You're on the list. Relish is a sponsor for Crafted & Connected #2, so we saved you a seat at this DMV happy hour. Approved creators get free entry to sample a roomful of local brands, snack on finger foods, and meet the founders behind them. The first 20 Relishers to RSVP and attend get a swag bag packed with products from the brands in the room. We're approving on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply fast!
Relish backs local creators, not just local content. As lead sponsor, we wanted our Relishers in the room, meeting the people building the brands you already love and finding a few new favorites along the way.
🎬 What you create: 1 Instagram Reel. Anything extra is up to you.
📅 Post window: 7-9 days after the visit. All posts due by October 1, 2026.
👤 Who's a match: DMV creators (bring a +1 if you'd like!)
📍 Location: Venture X Brambleton Quarter, 23710 Schooler Plz, Ashburn, VA 20148
🕒 Available: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 6:30–8:30 PM. Arrive between 6:30 and 7 PM. Late arrival may mean limited swag bag options.
⚠️ Important: RSVP as soon as you're approved to lock in your spot. Spots are limited and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Post by October 1st, or your account may be flagged.
Our first Crafted & Connected happy hour in Arlington this June was a hit, with local food creators, DMV-area CPG brands, and industry pros all in the room. The fireside chats on content creation and social commerce were well received, and this round we're back with more brands and more room to connect.
Here is how it works:
Once you receive your approval email, follow the instructions to RSVP for Tuesday, Sept. 22. Spots go fast, so RSVP right away. RSVPing through Relish gets you on the list and checked in at the door. You're also welcome to RSVP on the LinkedIn event or check out the Eventbrite page for brand bios and more details, though these are optional.
Head to Venture X Brambleton Quarter between 6:30 and 8:30 PM. Sample 15+ local brands, grab some finger foods, and meet the founders. The first 20 Relishers to RSVP and attend get a swag bag with goodies from the brands in the room.
Film your content and post your Reel by October 1st. Then submit your post on the Relish platform.
📩 Keep an eye on your emails. That is how we send approvals, reminders, and updates. If you miss a message, it can hold up or cancel your campaign.
📧 Support: support@tryrelish.com for basic inquiries
Mood: fun and lighthearted, casual, natural
Do:
Film the sampling tables and the brands you discover
Show off your swag bag if you snag one
Capture the crowd and the energy of the room
Don't:
Film blurry or shaky footage
Film empty rooms
Do not use copyrighted music.
Ideas to get you started:
Grab a reaction shot the moment you try your first sample.
Pan across the tables to show the range of local brands.
Film yourself walking in right as the happy hour starts.
Show off your swag bag and react to what's inside.
Wrap with a quick shoutout to Relish for the invite.
Your caption must include:
Tag @craftedandconnected and @localrelishers
Mention that you attended Crafted & Connected #2 at Venture X Brambleton Quarter
Optional: tag @TastemakerConference, @CPGintheDMV, and @DCStartupWeek
Everything else is yours. Have fun with it.
🤝 FTC disclosure: You must clearly say this is a partnership. Use "Partnered with Relish" somewhere in your caption.
Send a collab request to @craftedandconnected and @localrelishers
These hashtags are not required but are suggested: #2craftedandconnected2026 #dmvrelishers