Hosting Bonne Fire-Style Happy Hours: A Guide

The Basics

Don't worry about making it perfect. We're all about keeping it real. In a world of endless Zoom calls, we're bringing back the magic of face-to-face conversations over drinks.

Three years ago, we started gathering folks together in Atlanta. Nothing fancy, just good people sharing ideas and dreams. Hundreds of connections later, we realized we'd stumbled onto something people really wanted: authentic human connection in the healthtech space.

Now it's your turn to spark that same magic in your city. Here's how to get the fire started.

Build Your Crew

Find a few passionate people to co-host with you. This isn't about hierarchy—it's about sharing the load and making sure you're never drinking alone.

  • Start with 2-4 "hosts" who are committed to showing up every time

  • Keep planning simple. A quick text thread or Slack channel is all you need

  • Remember, planning shouldn't take more than 20 minutes per month

The best part? Even if turnout is low some nights, you're still hanging with friends who share your passion. No pressure, just good vibes.

Pick Your Time

Don't get caught in the endless "when works for everyone?" loop. It's impossible and unnecessary.

  • Thursday evenings around 5:30 has been our sweet spot in Atlanta

  • Be mindful of major industry conferences and plan around them

  • Consistency matters more than finding the "perfect" date

  • Monthly gatherings work well—often enough to build momentum, not so often they become a chore

Choose Your Spot

The right venue makes all the difference. Look for places that foster conversation without complications.

  • Opt for spots with open layouts and enough space to mingle

  • Breweries, patios, and rooftops work beautifully

  • Skip the formal reservations and dedicated servers. Keep it simple, no bill-splitting headaches

  • Find somewhere central and accessible to most people

  • Make sure food is available. Folks are usually coming straight from work

  • Game options like shuffleboard give people a natural way to break the ice

Some Atlanta spots that have worked well for us: New Realm Brewing, Scofflaw Brewing, Westside Motor Lounge, and Clermont Hotel Rooftop.

Spread the Word

Keep promotion simple but effective.

  • Create an event page on Partiful

  • Be transparent about the vibe—we keep it relaxed, no elevator pitches required

  • Share in local Slack communities, with friends, coworkers, and on LinkedIn

  • Create a consistent event organizer page so people can subscribe to future events

Bring the Essentials

Keep it minimal:

  • Name tags

  • Sharpie

  • Simple sign (even handmade works perfectly)

  • Phone for group selfies

Remember This

  • Don't make it a chore. Keep it as low-effort as possible

  • You don't need a sponsor. If someone offers to cover drinks, great, but attendance doesn't depend on free stuff

  • It gets easier after the first couple of times, then it's just rinse and repeat

  • The magic is in the connections, not in elaborate planning

Questions? Reach out and we'll help you get your own Bonne Fire started.