FIFA’ddlers on the Roof Squish this Dilettante’s Dreams to Dance
Disclaimer: Everything below is a mix of what I observed and heard during the event. The goal isn’t to pinpoint "who exactly said what," but to share (usually) an outsider's view and overall perspective on these industries. I’m not here to act as a definitive firsthand source — readers should do their own research. I hope this inspires you to attend events, explore new industries, and hear what leaders are presenting. These notes combine my observations with thoughts on how things could run smoother and how ideas connect (IMO). I’m not an expert, you know? Just hanging out in the room with them. Enjoy.
Ratings: Venue (2.5/5), Food (1.9/5), Speaker Content (3/5), Networking (4/5), Likeliness to Return (5/5)
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Ratings: Venue (2.5/5), Food (1.9/5), Speaker Content (3/5), Networking (4/5), Likeliness to Return (5/5) 〰️
I’ve seen this group’s events promoted for a long time, now, and wanted to see what they’re all about. This group: YPN. The attendees all speak so highly of the founders, though I’m yet to know them well. But, an invitation to unlimited food, drinks, and music at a cool rooftop - of course I’m dressing my BEST and heading up to the party. Although I’m 100% sober these days, I still love to have a great time and stay up late laughing and dancing, so this was kinda perfect fit.
Why Attend: The hosts traded me a ticket to attend in exchange for a blog article on the event, so here we are. I was hyped to attend since I met a lot of people who are part of this community (or looking to be, potentially), I love food, and LOVE dancing. So, let’s head up to the rooftop, wait for the FIFA hype to die down a bit, and groove. It was advertised to go past midnight and just sounded like it’d be super fun. What more can you ask for?
Photo Collage and Commentary
Notes from the Event
Usually, I write my blogs in the moment, but for this one, I’ve had to wait a few days. Cause I had my daughter over the weekend and we were extra active, so I couldn’t get my mind in the place to sit back and write. Also, I’ve received two updates about this event, which are kinda surprising to add. If I’d written it immediately, I’d not have known/included either:
(1) Ads were made for this event! Paid ads inviting people on social media! Who knew?
I found out cause, spoiler alert, I ended up ditching an after-party to go dancing (which we’ll get into later), telling a friend about it while we danced, and then he texted me later that night saying he saw a paid ad on Facebook for this event. Surprising but not.
That makes sense why it was so crowded, too. I was wondering how 200+ people were up on that roof… and I saw over 300 people registered for the event (though someone said the capacity was 250… did it oversell? Was it 300 people and they just fudged the rules a bit - no clue??) But the tickets were super expensive, so I couldn’t imagine paying and then skipping it.
(2) Photos were shared… and surprisingly, I was only in ONE of them. (lol) And my shawl/cape does not look at “the ‘it factor’ level” which it was IRL. I’ll show the photo the photographer got of me + one I took of myself, here.
Then again… there were at least 200+ people on that small rooftop, so it was a lot of people to take a picture of. But many people came up to me and said that I was so easy to spot on the roof cause of my highlighter pink dress. Which was fortunate, because I spent most of the night wandering around waiting for the dance floor to materialize. So then, they’d know me and DANCE, right? hm…
Now, let’s walk through the experience of this event, and let me preface with a quick story of my youth:
Growing up, my family would always patronize me and guilt-trip me, saying, “Kelly, you set your expectations too high. It’s why you always get let down”.
As I’ve grown older, I push back at that, thinking: no… broken promises, adults not following through… instead of anyone addressing their behavior, I got told my expectations were the problem.
But I'd rather just naturally react; perhaps that means I’d expect a lot from time to time, and then occasionally get let down, rather than expect nothing and never be surprised.
On top of all of this (which I’m hinting at but haven’t yet said) - I’m also 100% not a soccer fan. And just part of me thought: probably a lot of other people aren’t too. So, just cause this was advertised as a viewing party… would people actually care about viewing? Or just be like “viewing, schmewing, let’s have unlimited food, drinks, and party” like me. At a friggin’ Brazilian Steakhouse at that. I mean, hello!
So, it was “somewhat my fault” to think people wouldn’t be so amused by hte soccer games… because I spent most of this event feeling ‘ready for the party to finally start’ - once the games ended. But I was entirely wrong. I think a lot of people were having a great time watching the game - and that was that.
Spoiler Alert, finally: The event was described to have unlimited food, drinks, and music - to go past midnight… but the food (unless you stood by the table to grab good food within the few minutes it was delivered), you ended up with two styles of french fries, bread, and condiments.
The drinks, they ran out of non-alcoholic beer a few hours in (this was an 8+ hour event, remember).
