Take classes from real people at cozy Chicago spots.

It's an easy way to meet new people & find a different kind of night out.

Whether learning a new skill, dusting off a rusty one, or finding a new pastime, Dabble makes it easy to try something new. Dabble started with a simple insight: It’s difficult to keep learning, trying and doing. Although we might consider ourselves curious, adventurous sorts, we find lots of excuses that prevent us from committing to a class (I want to brush up on my Spanish, but it’s too expensive), cultivating hobbies (I want to brew beer … where do I start?) or finding a substitute for our typical night-out routines (drinks or dinner … again).

That’s where Dabble comes in. We make it easy to try something new or share your passion through one-time affordable classes. Explore the city around you, meet cool people and expand your horizons – because doing something today is so much better than putting life on the back burner.

The Secrets of Speaking Confidently

Tuesday, February 7th 6:00pm- 8:00pm
Register Here

Studies show that public speaking is feared by upwards of 34% of people. In fact, for many, it’s the most highly ranked cause of anxiety – above spiders, snakes and even death!

If you *have* to deliver presentations for any reason, but you don't *love* public speaking, this class will make the process easy for you. Participants will learn easy ways to boost your speaking confidence and connect with any audience.

The Second City-trained instructor will provide a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere and practical application to improve your public-speaking skills. Count on having a good time while learning easy presentation techniques. This class is guaranteed to make the learning experience quick, painless and effective.

WordPress Set-up Camp

Tuesday, February 7th 6:00pm- 8:00pm
Register Here

WordPress is the free blogging software of choice. Leave this class with your own Wordpress website/blog and an understanding of how to use it!

* Learn how to pick a layout, upload pictures, add new users, check your traffic stats, embed videos, add new web pages, use widgets and more!
* Learn how to create custom email addresses for your business and forward to your personal email account
* Learn what a self-hosted website is, what the benefits are and how to get one.
* Get ideas that will drive traffic to your blog/website
* Learn what Search Engine Optimization is and how it will help your business/brand

Presenting with Prezi

Wednesday, February 22th 6:30pm- 8:00pm
Register Here

Let’s be real: college was the bomb. These were our premier years… when cheerios and beer went down smooth, Saturdays weren’t about fixing the house, and a 9:30 commitment meant sitting in a lecture hall working on the Student Newspaper’s daily crossword and Sudoku. Now this was all fine and dandy as a starry-eyed amateur citizen of the world. But snap back to reality, those days are over. This is the real world and you’re the one with the pointer in your hand. Ditch the PowerPoint and adopt Prezi to ensure the audience has their eyes on the screen and not the back pages of the Tribune.

Presenting with Prezi will teach Dabblers the ins and outs of the most dynamic alternative to PowerPoint. Prezi allows you to group ideas and concepts in a dynamic and engaging series of slides and transitions, that if done poorly can lead to nausea and chronic word puzzling. Walk away with an understanding of how to do it right. Dabblers will learn to input text, images and videos, customize re-usable Prezis, and how to group and organize information in the midst of frames and fluid transitions.

Ignite Chicago

February 6th, 2012 7:00pm

An evening of 5 minute talks on a variety of topics presented by a variety of speakers looking to ignite and inspire.

Ignite Chicago is a high-energy evening of five minute presentations by people who have an idea - and the guts - to get onstage and share it with fellow creative folks. Each presentation is composed of 20 slides that automatically advance every 15 seconds. Presentations can range from how to build a resume to a history of the Samurai sword to a manifesto on boxes. Join us for Ignite Chicago and become exposed to new creative ideas and people!

Ignite Chicago is produced by Claire Lew and Pete Aiello.

Past topics have included:
Why You Hate Comic Sans
Choosing my religion (may or may not contain bad parodies of REM songs)
Joggling - Sport Of The Future
S#*! Our Grubbers Say
How I Became Raiden The God of Thunder
How To Make A Baby Smart
...and MORE!

Date: Monday, February 6, 2012, 7:00pm

Location: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago

Cost: Click Here to purchase tickets.

Big Ooga

First Tuesday, February 7th

Google Demystified – The Google Search Engine is changing. Learn what’s new and what to do.

Google Demystified – A conversation with Avery Cohen

Find out how to change your SEO strategy.

