Show Up: The Future of Connection at Hampton (we’re going IRL)

Hampton is built around relationships (and 6 degrees of separation), and member feedback has made it clear that nothing beats the magic of meeting in person.

As founders, some of the most transformative conversations happen when you’re in the same room with interesting people—whether at a retreat, over dinner, or during a brainstorming session.

In 2025, we’re doubling down on making in-person connections at the heart of our community. (Check out our full 2025 Hampton product roadmap here.)

Here’s how we’re evolving the IRL experience to make it more impactful, accessible, and unforgettable for everyone:

Elevating Core Groups with IRL Connections

Our core groups are expanding to prioritize in-person interactions because they foster deeper relationships and create more meaningful experiences. 

Virtual groups work for convenience, but many crave IRL connections to thrive.

Here’s how it’s happening:

• Core groups in major hubs like New York, Austin, LA, Miami, and SF are transitioning to in-person formats. Secondary cities, including Denver, San Diego, and Toronto, are following.
• After a year in a virtual group, you can switch to an IRL group if one becomes available.
• Virtual groups will still be an option for those who value logistical ease or industry-specific focus.

This shift makes it easier for you to build authentic connections with peers in your city or nearby.

P.S. Let's talk if your city still needs an IRL core group but you're excited about starting one. Some of our most vibrant communities started with a single member raising their hand.

Making Retreats Effortless with Boompop

Planning core group retreats can be a logistical nightmare. Coordinating schedules, finding venues, and managing budgets can be overwhelming.

To solve this, we’ve partnered with BoomPop (Hampton members – shout out to Healy and Blake) to handle the logistics.

Starting in January, planning your group retreat becomes beautifully simple:

1. Share your vision, dates, and budget.
2. Let BoomPop handle the logistics.
3. Show up and focus on what matters – connecting with your group.

This partnership ensures you can focus on meaningful interactions while leaving the details to the experts.

More Ways to Connect: Affinity Groups

To complement core groups, we’re introducing Affinity Groups—smaller, informal gatherings based on shared interests or life experiences.

Think of smaller, focused groups around specific niche interests:

• A group for building projects in AI.
• A network for new parents navigating similar challenges.
• Hobby-based groups for activities– hiking, wine tasting, writing, that sort of thing.

These complement your core group experience, adding another connection layer to like-minded members.

Expanding IRL Events

We're launching 2025 with an ambitious goal: 110 Hampton-hosted events across our hub cities in Q1 alone. From intimate dinners to transformative workshops, these events are tailored to deliver unique and memorable experiences for our community.

A Sneak Peek of Q1:

• Fireside chats with Andrew Wilkinson and Anne Mahlum.
• Interactive workshops and networking dinners.

Next year’s lineup promises exclusive opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Doubling Down with Social Chairs

Our Social Chair Program is growing, with 42 chairs onboard for 2025. We’ve increased budgets and introduced new incentives to help them organize local gatherings, creating more ways for you to connect IRL.

With this support, we’re set to double the number of events compared to last year.

Looking Ahead to Retreats

Retreats are the crown jewel of the Hampton experience, offering immersive opportunities to learn, connect, and recharge. 

Here’s what’s on the calendar for 2025:

1. Peak Performance Ski/Snowboard Retreat (Park City, February)
2. Foundations Retreats (Austin, March & October)
3. Women of Hampton Retreat (Sedona, May)
4. Golf Retreat (Location TBD, Late Summer)
5. Mindful Leadership Retreat (Eldred, NY, September)

We know you have busy schedules, so we will now share dates earlier. This will give members more time to prepare and prioritize attendance.

These retreats are designed to help you reset, recharge, and strengthen your professional and personal bonds.

Have an idea for a future retreat?  Find AC in Slack and let her know

The Power of Showing Up

We've seen it repeatedly: The most valuable business relationships often start as simple conversations. 

We’re hellbent on creating spaces where those conversations lead to real opportunities—new collaborations, friendships, and fresh ideas that fuel personal and professional growth.

The opportunities to connect are only growing in 2025. 

Show up, dive in, and see where it takes you. 

Let’s keep building that magic together.