Social and Networking Events
After hours social networking events are planned for the second month of each quarter at business locations throughout the Aiken area. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be included for members, with a small charge for guests/non-members. This is a great way to meet new people and expand your professional or social network in a casual setting. Other events, such as sports outings and oyster roasts, are planned throughout the year to provide an additional outlet for young professional to engage with new and existing people in our community.

AYP weekly Dogfight at Houndslake restarting in March!!
Wednesdays for AYP Members. Rates will be $20 for AYP Members (includes greens and cart fee 9 holes, and $5 for prizes). For combined Houndslake and AYP Members, fees will only be $13 (9 hole cart fee and $5 for prizes). If anyone will be walking, they can deduct $8 from the above rates. AYP Members may begin play anytime after 4pm until 6:15pm, and if one would like to play a full 18 holes, rates will be discounted to $42 (includes greens and cart fees, as well as $5 for prizes). Houndslake will also leave the grill room open for golfers to enjoy a beer after play if they would like. Interested Players should call: Jason Rabun. Work number is 803-641-3000

2011

• Our first AYP Third Thursday Event of the year was a great succes, as around 120 people turned out to enjoy the entertainment of Jon Rooks, free food and drinks, as well as ample networking opportunities at the Hilton Garden Inn. We had over 80 new members sign up in addition to our roster in 2010.

2010

• Aiken Young Professionals kicked it off with a bang on January 28th! 80-100 members met at Aiken's newest tapas restaurant Soiree in The Alley. Hors d' Oeuvres (sponsored by US Foods), drink specials, and raffles were enjoyed while networking in the upscale but casual atmosphere.
• For our Houndslake February 18th date, we introduced a professional networking aspect to the event. Thanks again to Houndslake Country Club and First Tee of Aiken for sponsoring the event and offering lots of great door prizes!
• Members kicked Steeplechase weekend in Aiken off with a bang by having a great time networking and socializing at the Aiken Brewing Company on March 18th. Thanks again to Plum Pudding and the Aiken Brewing Company for donating door prizes for the event!
• Another organized business networking event went off with a blast at Travinia Italian Kitchen, on Thursday, April 15th.  Around 80-100 people were able to socialize, meet friends, and make business contacts on TAX night. Thanks again to Traviana's for all of the great food and accomadations!
• Thanks again to The Westside Bowery for putting on a great event in their patio on May 20th. Lots of new members joined and enjoyed the great food, drinks, and doorprizes!
• Thunderstorms rained out the pool, but not the fun as around 80 AYP members attended the event at Woodside Clubhouse on June 17th. Thanks again to Wooside for the venue, free food, beer, wine, and the great raffles! We currently have 198 members!!!!
• July's Third Thursday was held at Soiree in The Alley. AYP packed the restaurant and enjoyed great food, happy hour specials, as well as the Miller Lite and Absolut Vodka Girls, who provided free samples, giveaways, and more. Door prizes were given by Kent's Korner, Security Federal Bank, and Miller Lite!  
• August's third thursday was held August 19th from 6-8pm at The Willcox' beautiful pool and courtyard in downtown Aiken. This business networking event featured interesting facts about Aiken and various AYP members, as well as great food by The Willcox and several door prizes.
• Members had a great time at September's Social Event at Hilton Garden Inn. Thanks again for giving us a great venue to for socializing and businsess networking!
• October's Event was held at Aiken Golf Club. Josh Booth and Stephanie O'Brien fought off the field and tied to win the putting contest! Members enjoyed the great weather and one of the best sunsets in Aiken on the patio and deck. Thanks again to Aiken Golf Club and Plum Pudding for donating the nice raffle prizes to the event!
• Our November event was a combined event with the Aiken Chamber's Business After Hours at the Aiken Design Center at the Village at Woodside. Our members were able to mingle with other business men and women who are regular chamber members, representing much of the business ventures in the Aiken area. We appreciate the Chamber allowing us to diversify our networking opportunities!
• 
  The AYP Rising Star Year-End Gala was a blast with around 125 people attending the event. The networking was great, as well as the food and drinks provided by Newberry Hall! Congratulations to Scott Truitt for winning the "Ugly Sweater Contest" and to Rebecca Brannon for winning the nice raffle from Plum Pudding! We were also able to collect lots of gifts and stocking stuffers for the teenagers at Helping Hand's. Thanks to everyone who donated a gift!

