 Web Development
Computer programmers who write code for Web-based information systems — e.g., Microsoft .Net, PHP, Ruby on Rails, Java. This is different from Web design (O-29).
O-31 Writing & Editing
Writing and editing for non-profit organizations
O-32 Other Professional Services
Other Professional Services — Please specify
O-33 Disabled
O-34 Event Assistance
Volunteering at events hosted by non-profits — Check in, greeting, helping run the event, etc. Excludes O-2.)
O-35 Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual
O-36 Health — Medicine
This category is for those who are not in the medical profession. Include AIDS counseling and volunteering at a family planning clinic. Those who are in the medical profession should select O-23. Mental health professionals should select O-24.
O-37 Human Rights
O-38 Immigrants & Refugees
O-39 International
O-40 Race / Ethnicity
O-41 Religion
O-42 Seniors
O-43 Women
O-44 Children & Youth
Includes activities such as Big Sisters
O-45 Coaching — Sports & Athletics
P-1 Beach
P-2 Basketball
P-3 Biking
Bicycles, not motorcycles
P-4 Fishing
P-5 Golf
It is extremely unlikely I will ever send out an invitation for a golfing event. Even though a meaningful number of people on my list golf, my experience has been that those that do have already figured out where to golf. So far I have sent our three golfing invitations and the number who signed up was in each case extremely small.
P-6 Hiking
P-7 Massage
P-8 Massage — Coed
P-9 Running
P-10 Sailing
P-11 Squash
P-12 Skiing — Cross Country
P-13 Skiing — Downhill
P-14 Tennis
P-15 Volleyball
P-16 Walking
This Section Q is for Boston members only.
Q-1 Provincetown
Q-2 Tanglewood
Q-3 Northampton area
Q-4 Rockport
Q-5 Nantucket
Q-6 Martha's Vineyard
Q-7 Providence, Rhode Island
Q-8 Newport, Rhode Island
Q-9 New Hampshire, Vermont & Maine
Q-10 New York City
Q-11 Canada
Q-12 Mexico
Q-13 Other Countries
This Section R is for Los Angeles members only.
R-1 Lake Arrowhead
R-2 Palm Springs
R-3 San Diego
R-4 Santa Barbara
R-5 Aspen, Colorado
R-6 Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada)
R-7 Mammouth, California
R-8 Vail, Colorado
R-9 Disneyland
R-10 Sea World
R-11 Napa Valley
R-12 San Francisco
R-13 Arizona
R-14 Grand Canyon, Arizona
R-15 Lake Mohave (which state is this part of?)
R-16 Las Vegas, Nevada
R-17 Mexico
R-18 Other Countries
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