Single Mingel hit the mark: – We had to close the registration

On Thursday, February 12, Haugaland Vekst tested a new concept in connection with Valentine’s Day: Single Mingel. The response was immediate. The demand was so great that the event had to be moved from Kaigata 1 Bar to Garasjebryggeriet, and registration was closed when 170 participants had signed up – exceeding the venue’s maximum capacity.

– That in itself says a lot, says Karianne Ellefsen, opportunity developer and project manager at Haugaland Vekst. – We believed in the concept, but this exceeded our expectations.

Meet single people – without the pressure

Single Mingel is an extension of the Mingel concept that Haugaland Vekst has been running for the past three years, but with a new twist. This evening, the target group was single people between the ages of 24 and 40, and the framework was deliberately kept simple:

No speed dating. No fixed programme. No requirements.

Just an informal evening where people could come alone or with friends, strike up conversations and get to know others at their own pace.

– Many people have expressed that they miss arenas where it feels natural to meet new people, without it feeling like a “setup”, says Ellefsen. – We wanted to create a safe and inclusive setting, where people could relax.

The organisers introduced the evening from the stage with a sense of humour:

– We’re hosting the evening: Who you talk to, what happens next and any exchange of contact details is entirely up to you!

To help get conversations going, the organisers laud out simple, voluntary activities such as conversation cards and mingling games.

A meeting place for locals, newcomers and returnees

Early in the evening, Garasjebryggeriet was already packed with people of all ages within the target group, and with a clear mix of local residents, newcomers to the region and people who had moved back.

– It’s a good mix, and that’s exactly what we were hoping for, says Veslemøy Heggen, project manager at Haugaland Vekst and one of the organisers.

For some, the evening was about meeting a potential date, for others about getting to know new people and expanding their network. The common denominator was simply a desire to meet new people.

From the stage, the organisers encouraged participants to mingle across genders and interests. – You might meet a future partner, but this evening is just as much a good arena for finding new single friends to hang out with in your spare time, says Heggen.

Requested by the business community

Single Mingel is organised in response to requests from the local business community. Several companies in Haugalandet report that employees who have moved to the region thrive at work, but find it challenging to build networks and social relationships outside the workplace. Over time, this can make it more difficult to stay in the region.

– We know that jobs, housing and leisure time are important factors when people consider moving to – and staying in – a region. But relationships matter enormously, says Heggen. – Having a network, feeling a sense of belonging and meeting people outside of work is crucial for long-term well-being.

Single Mingel is therefore a natural extension of Haugaland Vekst’s place-branding efforts and the regional collaboration aimed at attracting more people to Haugalandet – and at creating strong meeting places for both newcomers and long-time residents.

– Whether people find love, make new friends or just have a nice evening, we have succeeded, says Heggen.

We’ll do this again

Feedback after the event has been clear: Many described the evening as less “awkward” than feared, and despite the fact that the threshold to attend felt high for some, many found it reassuring to know that everyone was there for the same reason.

With a waiting list, a full venue and lots of positive feedback, there is little doubt that Single Mingel met a real need.

– We’ve already been asked when the next event will be, says Ellefsen. – We take that as a very good sign.

Haugaland Vekst would like to organise Single Mingel again, and encourages anyone who is curious to follow the channels of Talentsamarbeidet (the Talent Collaboration) and Welcome Hub Haugalandet for future events.

In any case, one thing is certain: The need for such open, informal meeting places is significant – and the engagement is clearly there.