- Created by financial professional Leslie Deshler to offer organic, in-person connections for singles over 40.
- Combines social and professional networking with drinks, music, and a relaxed atmosphere at Aviatra Incubator.
- First event scheduled for Dec. 11, followed by an afterparty at Second Story in Covington.
Based on her experiences, Leslie Deshler found that as singles advance in their careers, it can be increasingly difficult to build meaningful romantic relationships.
Deshler, a seasoned financial professional, told LINK nky that contemporary dating methods, such as dating apps, often hinder genuine connections. Furthermore, busy lifestyles make arranging meetings seem like a burden.
“I think as you get older, it becomes tougher from that standpoint, because, again, in this age group, a lot of times you’re engaging or interacting or meeting people that are married, or in long-term relationships,” she said.
This conundrum led Deshler to create her own solution to remedy the tumult of dating for middle-aged professionals: LinkedUp Live.
“I think a big part of the inspiration, one–personal experience, but also just from talking to friends and other singles that fall into that age group, there’s just not a lot of opportunity to really connect with other singles in a way that feels authentic, in a way that feels more organic and natural,” she said. “You know, a lot of us have tried dating apps and there’s just a lot to be desired.”
LinkedUp Live doubles as a personal and professional networking and event series for singles over the age of 40. Deshler pitched the events as a way to foster personal connections without interference from screens or apps, offering a friendly atmosphere with conversation, music, drink and hors d’oeuvres.
Attendees can mingle, exchange business cards, or meet other entrepreneurs and professionals seeking friendship, business contacts, or romance.
The first event in the series is scheduled for Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Aviatra Incubator, located at 112 W. Pike St. in Covington. Then, immediately after the event, attendees are encouraged to join the afterparty at Second Story, located about a block away from Aviatra at 100 W. 6th Street. Business casual attire is recommended.
Jill Morenz, CEO of Aviatra Accelerators, described LinkedUp Live as an innovative approach to providing locals with an alternative in the dating market.
“We love Leslie’s creative thinking—she saw a gap in the market and designed LinkedUp Live to fill it, solving her own problem and that of many others in our region,” she said.
Since the event is promoted as both a social and professional networking opportunity, Deshler said having a career makes it easier for singles to connect because of the shared experience.
“Having a professional background, and being able to share what you do as a way to connect with other singles in this age group, that’s obviously an area that you know people can relate to easily,” Deshler said.
Ultimately, Deshler believes that the event’s success hinges on how many genuine connections it can create among attendees. She wants the event to feel comfortable, with conversations flowing naturally instead of feeling like a forced networking seminar.
“Success is definitely about bringing people together in a space where they feel comfortable, where it feels organic, where it feels natural, not where it feels kind of forced, or awkward,” Deshler said. “I think that’s what a lot of people run into when they think about events, especially when they’re focused on singles, is that sometimes it can feel awkward, but the goal here and success is really when people start to come and they get comfortable. It becomes a very comfortable, beneficial place to be able to connect in person with like-minded, single professionals.”
Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. The cost to attend is $30 plus fees.
