Lincoln Park Young Professionals

The Peppermint Bash was a success!!! The DJ Rocked the top floor while vendors procured new business and people shopped. Joel from LPYP has hosted countless of amazing events in Chicago that are unforgettable to most. Great job on another super well done show.

I recently attended «Frost», LPYP’s signature annual event (their Super Bowl Sunday, or if you’re from Brazil, think Carnival, or if you’re from Japan, think Pearl Harbor Day). The event was held on the Odyssey, parked next to Navy Pier. The size and luxury of the Odyssey rival that of any of Chicago’s finest touring boats. The differences being on this night on the Odyssey, everyone was trying to hook up and it didn’t actually go anywhere (which also describe the plots of every show on Bravo).
The event consisted of two party decks. Each had a little dance floor and a DJ spinning those high energy tunes that you listen to on your iPod while running or at the symphony. The rest of the decks are filled with vendors selling and sampling various products. There was no food served, so you had to make do with what was being sampled. For instance one vendor was giving out paper shot glasses with salad. I assumed the small serving size was an effort to make their product last throughout the evening, but I think it would have lasted anyway because IT WAS SALAD (Fun fact, no death row inmate’s last meal has ever included salad). Things got more competitive at the savory and sweet tables. If you have never come between a mother grizzly and her young, I discovered it’s the same as getting between a 250 lb. woman and her free sliver of chocolate cake. And although you have to pay for drinks at the bar, there were a lot of vendors giving out free alcohol. Drop Chicago sampled their delicate blends of spirits and spices (such as cardamom and lavender). Seriously, I don’t understand why Russia doesn’t respect us. While Vladimir Putin drinks his vodka out of the eye socket of a Bengal tiger, whose carcass was barbecued on a fire he started by rubbing two protesters together, I often sip my Appletini and say, «This needs more nutmeg.»
A lot of reviewers have complained that this group’s name, «Lincoln Park Young Professionals» is misleading because it is full of old people. First of all, the word «old» is insulting and they now prefer the term «classic.» Second, for all you old people who want to attend but are concerned that you won’t find any sweet meat to take back to your Fantasy Suite, take heart (and your heart medication). There were plenty of women in attendance whose purses weren’t overflowing with bottles of Boniva. I mean, there are a lot of people who have never experienced the event, go once to see what its like, and then decide its not for them (same way Nicolas Cage movies make money). And if you discriminate against people based on the elasticity of their skin, you missed out on meeting some characters. For example, I met «Captain Mike,» a gentleman who was decked out in a captain’s hat and jacket, telling me the outfit attracts the ladies. Although he wore the uniform, he didn’t actually know anything about the profession, but the same can be said of the entire Chicago Cubs baseball team.
I gave this event 3 stars, but one of those is because you gotta give it up for a group that has endured accusations of stealing money, misleading clients, and deceptive business practices, yet still manages to thrive and make a healthy buck. Ok, now I’m going to write my Unilocal review for Wall St.

Amazed that Joel is still doing this. Read the reviews about his past rip-offs…they are accurate. He had my company do work for him then never paid. When contacted he made up excuses about waiting for a check, etc. That’s how he operates. The bills he walks away from are not worth taking him to court and he knows that. He is a scammer big time and the organization is a sham. Stay clear!

I have attended a mix of free and paid LPYP events over the years and have always been pleased with the event amenities and individuals I have met. Events ranging from the inaugural day trip to Lake Geneva to most recently events at the Bedford and the Spirit of Chicago (which worked out to be a perfect birthday eve celebration).
The sponsors range from well-​known companies to smaller businesses. One of them being a boutique cupcake shop recently featured on Groupon that blew my mind with their tasty cognac cupcakes. I am always interested to see what new small businesses will be featured at the next event I can make (work willing).
Of course when you look hard enough one can always find fault with some of the attendees or execution of an event. Minor issues one may notice at plenty other networking/​social groups, but definitely would not deter me from attending future events.

BUSINESS OWNERS BEWARE! I cannot believe this scam is still around! There are neither «professionals» nor Lincoln Park residents who attend this event. It’s more of a mix of trashy alcoholic young women, gangster thugs in brighty colored dress shirts, and creepy old men who are way past their prime. Don’t waste your time or money. These losers are out for free drinks and food, and an easy hookup.

