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The Mami Plug Dinner Series: Work Smarter with AI

  • Red Barrel Restaurant 5214 South Archer Avenue Chicago, IL, 60632 United States (map)

You asked for real connection. So we built it.

You told us you wanted a space that’s real, intentional, and not full of small talk-especially as you build your life, work, and money in 2026.

The Mami Plug: Dinner Series is a curated, 20-seat dinner for moms who want:

  • Deeper connection (not another surface-y networking event)

  • Honest conversations about money, work, and what’s next

  • Real momentum in their personal or business life

This September dinner is happening and we can’t wait to welcome you to the table.

What to Expect

From the moment you walk in, this night is designed with intention:

  • Arrive + land
    Check in, grab your packet, choose one of our curated Mami Collective–inspired drinks, and settle in.

  • Family-style dinner, real conversation
    Share a family-style meal at Red Barrel — warm, intimate, neighborhood-cozy. You’ll have time to eat, exhale, and mingle with other moms at your table.

  • Structured intros so everyone’s seen
    Our founder, Paulina Roe, will MC the evening and guide structured introductions so each mom gets a moment to share: who you are, why you’re here, and what kind of connection or support you’re looking for. No awkward icebreakers. No performative networking.

  • Fireside chat with a guest worth listening to
    We’ll move into a fireside-style conversation with our September guest (details below), focused on real talk and practical guidance.

  • Mingle + momentum
    After the fireside, you’ll have time to stay, chat, take photos, and connect more deeply. We’ll remind you what you’ll receive after the event and invite you to tag @mamicollective if you share the night on social.

September Fireside Guest:

Guest: Martina Matthews

Miss ChatGPT101

This month’s Mami Plug Dinner features a fireside chat with tech leader and AI educator Martina Matthews, who will show us how to make AI feel less intimidating and a lot more useful.

We’ll talk about how to use AI to:

  • Save time on the work that drains you

  • Turn scattered ideas into clear action

  • Create content and communicate more efficiently

  • Streamline your business and everyday workload

  • Make room for the work—and life—that matters most

No tech background required. No overwhelming jargon. Just practical ways to start using AI as your newest unpaid intern. AI isn’t here to replace what makes you brilliant-it’s here to give you back your time.

What You’ll Leave With

You’ll walk away with:

  • At least one new connection
    A room full of moms building, dreaming, and figuring it out too. Plus a list of attendee names, contact info, and business names so you can follow up.

  • One clear next step
    From the fireside chat and the conversation around the table, you’ll identify a tangible next move for your money, business, or goals.

  • A digital takeaway you’ll actually use
    After the dinner, you’ll receive a recap and a digital resource from Martina’s talk so you’re not relying on your notes or memory.

  • A community touchpoint
    You’ll leave feeling energized, supported and more connected to women who truly get it.

Who This is For

This dinner is for you if:

  • You’re a mom with a side-hustle, a small business, or a big idea taking shape.

  • You’re tired of surface networking and want real conversation with women who get it.

  • You want your money and business to feel less confusing and more grounded.

  • You’re craving a night that gives more than it takes.

Kid-free. This dinner is for you, not for the kids.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Time: 6:00–8:30 PM CST

Location: Red Barrel Restaurant, 5214 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

Format: Family-style dinner + structured intros + fireside chat + open mingle

Tickets:

  • General: $59

  • Mami Collective Directory members: $49 (reach out for a member-only link)

Reserve Your Seat

This dinner is intentionally limited to 20 seats. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Payment is processed via Square. Your confirmation email will include all event details.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We love partnering with aligned brands and businesses that care about moms, money, and real community.

If you’re interested in sponsoring this dinner or a future The Mami Plug dinner, email info@themamicollective.com

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Red Barrel Restaurant for sponsoring this dinner and hosting our dinners.

This dinner is proudly sponsored by Chicago Family Doulas, a trusted resource supporting Chicago families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenthood.

We’re grateful for their continued support of mothers-not only as caregivers, but as women with ambitions, identities and dreams of their own.

FAQs

Is this kid-friendly?
No — this dinner is kid-free unless noted. This one is not noted, so it’s just for you.

Do I have to own a business to come?
No. If you’re a mom with a side-hustle, a small business, or you’re just craving clearer, calmer money and real connection, you’re welcome.

What’s included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes the family-style dinner, the full fireside chat experience, your materials packet, post-event recap, and digital takeaway.

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July 15

The Mami Plug: Dinner Series (JULY)

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October 1

Mommin Ain’t Easy: The Mami Collective Summit