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July 28, 2008 - Looking for something different to do? Back for the Fall Session and 8th year Evening with 8-- Plus Smitty! The talked about dinner event where you can meet and connect with others in our community while learning something new. Building social capital in Winston-Salem "one meal at a time!"

 

 

 

  

FAQ's

How Does It Work? 

 

When are the dinners?

Dinner gatherings are throughout the year – from January through March and August through October. They will be held during a weekday of each month at The Piedmont Club in downtown Winston-Salem. The cast of characters will be between 8 to 40 guests seated at tables of eight. – An equal amount of males and females for balance of conversations and perspective will be at each table. Smitty is the “host with the most” and facilitator. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. with drinks*.  The dinner program will commence at 7:00 p.m.

Is Evening with Eight – Plus Smitty! a dating service?

No. No. And No! Our goal is to hook you up with a good time and good people not a loving relationship.  The concept is considered a dinner networking event. We encourage everybody to come with an open mind and enjoy meeting new and interesting people as friends, both personal and professional. Whatever type of connections you make is totally up to you.  There is NO age restriction in signing up.

What is the process of signing up, and how will I be notified as a dinner guest?

Sign up on our Web site (eveningwitheight.com) as soon as we announce the dinner program to reserve your space.  Or, you can register whenever your schedule accommodates attending.

Participants will be notified by phone one week before the scheduled dinner for confirmation, but do sign up TODAY! There are NO restrictions to participate (i.e. age or martial status). This event is open to anyone wishing to be engaged in our community!

Why is there an Administrative Fee?

We know.  Administrative fees are bummers. But in this case they’re necessary to make your time the best it can be.

It’s $25.00.

SCNTriad Special Events and Smitty want to put on a high-quality gathering for everyone. We charge a $25 fee to cover the time spent coordinating a super special event that will hopefully exceed your expectations. Plus, you never know what surprises may be in store for you at the dinner. <grin>

The dinner tab is always separate and is paid for by you at the restaurant.

How are groups put together?

We will put together the dinner gatherings based on information and the interests you tell Smitty about in your profile and telephone meeting. [FYI: Our dinner guest personal information is strictly confidential. We will never release information on any of our dining companions without explicit consent.] Don't expect a completely homogenous group, however!  We'll try to structure a diverse group with similar interests that will give you all something to discuss. As noted, there may be a “special guest” or two invited who could spark the topic of conversation for the evening. <smile>

 What should I wear for the evening?

Since the majority of the companies in Winston-Salem are now business casual, we would suggest that you come dressed comfortably as if you were having dinner with friends after work.


Smitty, I don't see myself as a skilled conversationalist. Will I feel awkward?

Smitty hopes not! <smile> However, the concept has been designed to reduce that risk. You will be called to confirm your interest on a particular evening the week before the dinner. I'll know you in advance. I’ll meet you at the restaurant, so you'll already have one friendly face waiting for you! You will then be casually introduced to your dinner companions and share a round of beverages with everyone to "break the ice." By the time dinner commences, you'll be on your way to making new friendships!

How much are the meals?

Meals will be a three course (salad, entree and dessert) fixe prix of $20  , excluding “beverage” purchases, at The Piedmont Club. Wine dinners are usual set-priced and all-inclusive (wine throughout the dinner course).

How will I know where the group is at the restaurant?

The Piedmont Club staff is aware that we are dining as a group. Just tell them you are looking for the Evening with Eight - Plus Smitty! dinner party.

Can friends come to the dinners together?

Yes. Evening with Eight – Plus Smitty! concept is for you to meet new people in the Winston-Salem area with the hope that you will find a common interest and stay in touch. If non-attached friends who are male and female and want to come to the gathering that’s fine. Hey, if two friends decide to attend the same dinner that’s fine. Married couples too. However, they will be seated at separate tables. We think it defeats the purpose of meeting new friends if people who know each other sit together.

 How will the dinner bill for the party be handled?

The restaurant knows in advance that we are dining there for the evening. You will be billed individually for your dinner and beverage tab.*

Can we touch base with our dinner companions afterward?
Smitty hopes so! Everyone may pass their contact information at the end of the evening. The whole concept is to connect with people with whom you share a common interest, either professional or social. If you missed getting someone's information at end of the evening, you may call me and I will see if the individual would like his or her information shared with another member of the group.

*It is each dinner guest’s sole responsibility to personally meet any individual and evaluate the dining companion as to his or her suitability for any continued interaction. Although it is our hope to provide interesting and compatible people an opportunity to meet, Evening with Eight - Plus Smitty and SCNTriad Event Communications makes no representations or warranties regarding character and background of its guest.

What is your refund policy?

See Cancellation of Reservation below.

What if something happens and I need to cancel my dinner plan with the group?

Due to some of our hectic schedules and last minute business situations, we understand cancellations may occur. Since Smitty wants to make the experience the best possible for our dining guests, if you have conflict, you must give us notice 24 hours before the Evening with Eight - Plus Smitty! event. This will give us plenty of time to replace your seat at the table.


We hope that everyone will honor their dinner engagement and do their part so everyone can enjoy their Evening with Eight - Plus Smitty! experience.  We will not cancel the dinner unless there are fewer than five dinner companions including Smitty.


* The first round of beverages will be picked up by Evening with Eight – Plus Smitty!