Enjoyed LPYP’s event at The Bedford this week. This is the second event I’ve gone to hosted by LPYP and there is always a great crowd, great drinks and great food. Networking for me is part of my business and if I walk away meeting one or two people out of a crowd of hundreds I am satisfied and that’s exactly what happens at these events. Look forward to the next event.

Total ripp off. Joel takes your money and promises to promote but never does any promotion. I wish I had read these reviews before I gave him my money ofr advertising. Do not give him any money for ad, its all a BS scam

By far, one of the best consistent experiences of functional after work networking. LP-YP’s dedication and effort towards the generous ambiance and event packed goodies, is clearly evident.
LP-YP’s competitors can write all sorts of negative stuff here or on other sites to thwart LP-YP’s remarkable momentum, but the members who always go to LP-YP’s events know best.
Always upscale, always a great value for the members who want to sip, taste and socialize on a big budget or event a modest ticket price. You always get your moneys worth at an LP-​YP event.
The LP-​YP staff is always courteous, welcoming and know you by name. My friends and I have been going to 95% of their events, and have always enjoyed the venue locations selected and the beverages offered. The caliber of guests are always friendly and truly professional.
I personally recommend that all my friends sign up for their newsletters and Facebook page.

Enjoyed LPYP’s event at Social Twenty-​Five last week. Unlimited light bites to munch on was complemented by great wines and fun cocktails that flowed throughout the bar. I even had a chance to try some new cocktails that I never seen before which was fun besides some tasty craft beers. Crowd was vibrant and social. Really was a great way to network and make new friends. All in all the night ended way to early! Looking forward to the next event!

JJ — I want to apologize for not getting back to you sooner on this as I’ve been traveling, for starters Great Job! Your last event at Fulton’s on the river was fantastic what a great way to network in our city. The lay of the Venue kept a good flow, and I loved the Catholic Charities silent auction which I may add had some great items available.
«Koodles» to you and your staff for making Chicago networking event’s fun, not to mention a good opportunity to meet new prospects or just plain good people!
Thanks again for your hospitality, and for taking the time to say «hello» to me and my guest.
Rob Tovar
New Business Development Executive
Resolution Communications Group
2226 W. Walnut St
Chicago, IL.

Had a great time at the LPYP Fulton’s on the River Event last week! Lots of great exhibitors and the DJ was rockin. Can’t wait to attend the next one!

The LPYP and Joel are a scam. Joel ploys everyone into thinking this is a legitimate networking group. He is an extremely good liar. They get serious vendors to show up to these events and free pour booze and provide a ton of food. That sounds fun, right? The vendors are generally told that they will get exposure to triple what actually shows to the event. The crowd is generally not as «young, rich and fabulous as he sells either.
Next problem, the venue normally front a subscription to be a part of LPYP and Joel offers to split the door fee. He’ll throw the event, smiles and says, «I’ll swing by next week with a check.» For months he disappears, his story is weak and he starts dodging phone calls. It’s funny that the only way to be paid is to bring up a lawyer.
And here is some more great stuff. I recently had people show up to my venue for a LPYP event. We have not allowed that group or the weezel owner on premise for nearly a year. He was selling tickets to a fake event. ALL NEW LOW.
It is a shame that there are people like Joel, it is a shame that I even have to give 1 star to write a review and it is a shame the Better Business Bureau only gave him a «D-​» when he epically fails to live up to a single word he says.

The don’t pay their bills. I did design work for them over 4 months ago, they agreed to pay me for my services, but never paid me. I’m not sure why the word «Professionals» is in the title of their organization when they clearly have business ethic problems. I would never work with them again or go to any of their events and I would strongly suggest you do the same. I also just filed a small claims case against them for their financial delinquency.