Then the DJ left at 9:30…. :(
Also, I want to note. I made a personal goal to myself that at this event, I’d break my norm. How so? Lately, my mantra is “you are a flower” - exist and let the bees come to you. You know? But I set it as the goal that, f*ck it, I will go ask people to dance at this event. Just feel like they’ll need it. Then I can kick off the partner, dancing, and get everyone to dance all night!! Sometimes people just need permission.
So… when the DJ left at 9:30 and then the MUSIC CUT OFF AT 9:45, I was truly stunned. (And thinking about all the people who HAD spent $100-300+ per ticket for this event, ones who came late just wanting to drink/eat till midnight & beyond?)
I felt I’d spent the entire night for the games to end, and THEN finally people would start dancing. No.
They stopped serving all drinks by 9:45 and food, too… but apparently, you were just allowed to hang out till midnight? But… idk. I left.
A girl who insisted that she’d previously met me before at a guy (fake name) named Jody’s house, invited me back over to his house for an after-party. I went, but upon arrival, “Jody” didn’t recognize me. Nor did I recognize him. LOL. Knew it. But she’d been drinking and then there was so much alcohol at his house.
We’d invited a few people from the rooftop to join us (some of my acquaintances + hers), but then I saw that a few people were getting excited over a tiny clear plastic bag with some white stuff in it, and I just said to myself, “ugh, don’t know - don’t wanna know” and walked out the door.
Right before I left, as I was putting on my cape/shawl and grabbing my purse (which broke, btw, it was the first time I used it, from my ex-in-law and i guess it couldn’t handle holding my heels), one guy who hadn’t introduced himself to me was like, “Are you sure you wanna leave?” but I said, “Yeah, I wanna go dance!”
Then I took myself to go country music dancing for the rest of the night - had a BLAST - dressed WAY too exceptionally for a country music bar, but finally got all of my dancing energy out of my system.
I was laughing, dancing, so happy. Jumping around. I had so much energy and hype in me - so I just was really proud of myself to get out and go dance… not needing permission from anyone.
Even got a ride home from some grandpa-aged cowboys. Literal rodeo cowboys. I didn’t even realize rodeos exist… and ethically/morally, they kinda make me sad. Just capturing animals for fun? But also, I guess there’s a need for it, too?
Like herding animals? Idk I don’t know a lot about it, but the videos they showed me sat wrong… but also a bit classic/cool at the same time. It was a strange feeling.
Now, let’s kinda jump back to the beginning of the night, arriving, and just talk about what happened up until I left. I’ve counted ~16 points to make from this event.
My Dress: Something about being on a rooftop always makes me step up my game, fashion-wise. For this event, I decided to wear my highlighter-pink dress, which is both ridiculous and amazing. On top of that, I paired it with a faux-diamond choker and a lacy pink/white cape, which sits on my shoulders and clasps with a rose. It’s fantastic and extreme hahaha. I love it. The dress code was FIFA-Fashion, and so I dressed America: as a winner. Since we’d won that day (I have no jerseys hahaha or red/white/blue outfits. I don’t wear red, anyway.)
My Shoes:I wore incredible deep purple stilettos and then my favorite black sandals for traveling + wearing after the heels hurt too much. This was a great idea, cause I felt/looked amazing a lot of the time - and then was practical & relieved the rest of hte time.
Though my shoes kept falling through the cracks of hte wooden floor quite awkwardly - almost painfully. This felt like a flaw on the venue’s fault. This is a 5-star luxury rooftop venue… aren’t lots of women going to be wearing stilettos (lol and men dressed up in heels). This is Seattle. Don’t want to genderize this problem. So… their floor is not meeting the reality of their audience.
Checking In: While waiting in line to check in, I laughed at myself a bit cause I was dressed completely differently than most everywhere there. Everyone else was in jerseys and FIFA-chic. But I liked my outfit too. I also ran into a guy with whom I may partner on hosting events in the future. I’ve written about his company (that he works for) before.
They’re the ones I rated 1/5 stars on the app store in the past(cause their bad food, low-quality photographer, locked doors {I had to sneak my way in even though I had a ticket}, and the people I went to meet didn’t even show up)… and yet, now they’re determined to earn my 5-star review, and I love it. They’ve pulled me in closer ever since. Which surprised me. But honesty can be rare these days. And its one of hte best things businesses can receive.
Much like the Larry Cheng Quote:“One thing about leadership I've come to appreciate over the years: That the line between greatness and insanity is very narrow. The difference between one or the other can simply be having people around you who will tell you the hard truths and counter your opinions. Great leaders have them; insane ones don't.”
Also, some people kinda cut me in line, but I told them don’t worry about it, we’ll all be on the same elevator anyway.
4. FOOD: When I got there, I was ready to eat. I’d purposefully not eaten for hte entire day in anticipation of the “All you can eat” from a restaurant I’ve definitely not let myself spend money at EVER. I am not a big fan of restaurants and the prices that come with them. Just not a priority for me, my time, nor my money.