2009

• Our first event of 2009 was a Membership Drive/Happy Hour on Thursday, February 19th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm downtown at the Aiken Brewing Company We had over 150 people come to enjoy the refreshments among friends new and old, while learning what the Aiken Young Professionals have to offer. Door prizes were presented by Kents Korner convenience stores (gift certificates for free gas), Woodside Plantation (free round of golf for four), and Plum Pudding (a nice basket of grilling supplies).
  Click here for event brochure!
• Our second event of 2009 was a "March Madness" themed affair generously hosted by Newberry Hall and US Foodservice on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 from 7:00-9:00. The March Madness Theme drew a large crowd, as we crossed the 200 member plateau! Congrats to Daniel Creswell, who won the 1st Annual AYP NCAA Tournament Bracket Contest by a hair over Jake Kneece! Your trophy from Crystal Engravers is on the way! Door prizes were again presented by Kents Korner convenience stores (gift certificates for free gas), Woodside Plantation (free round of golf for four), and Plum Pudding (a nice basket of grilling supplies).
  Click here for event brochure!
• The Willcox rang in the spring with a Beach Blast on April 16th, 2009 from 6:00-8:00pm. Members enjoyed "the South's finest hospitality" while engaging with old friends and new acquaintances. Thanks to Kents Korner convenience stores (gift certificates for free gas), Woodside Plantation (free round of golf for four), and The Willcox (1 night stay) for generously donating door prizes for the event! New AYP koozies sponsored by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC (SNRL) were a hot comodity at the door!
  Click here for event brochure!
• Woodside Plantation hosted AYP Golf Day on Saturday, April 25th, 2009. Members enjoyed a special discounted rate of $35 per 18 holes and were able to participate in the Ping Demo Day at the driving range from 10:00am-2:00pm. Thanks to Aimee Rusch of Woodside for coordinating the event. For any questions regarding membership opportunities, feel free to contact her at 803.649.3383 ext. 241 or aimee.rusch@ourclub.com.
• Houndslake Country Club hosted the Young Professionals on Thursday, May 21st, 2009. AYP members enjoyed playing during the week for a discounted rate, as well as the time to socialize, network, and enjoy the nice heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages during the event. Several members were able to impove their swing with instruction by Jackie Seawell, and congratulations to Clay Ingram for winning the putting contest and a nice new Ping putter! In addition, lots of folks were able to take home some fabulous door prizes provided by Houndslake, including dinner at the club, golf balls, tee times, and a nice wedge. We really appreciate Julie Krafnik and Sarah Derr, Membership Sales & Marketing Director at Houndslake Country Club, for hosting the event! For any other details concerning great opportunities for membership at Houndslake Country Club, contact Sarah for any further details at 803-641-4580 or sderr@houndslakecc.com.
  Click here for event brochure!
• Thanks to the The Hilton Garden Inn for hosting the June 16th AYP Social Event. About 110 people attended the networking event held in the Thoroughbred Room at Aiken's newest locally owned hotel.
• Saturday July 11th, 2009 5pm--Aiken-YP vs. YP of Augusta Charity Softball Game at Lake Olmstead Stadium
• Thursday July 16th, 2009 at 7:00pm Augusta Greenjackets Baseball vs the West Virginia Power
• Aiken Young professionals joined the Aiken Chamber of Commerce on July 23rd at the Business After Hours hosted by the Carriage House Inn. Cosponsers included Allstar Rents, Crystal Engravers, Pitter Patter Children's Boutique, PowerCuts Salon & Spa, and Southern Bank and Trust. Members were able to take tours of the Carriage House Inn Rooms and Property, receive complimentary mini massages by PowerCuts Salon and Spa, visit South Bank and Trust's beautiful downtown location, and enter the drawing for prizes including Crystal Engraver's serving items, monogrammed vases and more, Pitter Patter Tea Party and other children's items, and Allstar tents, tables and decor. Food and beverages were provided by Takosushi and Palmetto Package with live music by Hyland Brooks.
• Woodside Plantation hosted a social networking event on September 17th, 2009 from 6:00-8:00pm at the clubhouse. A Free Round of Golf for a Foursome, Wine, and Brunch for Four were given away to some lucky members!.
• Hotel Aiken sponsored our October 29nd event from 6-8pm at 100 Laurens! A large crowd of over 100 attended the Happy Hour with drink specials and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Lots of great door prizes were also given out!
  Click here for event brochure!
• Newberry Hall sponsored a great event with the theme of "Rising Stars" on November 13th to end the year. Members enjoyed a live DJ, open bar, complimentary "Startini" signature drinks, heavy hors d' oeuvres, and a nice slideshow of the year's events. Josh Stewart and Jason Rabun were were named the "Aiken Young Professional of the Year" and "AYP MVP", respectively, and SRNL was recognized for their immense contribution in fostering the development of the Young Professionals in Aiken.
  Click here for event brochure!