Building Community, One Chat at a Time

By Andre Obamwonyi • April 21, 2025

Building Community

Group chats might seem simple — just a few people talking about an upcoming event, right? But they’re often the first spark of something much bigger: community.

When you join a group chat before an event, it gives you space to introduce yourself, break the ice, and build familiarity. Even if it starts with light conversation — a meme, a shared playlist, or asking who’s bringing snacks — it lays the foundation for deeper connection.

At Bean, we intentionally give every event its own chat, not just to organize plans, but to give people a chance to connect beforehand. Because let’s be honest — showing up to a room full of strangers is intimidating. But showing up to a room where you’ve already talked to a few people? That’s different.

These chats often become more than just pre-event logistics. People stick around after, share photos, swap recommendations, and sometimes even start new hangouts of their own. It’s how one event becomes many. One connection becomes community.

So whether you’re hosting or attending, don’t underestimate the power of a good chat. Say hey. Drop a message. You never know who’s on the other end waiting to do the same.