So… when I got there and saw, simply, two versions of French Fries and condiments so far for dinner, I optimistically thought, “probably they’ll bring out more food later”.
I was right and wrong. They did bring out more food throughout the night, but it was super hard to get any of it unless you were standing right there. Cause everyone grabbed it quickly. And/or/but there were always French fries available. I can’t tell you the last time I’d had French fries, hahhaa. I was stunned that’s what I ended up having for dinner, given the environment/reputation of this venue. Fogo de Chao is one of hte most popular meat restaurants on earth. Yet… their “unlimited food” option was like, from a school cafeteria? Later in the night they added “slices of toast” to the buffet.
5. standing in line for the bar (lol and their photo is on the front of one of the post-event photo pages): Okay this was stupid. I was standing in line for the bar and the next thing I know the MLM guy I saw at their last event was behind me. I jsut didn’t even say hi to him. No. Even though we know each other, I’m over him. THEN the friend I talked about above came and said hi to me and was so happy to see me. I was like, “yeah, I’m standing in line for a drink,” and then suddenly these two girls besides me were like, “you’re behind us,” and then the “US” included the MLM guy - as if he was IN FRONT OF ME. And I was like, “um, no… he literally showed up after me”, and I pointed at him. Because he knew I was right. But then these two girls started to argue with me, and I just said, “literally whatever. who cares. It’s the same thing standing in line is the same thing as it is standing around”. Right? Whatever. They were not even worth my time or energy. So then my friend and I talk and then RIGHT as the three people in front of me are ordering drinks, they see their friend and invite her over to CUT EVERYONE IN LINE - even me!?!?!?
So then talks to them, looks at the menu, and then randomly says to me, “Sorry,” and I said back, “Why?”
Then she said, “What?” like shocked
And I said, “Why?”
And she said, “Cause I bumped into you”
I said, “you didn’t” (but I wanted to add - but you DID cut me in line after your friends gave me shit about cutting them even though I DIDN’T)
She said, “oh, okay… I’ve seen you before, my name is ****” What’s yours?”
I said, “I’m kelly”
Then she couldn’t pick a drink in time, so I cut her in line to order a non-alcoholic beer 💁♀️
6- justifying price girl, making me think… dang. People spend SO much money on a random night for food and drinks: this one girl was like “$200 isn’t bad for free drinks and food” and it just made me think, DANG how much effing money do you spend a week on drinks and food? Like… alcoholic drinks and luxury food? You know. I just think all the time, “sometimes people make so much money, they don’t know what to do with it” - and this girl… (I’m about to sound rude") - but she wasn’t in shape or even that fashionable. So I just thought… “i used to be you… What are you running/hiding from that you just drink drink drink so much? $200 in drinks on a random night? oof”. Cause I used to spend so much random money in college/after college when I was making so much money bartending… each night spending like up to $100 on food and drinks. Waste. But I don’t drink anymore. lol. no. waste of money, time, and reputation :)
7 - ‘cool’ finance guy bragging about borderline insider trading: This I made a post about, so I’ll just put it here:
8. small details guy noticing my hair: one guy who is so fashionable was like, “you styled your hair differently today” which was even news to ME!! hahaha cause I didnt even do anything at all. I just wear my hair how it is. So, I guess last time he saw me I had a side part and today I had a middle part. Its true. I do switch randomly, with no reason/rhyme. He and I talked a lot - and he said he’s not really the biggest fan of that “finance bro” either.
9. short conversations over and over again with this guy who seems cool but just doesn’t have the capacity to talk: this is just something that annoys me in life… when people are fun to talk to, but they can’t talk to you for more than 5 minutes… maybe 10. And/or/but then they keep coming back to talk to you throughout the night. But it makes me not want to really get into any real converations cause they all end so quickly. Just like… pointless. Though while you talk, its so fun. But then it’s just like efermal(PS I’m proud of myself for using the word “ephermal… spelled it wrong right there” but its the first time I ever used it in writing).
10. wet couch: The couch I was sitting on was wet on the left side. I sat on the right side with the fashionable guy who noticed small details. Then I realized you could just flip over the cushion and it wouldn’t be wet anymore. So a nice lady sat next to me who seems to be somewhat of a local influencer, but I told her about “Dancing til Dusk” and she was thrilled to learn about it and will likely join!! :)
11. music + fan as a dancing accessory: The music kept fluxuating between being amazing and boring… but I did see a fan (like, a fan you keep yourself cool with that folds in/out) on the DJ’s table. I saw the name of the tea vendor on the fan, so I went up to the tea vendor’s table and said “do you have another fan? I saw one on the DJ’s table” - then the tea guy asked, “are you a fan of us?” and i said, “yeah!” so then he gave me a fan!! then it was just super fun to dance with. I was loving dancing (when the music was good) with my fan in one hand, holding it up, so kinda extra-style. But the music also was turned off pretty often… I guess so people coudl hear the game? And then the DJ even disappeared… left for good, and then the music just totally stopped. Sad times a million.
