WARSAW — The Young Adult Professionals Steering Committee has announced details for their signature professional development event, a YAP-to-Community Leader Speed Networking event, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, at the 501 Junction located at 501 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

This event will provide young professionals in Kosciusko County the opportunity to network with various community leaders. The community leaders are from various industries in our community including non-profit organizations, economic development, banking, education, local government, entrepreneurs, orthopedics and more, according to a news release from the group.

This year’s event is sponsored by 501 Junction, Luna.tech, Brian Peterson Real Estate and Oakwood resort.

“We are hoping for our highest attendance to date and have a beautiful venue, 501 Junction,” said Kaci Scheve, co-chair of the YAP Steering Committee. “Young professionals will have the opportunity to dialogue with community leaders from education to orthopedics to entrepreneurs. We are very lucky to host such a diverse and experienced group.”

Speed networking is a meeting format that is designed to introduce two or more people to one community leader in a short, structured interaction. Oftentimes this interaction is based around a business-related question or topic. The discussion that follows is generally restricted to one to two minutes, which upon ending is then followed by another discussion with another community leader in the same format. It is very similar to speed dating, but with a different objective to build a bridge between the young professionals in Kosciusko Country and the local leaders. YAP is committed to create meaningful connections, provide educational opportunities and a place to get involved for young professionals that live and work in Kosciusko County.

“501 Junction is eager to host this YAP Speed Networking event at our recently renovated facility to encourage their efforts to connect young professionals in our community,” stated Summer Avey, co-owner of 501 Junction.  “Our building is intended to promote small business growth and networking, as we provide excellent commercial office and co-working space. YAP’s goals are directly in line with this mission, and we hope the greater Warsaw community supports their efforts.”

A young adult professional qualifies as anyone who is under the age of 40. Individuals at small and large organizations are encouraged to participate. There is no fee to attend.  Appetizers and refreshments will be provided. Those who are interested in attending as young adult professionals are required to register through the YAP Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/youngadultprofessionals/.