ping pong table: Young Marketing Professionals Blur the Lines between Work and Play

Media and marketing events around the city are blurring the line between work and play as Philadelphia's young professionals talk business and network at some of the cities trendiest hot spots. Young marketing moguls-in-the-making know the value of hard work, and many are putting in long days to get the job done.

But they understand the value of a work/play balance, and staying connected with fellow employees, industry colleagues, and the community. Patrick McKenna and James Delaney, co-founders of DMi Partners, an interactive marketing firm in Center City, try to appeal to their employees' tastes and hobbies when planning company activities. After moving into a bigger office, they brought in a ping pong table for employees to blow off steam.

"It's not unusual for us to start the day early and not leave until late," said McKenna. "Our employees give 150%, so the table provides a good release."

Rather than sticking to the typical office party, DMi has hosted events at Philly night spots like Strikes Bowling Lounge, Helium Comedy Club, and Buffalo Billiards, where the casual atmosphere and presence of games and entertainment puts people at ease and lowers the "schmooze" factor that many people dread.

The formal B-to-B networking process is also being replaced with low pressure, casual gatherings that do not require an elevator pitch and a business card. In the marketing industry, socializing is the new networking. Professionals are gathering for business during the week at the same places they go for pleasure on the weekends.

Young professionals have more relaxed options through social events planned by outlets such as mediabistro.com, an online marketplace for public relations professionals, journalists, and freelancers. Mediabistro.com hosts "All Media" parties in major cities across the country, where young professionals mingle at hot venues like Philly's World Café Live!.

"Business has changed over the years because of the onslaught of young people," said Laurel Touby, founder of mediabistro.com. "They don't want to have things quite as formal as they used to be. Informal settings where people can talk business are definitely a trend."

Nina Nocciolino is a copywriter for, DMi Partners, an interactive marketing firm specializing in higher education, retail, real estate and finance.