I wish I could give this 0 stars. I was hesistant to write a review, but Joel has screwed over more people at his last event that I just can’t keep quiet. These reviews are VERY accurate.
I worked with Joel briefly YEARS ago (think EIGHT or more) when his events were more popular. He promised to pay me and kept putting it off. When I finally confronted him with a contract– he walked away and I NEVER heard from him again.
While trying to reach him I did, however, hear from a previous assistant that he owed her $ 8000! I keep hearing the SAME stories from multiple people that he STILL walks away from paying people.
Yet, he KEEPS lying. I know for a fact that at his most recent event at Grossinger Autos off of North Ave.- that he OWED money to two people who had promoted his event and I’ll name them: Will English. He doesn’t pay you– he’ll blow you off and somehow come up with excuse after excuse until you PIN him down– then he’ll get mad make up an excuse and you’ll never hear from him again– except through his automatic emails offering you a spot for $$$ at his latest event.
His events while they may have tables of cool samples of alcohol (I stress SAMPLES, not full drinks) and other known services like Michael Anthony, Highlife Adventures, newer restaurants and smaller businesses– there are NOT a lot of people at these events. His most recent event he claimed had 500 – 600 people there– it was closer 150 people (there appeared to be more staff type of people there it seemed than attendees)!
So, from a social point, I can’t say that there are YOUNG professionals anymore (I mean Joel is nearing 50) nor does it seem like a lot of these people are from the city, there are plenty of other events that attract a better crowd, especially since Joel hasn’t kept up with the times.
The guy uses a
email address at this day and age– that should say something.
So, read and learn– what people advertise isn’t always what they sell.

I was asked to help promote an event for Joel and was told that I would be paid in cash for the promotion at the event. I was immediately given an excuse that the other vendors had not paid yet.
When we went to the event, we had to walk through a long dark area to get to the building. Not exactly a great idea for women. A lot of the women at the event were either part of the vendors or clearly paid models. The men ranged in age from later 50’s to maybe mid 30’s. There were less than 10 people who probably were in their 20’s.
I wish I had read the reviews before I did business with him. This definitely was not a «young professionals group» and it definitely was not a ‘young’ professionals event.

This is the most unprofessionial promotion company ever. Joel is a big crook… he will take the money and then come up with an excuse for not doing te promotion for your business. We’ll see how long he will last. Eventually if he keeps going like this he will end up a hobo, which he already looks like.

Whatever you do, STEER CLEAR OF Lincoln Park Young Professionals! Read the reviews below, they are accurate. The events are not attended by «young professionals» but instead a mix of out-​of-​work suburbanites looking for free booze and an over-​the-​hill 40-​something crowd looking to hit on young women. The food and the libations are in short supply (and not that good to begin with). LPYP promises one thing in its marketing materials and deliveries another. Ironically, given its name, this IS NOT a professionally-​run organization.

Last friday my husband and I attended the Grand Bordeau tasting at Sam’s wine, this 2 hours event was put together by this group. It was expensive ($ 40 by person!!!), the wine selection was just OK and the food was terrible… We were very disapointed and will never return to one of their events. Definitly no value…

We paid $ 20 per person for their «winter party» at Hard Rock Hotel thinking that this was going to be the party of the year and was sorely disappointed. Unlike the review below me, the alcohol was served by bartenders. However, the crowd here was old. When I thought LP Young Professionals, I had the impression of late 20-​something (or early 30s) go-​getters (or Beautiful people) but instead every here could easily be over 40. The men here are not just non-​attractive, but theres a distinct creepy vibe there. I don’t appreciate wading through a crowd to find someone stroking my arm. Unlike the clubs I’m used to, no one dances here.
The advertised food was sorely lacking. Yes, there was a delicious white chocolate fondue fountain and some cheese but the advertised «seafood» turned out to be a vat «lobster» dip, «decadent cheese» was a roll of blue cheese and «dessert» was cupcakes and fruit. I think at one point, they even served tuna fish sandwiches which makes me think I could’ve gotten 40 cans of tuna for $ 20. Also, once the food ran out, it was NOT replaced so in the end we were stuck with just the fondue.
Also they advertised a ‘fashion show’ and a raffle which I never saw and I don’t think anyone won.
The only props I give is for the alcohol which was open bar Effen, Champagne and Chambord which we gloriously double fisted. However, their signature cocktails were lackluster and I think it may be because champagne and chambord weren’t real. (ie: they both need to come from France). It tasted like cheap Korbel brut. However, in their defense, 4 cocktails of anything would’ve run me $ 20 anyways and coat check would run me another $ 5.
Overall, it was an interesting experience but this wasn’t my crowd and I figured 3 hours could be better spent at my regular haunts (NV!!!).

I’ve gone to The Billionaire Boys Club event twice at the Tavern club and found this not only a tremendous value for $ 35 or $ 40 but a good time.
The food was good, the drinks were plenty and the venders/​exhibitors were interesting. The Tavern Club was a great place to host this event. I went with a bunch of single guy friends. Even though I’m married to my soul mate, there is definitely opportunity for singles to meet other singles.
I had a lot of fun and it looked as though others were having fun too.
Frank Polancic