Come As You Are: NO SMALL TALK

🧡 COME AS YOU ARE: NO SMALL TALK

Real People. Real Conversations. Real Connection.

What if, for one night, you didn't have to pretend you were okay, make awkward small talk, or feel like you had to fit in?

Come As You Are: No Small Talk is an evening dedicated to breaking through loneliness, creating genuine human connection, and reminding people that they don't have to navigate life alone.

Hosted by Come As You Are Collective, this isn't your typical networking event, mental health seminar, or social gathering.

It's a space to show up exactly as you are. Whether you're thriving, struggling, healing, grieving, or simply looking for your people, there's a place for you here.

Come alone. Bring a friend. Come nervous. Come excited. Just come as you are.

✨ WHAT TO EXPECT

🎤 Meaningful Speakers & Real Stories

We're bringing together professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to explore loneliness, mental health, and the power of human connection.

Brandon — American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Utah

Brandon serves as the Utah chapter's board president and brings an important perspective on suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and community support.

Cynthia Berg — University of Utah

A professor at the University of Utah, Cynthia brings an academic perspective to conversations about mental health, relationships, and human connection.

Cody — Author & Lived-Experience Speaker

An author of several books, Cody will share his personal story, offering an honest perspective on life's challenges and the importance of connection.

💆 Wellness & Relaxation

Take a moment to relax and recharge with complimentary mini chair massages provided by HelioPlains Recovery Massage.

These experiences are included with admission. Optional tips for our wellness providers are always appreciated but never required.

💌 Interactive Activities & Connection

This isn't an event where you just sit and listen. We want you to be part of the experience!

Throughout the evening, you'll have opportunities to participate in:

• Meaningful conversation prompts that go beyond everyday small talk

• Letters to your younger, present, or future self

• Guided reflection and connection activities

• Opportunities to share your story or simply listen

• Genuine conversations with people you might never have met otherwise

There's no pressure to share anything you're not comfortable with. You're welcome to participate at your own pace.

🍋 Fresh Lemonade & Snacks

Enjoy delicious, freshly made lemonade provided by Sip and Vibe, with Paul Hill!

We'll also have light snacks available throughout the evening.

Grab a drink, enjoy a treat, and settle into an atmosphere designed for genuine connection.

🤝 OUR SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

This event wouldn't be possible without the generosity, encouragement, and involvement of local businesses, mental health advocates, and community members who believe in what we're building.

🌿 Continuum Mind Body

Thank you to Continuum Mind Body for supporting our mission and offering attendees exclusive 20% discount codes for select classes and wellness experiences.

Instagram: @continuum_slc

🍋 Sip and Vibe

A special thank-you to Sip and Vibe and Paul Hill for providing fresh lemonade and helping us create a welcoming experience for our guests!

💆 HelioPlains Recovery Massage

Thank you to Nathan and HelioPlains Recovery Massage for contributing their time and talents to offer mini chair massages and moments of relaxation throughout the evening.

💙 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — Utah

We're grateful to have Brandon, Utah's board president, joining us to contribute to important conversations about suicide prevention, mental health, and connection.

🧡 Utah Peer Support Community

We're grateful for the encouragement and involvement of individuals within Utah's peer support community who continue to advocate for accessible mental health support and genuine human connection.

✨ Dr. Serena Sterling

Dr. Serena Sterling will also be sharing information about her relationship and connection app, offering another perspective on how we build meaningful relationships in today's world.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone helping bring this gathering to life.

🧡 PAY WHAT YOU CAN

Suggested contribution: $25

We believe that genuine human connection should never be a luxury.

That's why we've chosen a pay-what-you-can admission model.

Contribute what feels comfortable for you. Whether you're able to give the suggested amount, more, or less, you're welcome here.

Your presence matters more than the amount you pay.

Your contribution helps us continue creating accessible, community-centered experiences.

📍 EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, November 14, 2026

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sugar House, Salt Lake City, Utah

Hosted by Come As You Are Collective.

💛 A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER

"I created Come As You Are because I know what it's like to feel alone, even when you're surrounded by people.

I've experienced grief, trauma, and moments when I desperately needed connection but didn't know where to find it.

I wanted to create the kind of community I've needed myself.

A place where nobody has to pretend, explain themselves, or have everything figured out.

You don't need a reason to belong here. You just do."

— Ashley Rupe, Founder of Come As You Are Collective

YOU BELONG HERE.

You don't have to be struggling to attend. You don't have to have a story to tell. You don't have to know anyone walking through the door.

Maybe you're looking for new friendships. Maybe you're feeling disconnected. Maybe you're simply curious about what happens when we stop making small talk and start being real with each other.

Whatever your reason, there's a seat for you.

Come alone. Bring a friend. Come nervous. Come excited. Come exactly as you are.

You might walk in as strangers, but our hope is that nobody walks out feeling alone.

🧡 Come as you are. We'll meet you where you're at.

Learn more: supportcomeasyou.org

Hosted by Come As You Are Collective
supportcomeasyou.org

This is a peer-led community event, not therapy or clinical treatment. Participation in personal conversations and activities is always optional.