Speed Friending Walk (Please read entire event description!)

Join us for a refreshing and unique social experience on SMU's University Crossing Trail! Leave awkward introductions behind and embrace the outdoors as you make new connections with our Speed Friending Walk.

Walk and Talk
Embark on a stroll where you'll have the chance to chat and connect with new friends at every turn.

Rotation Stations
You will be walking in pairs throughout the walk. We will stop at various points along the trail to pause, wrap up conversations and rotate to a new partner. You'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow walkers.

Post-Walk After-Party (TBA)
At the end of the walk, the fun doesn't have to end! Join us for an optional stop (TBA) from 8:00-10:00PM, where you can continue your conversations or connect with those you didn't get a chance to chat with on the walk. Once finalized, I’ll update the event description and send out a separate email with the registration link for the hangout portion. Stay tuned!

Why are we walking and talking?

• Walking side by side creates a natural and comfortable environment for conversation. It eliminates the pressure of face-to-face interactions, making it easier to open up and share.
• Being outdoors and on the move introduces a subtle distraction, making pauses in conversation less noticeable. This can alleviate the pressure to fill every silence, allowing for more organic and relaxed interactions.
• Traditional sit-down settings can sometimes feel formal and interview-like. Walking creates a more laid-back atmosphere, promoting a casual and authentic exchange of thoughts and stories.

RSVP to secure your spot in this unique social adventure. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Come for the walk, stay for the friends! We can't wait to see you there!

Please be on Time

• We will be going over guidelines from 7:00PM-7:10PM and the walk will begin promptly at 7:10 PM CST. Please arrive on time so that you do not miss any important logistics.

Ground Rules

• This is a purely PLATONIC event. We’re not here to ask anyone out on dates. If at ANY POINT anyone makes you feel uncomfortable, please let me know and I will ask them to leave.
• Please be respectful and actively listen during conversations. I encourage you all to be open-minded and have a positive attitude toward meeting people from diverse backgrounds.
• Certain questions or comments are best avoided unless your conversation partner willingly shares such information. It's advisable to steer clear of remarks about someone's appearance and inquiries into their relationship status or orientation, as these are private matters. Additionally, it's wise to refrain from discussing topics like politics, religion, personal health, or another person's sobriety. Let's keep the conversation light for now, and we can delve into more intense subjects later. If you're unsure, feel free to use one of the provided conversation prompts.

Safety Reminders

• Please stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings while walking on the trail.
• Follow pedestrian rules, stay on designated paths, and be aware of any potential obstacles.
• Look both ways before crossing the trail or changing directions
• Keep to the right side of the trail
• “Stop” signs on the trail mean stop
• Check traffic before entering street crosswalks
• Cross major street intersections only when permitted by crossing lights

Privacy and Contact Details

• Privacy is crucial to this activity; please be respectful of each other's boundaries.
• Please recognize that exchanging contact details can sometimes be awkward. Feel free to share YOUR Instagram, phone number, or email if you'd like to stay in touch. However, avoid putting others on the spot by asking for their information directly. This way, everyone can choose the level of contact that feels comfortable for them. If you have physical business cards with your contact information you are welcome to hand them out to those individuals you connect with.
• Everything is totally optional and consent based. Some people might only be here to simply have a new experience and chat with people. Don’t be disappointed if there’s no follow-up. If you do get someone’s details, respect their time and space.
• Finally, please keep all conversations confidential. What's shared during the walk is personal, and unless explicitly agreed upon by both parties, it's important to keep those details private.

Parking and Meeting Point

• There is parking located at Mockingbird Station. We will be meeting on the trail by the SMU Mockingbird Dart Station. I'm looking forward to embarking on this Speed Friending Walk with all of you! If you have any last-minute questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.

🚶‍♀️ IMPORTANT UPDATE: Liability Waiver & Media Release
Before you lace up for our upcoming Speed Friending Walk, please take a moment to fill out our Liability and Media Release Waiver. It’s quick and easy—and required in order to participate in the walk.
👉 Click here to complete the waiver
We’ll be checking to make sure it’s filled out before we begin. If you plan to bring a guest who isn’t part of this group, please share the link with them in advance—everyone needs to fill it out to join.
🕯 Evening Conditions: Please note that this walk will take place in the evening, and lighting may be limited in some areas. We recommend wearing reflecting clothing or bringing a small flashlight as needed.
📸 We’ll be capturing content! We will need to take photos and videos highlighting the walk and our collaboration for our post-walk gathering, and will need to take photos and videos to help share the story on social media and our website. If you’d prefer not to be photographed, please send us a private message or email me at erika@thezeroproofsocial.com.