How to Host a Seamless End of Summer Mixer at The Betty
The final weeks of summer in Long Beach are filled with sunshine, ocean breezes, and a vibrant sense of community. It’s also one of the best times to host a networking mixer or social gathering before the busy fall season begins.
Whether you’re planning a corporate mixer, a community meet-and-greet, or a social evening for friends and colleagues, The Betty Event Center offers the perfect setting to make your event memorable.
Here’s a guide to planning a seamless end-of-summer mixer that takes advantage of everything The Betty and Long Beach have to offer.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Mixer
Before diving into the details, identify the primary goal of your mixer. This will help shape every decision you make about food, entertainment, and structure.
A mixer can serve many purposes:
Networking: Bring together professionals across industries in a relaxed environment to build connections before the busy fall season.
Team bonding: Give employees a chance to unwind and strengthen workplace culture outside of the office.
Community gathering: Offer locals a chance to meet new neighbors and celebrate the end of summer.
Celebration: Whether it’s a milestone, anniversary, or simply the season, mixers are a great excuse to raise a glass.
Knowing your event’s focus will help you communicate expectations to guests and vendors while ensuring the atmosphere supports your objective.
2. Choose the Right Space
The venue sets the tone for the entire event. The Betty is designed to host both intimate gatherings and larger events, with flexible layouts that adapt to your vision.
Its central Long Beach location makes it easy for guests to access, whether they’re coming from downtown, nearby neighborhoods, or surrounding coastal cities.
With its stylish design, customizable seating arrangements, and modern amenities, The Betty creates a welcoming backdrop that makes guests feel comfortable right away.
You can keep things casual with a lounge-style layout or opt for a more formal setup with cocktail tables and structured networking spaces.
3. Timing Matters
The late summer evenings in Long Beach are perfect for mixing and mingling. Hosting your event in late August or early September means warm weather without the peak summer crowds.
For a seamless flow, consider:
Cocktail hour start: Kick off around 5:30 or 6 p.m. to give guests time to arrive after work.
Golden hour mingling: Plan activities or casual conversations as the sun begins to set, creating a relaxed, photogenic atmosphere.
Closing toast: Wrap up by 9 or 10 p.m. to keep energy high and leave guests wanting more.
The Betty’s adaptable event schedule allows you to maximize this perfect window of time.
4. Curate the Right Food and Drinks
Nothing sets the tone of a mixer more than the menu. Since the goal is to keep people mingling, finger foods and small plates are ideal. Think sliders, flatbreads, skewers, and gourmet dips. All food that’s easy to eat while standing and chatting.
For beverages, offer a balance of options:
Signature cocktails: A themed drink can tie your mixer to the season, such as a citrus spritz or tropical punch.
Mocktails: Include refreshing alcohol-free options for inclusivity.
Local favorites: Highlight Long Beach breweries or wineries to add a regional touch.
The Betty can help coordinate catering and bar service to ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on your guests.
5. Keep Guests Engaged
While mixers are casual, having light activities encourages guests to mingle.
Consider adding:
Icebreaker games: Simple prompts or cards can get conversations flowing.
Photo booth: Create fun memories with props or branded backdrops.
Live music or DJ: A curated playlist or acoustic performance keeps energy lively without overpowering conversations.
The Betty’s sound system and AV setup make it easy to incorporate music, presentations, or special announcements without hassle.
6. Plan for Comfort and Flow
When people are comfortable, they stay longer and engage more.
Pay attention to small details that enhance the guest experience:
Temperature: Make sure indoor spaces are cool and well-ventilated, especially during warmer evenings.
Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting enhances the atmosphere while ensuring guests can still see and mingle easily.
Layout: Position food and drink stations in multiple locations to prevent bottlenecks.
The Betty’s event team can help design a layout that works with your guest list and ensures smooth flow throughout the night.
7. End with a Memorable Touch
The way you close your event leaves a lasting impression. End-of-summer mixers are the perfect chance to express gratitude and encourage continued connections.
You could:
Offer small branded take-home gifts like reusable tumblers or locally made treats.
Share a group photo or highlight reel on social media to keep the event’s energy alive.
Host a closing toast thanking guests for coming and setting intentions for the fall season ahead.
These gestures make your event feel polished and intentional.
Start planning your event today and make this summer send-off one that your guests will remember long after the season fades.