Learn what parts of SEO are still relevant
Learn how the search engines are shifting
Learn why engagement strategies are more important than ever

As Google changes so should your tactics for getting found on the Internet.  Join Avery Cohen, President and Founder of Metrist Partners as he outlines what new steps to take for your 2012 SEO and digital marketing.

Avery Cohen, Founder and President of Metrist Partners, helps marketers use interactive media to gain actionable insights into customer needs. At Metrist Partners, Avery has helped companies rethink their brand experience, optimize web sites and troubleshoot drops in traffic or conversion rates on web sites.

Metrist Partners have developed expertise in web analytics, search engine optimization, search advertising, email marketing, test design and social media. Clients include Advertising Age, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Peapod.

The evening includes a tasting of organic, small batch, craft distilled single-grain white whiskeys, aged whiskeys, brandies, liqueurs and vodka complements of KOVAL Distillery.

Lite supper is included.

Win a FABULOUS prize from 800-CEO-READ – The newest edition of The Hundred Best Business Books of All Time

Meet other committed entrepreneurs and small business owners through open mingling, personal introductions and small group breakout sessions.

Big Ooga is a socially responsible B2B organization devoted to raising happy, healthy companies. We stand for the ethical treatment of each other and the continuous growth and development of Chicago area entrepreneurs.

Date: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago

Cost:$25 in advance, $35 at the door, FREE to Big Ooga members,Click Here to purchase tickets.

RSVP: Pahlease! Email: Lennie@BigOoga.com or call 773-549-4815

Dateless in Chicago

February 18, 2012

Was Cupid's aim a little off this year? Planning on spending Valentine's Day on your couch watching Law & Order reruns? It's cool...us too.  That's why we're throwing the first ever Dateless in Chicago event: connecting really cool, kinda nerdy, single young professionals in the city while giving back to an awesome cause!

Join us on February 18, 2012 from 8 to 11 p.m.  as we eat, drink, dance, flirt and mingle with 100 of Chicago's most eligible singles! In addition, all proceeds will benefit Bin Donated, a Chicago-based non-profit organization that promotes charitable giving through collection and donation services. Look at that, having fun + meeting new people + giving back.

During Dateless in Chicago you'll have the opportunity to meet like minded single Chicagoans through interactive match-making games, swing dance lessons, photo booths and more. Guests will have an opportunity to mingle and interact with a variety of attendees while enjoying beats by DJ Trimm.  Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Tri-Star catering, Whole Foods and Pretzel Crisps.  Raffles and giveaways will feature items from sponsors including Lake Shore Sport and Fitness, North Pier Dental, YouCeleb.com and more.

About Bin Donated:
Bin Donated is a Chicago based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing widespread collection and donation services to make charitable giving an active part of your everyday. The idea for Bin Donated developed and continues to grow from a simple need. There is no shortage of people in need and, fortunately, no shortage of people who want to help.

Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 8:00pm - 11:00pm

Location: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago

Cost: Click Here to purchase tickets. $25 Early Bird Lover (ends Feb. 10th); $35 Regular Ol' Lover; $40 Last Minute Love

Multi-Gen Panel

February 22, 2012 6:00pm- 8:00pm

Talkin’ Bout My Generation

An open forum panel to cultivate understanding and empowerment between the generations.

Millennials are converging onto the work force and Boomers are starting to think about retirement. Now, more than ever, the generations need to come to a place of understanding and empathy, whether it be at school, the work place or at home.

We will be hosting a  thought-provoking and entertaining open-forum panel on Wednesday, February 22nd  from 6PM-8PM. The conversation will be led by Nancy Watts of Inspiring Views, Staci Diamond of Ragan Communications, Mark J. Carter of ThriveTime and moderated by our Go-to-Guy Danny Bernardo.

What the heck is the difference between Gen X, Gen Y and Millennials? What are some of your challenges? Let’s break out of these self-defining boxes to open up a conversation to find common ground! Tweet (@CatalystRanch) or email us your questions and we will make sure to address them in the panel!

Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago

Cost: $10 Pre-event ; $15 at the door (all proceeds to benefit Open Books)

Number of RSVP's

1 RSVP $10.00 USD 2 RSVP's $20.00 USD 3 RSVP's $30.00 USD

Next event coming soon.