The Origin of "Bling" - Blue Seasons Mixers

The first mixer in 2008 was a social gathering of professional colleagues from different agencies to re-connect with old friends and network with new ones. The turnout was beyond expectations; and evidence that we all needed a break sometimes to relax and socialize. It was so much fun, everyone kept asking for the next one. Maybe they were being nice, but I took it to heart and kept going.

Naming the mixers became, and still is, a fun game. On April 22, 2010, I hosted the Spring Bling at LEI, a cozy restaurant bar near the South Street Seaport that sadly only lasted 2 or 3 years. The weather was perfect and more than 80 people came. It must have been one of the largest crowds this place had seen. At one point, the bartendar, Karen, announced loudly, "Welcome to the SPRING BLING!"

And so it was named.

Click below to see photos from "blings" grouped by year.