12. VC: One guy I’ve seen around town very often, but hardly talk to… turns out he runs a VC. He does have that vibe, now that I think of it. But… I just am not interested in impressing most all VCs (except Larry Cheng, but its cause he’s earned my respect, too - and its a super long-term goal and I may not even end up needing his money). But I think this whole culture of VC and investor worship is a flaw of our modern day culture. The vibe is kinda cocky and lame.
13. Recognizing people but letting them see me (flower vibes): There were two people here whom I was extra excited to see - BUTTT I stopped myself from saying hi to them first. Both male. Why? Cause!!!! My friggin’ “I am a flower” vibes I’m embodying. Not chasing, just existing, attracting, patient, cool. It worked!! Both were happy to see me. One, I talked to for a long time. Cause the last time I’d seen him, we were both at a conference in California together. And he was considering to do an internship in a city he wasn’t sure of - BUT I LOVEEEE THAT CITY - so we spent an hour or so at that conference walking, talking, having lunch, and me gushing about how much i love that city. He ended up taking the internship and loving it. So we had fun catching up. THOUGH he did say lately he gets 2 hours of sleep a night on average. Oof.
The other friend was happy to see me, too. He’s kinda turning into a business partner, potentially, which has been a fun perk from showing up so many places so often. He sees my hustle and wants to do projects together. We have the same clients + mission (helping/empowering kids) and I like it.
14. Venue overall: brand new but lots of small issues. The floor had huge gaps between the wood. The bathroom was so weirdly shaped, weird sizes of things, an awkward mirror, and a sink area. Just a disaster for a 5-star luxury venue. Many of us agreed about this in the bathroom. One of hte carpets on the outside patio kept messing up, and people were tripping over it hahah. Not enough seats. Just so many small issues. Plus, it’s a prestigious steakhouse that had… terrible food options that night. Not cool.
15 - After Party: As I said, many people were eager to go to an after-party or SOMETHING since this event was just not fulfilling. IT was cut short, expensive, and no music. So… I went with some friends to that guy’s house who the girl was convinced I knew. I didn’t think I knew him. I was right. They were all drinking and doing who knows what with whatever… so I left. Took myself to go partner/honky tonk swing dancing :)As I always say: I’d rather be alone than miserable. And I ended up having a blast. I smiled at myself while at the country bar, and just thought, “i’m so glad I’m in a place in my life where I can do things on my own, follow my heart, and find a way to have a fun time”
16 - Talking to Others: I’ve talked to a few other people who attended this since it ended. One rated it a 6/10 (he is close friends with this group, so I don’t think he’d say it to their faces). Another is super popular in Seattle; he’s very well-connected and influential. He said the most he would have paid for that (if he hadn’t also been gifted a free ticket) was $50. He was invited by some friends. He said it was way over-sold, the food didn’t meet the expectations of Fogo, so crowded… and yeah, it all ended way earlier than advertised. He said many other people who spent $200+ on tickets were disappointed with it, too.
His thoughts were to scrap the luxury location in the future, and put everyone’s hundreds of dollars into a few days of events… at less-luxury locations. Or just step up the experience. Limit it to 50 people, maybe.
I agreed. Maybe 100 people. But this was not enough food, way too cramped/crowded… and not enough dancing! ❤️
Final Thoughts about YPN: I’d be happy to give their parties another try, but I’m not sure if I’d spend that much money for a paid event. Not till I see more out of them… though if they want to invite me back and give it another shot, of course I’d be happy to try. It’s like the other company that I saw at the beginning of the night. I’d given them a 1/5 review on the App store, and now they’re determined to win me over hahah. I love it. So, I think I really want to see the best in everyone. I want to see this city be AMAZING. I want to see people/companies/groups live up to their potential. This group has huge potential… but I’m not sure of their priorities and sorta… expectation management at the moment. Let’s see.
I’ve registered for a few more of their upcoming (free) events - they have one low-cost, which I’d like to attend too, a policy event. I love to get involved in politics from afar… so, let’s keep it going and watch them rise to the challenge.
Until next time, I wish you the motivation and success to search for opportunities around your area. Search and explore: Who is out there giving talks? There are new things happening all of the time.
Find relatable or interesting topics you like and check them out! Maybe even something hosted at a cool venue, if there’s no other reason to go. Let’s see what you can learn and discover not too far from home. 😊
