Most networking events can feel the same with someone absently stirring the ice cubes in their watered-down cocktail, strangers speaking in clipped tones, volleying titles, and buzzwords like contestants in a corporate spelling bee. They all blend into one forgettable blur of stiff handshakes and hollow laughs. Apps can feel the same way – tapping through curated photos and bios that read like job applications. Instead of ghosted texts and conversations that fizzled before they could even spark, Gabriela Nicotra and Molly Ricker both envisioned events filled with laughter, fun themes, and no screens, no sales pitches—just people, being people.
“We’ve been to so many other single mixers and events,” said Nicotra. “And they just check you in, and then you never hear from them. People are just wandering and they’re uncomfortable. They don’t know what’s going on. But we bring good energy, and want people to feel really involved.”
Meeting at a Young Professionals of Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce event, Gabriela Nicotra and Molly Ricker longed for something real—events where people weren’t just exchanging business cards or swipe-right validations, but actually seeing each other, hearing each other, and connecting.
If the spaces they craved didn’t exist, they’d build them, and after discussing ideas, they both decided to execute events together.
“When I kicked off my business South Florida Social in 2023, I feel like it wasn’t as successful,” said Nicotra. “I realized I needed someone who had really great event skills to complement my marketing and business skills, and I’m glad I met Molly [Ricker] because I was able to have her come in and help with that aspect.”
Ricker, a seasoned performer since the age of four, holds a degree in theatre arts and has showcased her talents professionally as a Master of Ceremonies and Assistant Cruise Director with Princess Cruise Lines. Like Nicotra, she is also an entrepreneur. Ricker owns and runs two businesses called Isn’t It Mermazing LLC, which specializes in children’s events, as well as Cruises on Land Entertainment where she focuses more on mixers, as well as other fun events geared toward adults.
Nicotra brings over 10 years of marketing experience working with national and global brands, and holds an MBA with a specialization in marketing. Combining their marketing and events experience, they partnered to create high-touch singles events that combine years of marketing expertise with cruise ship-style entertainment.
“We keep the energy high and engaging,” said Ricker. “We also try to go around and ask everyone how they’re feeling and if they need anything, and it’s really a collaboration between us, our guests, and the venue to make sure everything is successful!” “Molly brings an unstoppable energy that’s impossible to resist,” said Nicotra. “She has a way of getting everyone up and moving—even those who swore they’d stay on the sidelines. With her enthusiasm and infectious spirit, she pulls people into the fun, turning hesitant bystanders into eager participants, dancing and laughing before they even realize it!”
One of their successful events being a 90s-themed vibrant time capsule drenched in neon lights and throwback tunes. Ripped jeans and crop tops with glittery butterfly clips were taking over the dance floor, nailing every step of the Macarena while others cheered them on.
“Yeah, that was a fan favorite, and people even asked when we’d have our next themed one,” Nicotra said.
Their events also maintain a strict male-female ratio balance through controlled ticket sales, and they provide structured activities, including connection games, themed entertainment, and even raffle items donated from local entities
“I loved all of the contests,” said Kristen Khoury, an attendee at the 90s mixer event. “The dance-off, best outfit, social bingo, and Bop It were a hit. The attendees were really nice too. I also got a date out of the mixer that I went out with!”
They also partner with venues like Aloft Delray Beach to secure complimentary first-date packages for successful matches.
“We finally just sat down and had a meeting for a couple of hours and we made a list of an agenda as well as what the flyer creative would look like,” said Nicotra. “ We curated an event list, including a playlist that Molly [Ricker] created, and just went through all the details of what was needed, but we didn’t just stop there.”
Nicotra and Ricker then planned a rooftop event with a symphony of Halloween delights. Couples meeting and finding themselves lost in conversation and flirtatious whispers. Guests strolled through the scene in elaborate costumes, and a carefully curated playlist of spooky hits, from “Thriller” to “Monster Mash played.” Some would leave with new numbers saved under playful aliases like “Mysterious Skeleton” or “Wicked Witch.” Others would wake up the next morning still thinking about the way a stranger’s lips curled into a knowing smirk just before vanishing into the night. And for a lucky few, the magic of Halloween wouldn’t end with the party—it would only just be beginning.
One evening, Nicotra and Ricker even transformed the rooftop at Aloft into a vibrant social experience, drawing a lively crowd eager for something beyond the usual singles mixers. At the heart of the event was their custom Authentic Relating Jenga, where guests gathered, surrounded by curious onlookers eager for the next revealing move. Adding to the magic, their thoughtfully curated connect cards sparked deep, engaging conversations—far more meaningful than the usual “What do you do for work?” or “What’s your favorite food?” The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as people formed genuine connections, some even leading to successful first dates beyond the mixer!
The mingling of sugary treats, warm laughter, and Halloween magic made the rooftop event feel like a world apart—a haven of fun and whimsy floating above the bustling Delray Beach city below.
“I even made a few new friends,” said event attendee, Matthew Moran. “It was nice meeting age-appropriate singles, which can be a challenge in the Delray and Boca Raton area where everyone is either too young, or looks like the cast of the ‘Golden Girls.’ It was refreshing to have a real human connection.”
Nicotra and Ricker are also planning a scavenger hunt around Delray and Fort Lauderdale. Teams are to participate in engaging activities, while also getting a better understanding of the towns!
Also, an event focused on one pitching their single friend to someone who is in the queue.
“Yes, we have a ton of different ideas, even including murder mysteries that are currently taking place!” said Ricker.
Moreover, under the golden glow of a Fort Lauderdale sunset, a pontoon party boat welcomed attendees, and their laughter blended harmoniously with lapping waves. Each sip of champagne and wine seemed to fuel the conversations that sparked between strangers, soon-to-be friends, and possibly more.
“I curated an awesome playlist of 2000s to modern-day music for the party boat singles mixer event,” said Ricker. “We were excited to partner with Pontoon Party Boats for this one and there was even a little bit of room for a dance floor for whoever wanted to dance, be silly with us and hang out! We were absolutely thrilled to even have Stoner’s Pizza Joint in Fort Lauderdale as our pizza sponsor!”
Excitement buzzed as the giveaways began. With champagne flutes in hand, attendees eagerly awaited the chance to win luxurious prizes donated from local entities. As the boat glided further along the Intracoastal Waterway, the scene grew even more enchanting. The city lights sparkled on the water’s surface like scattered diamonds, while the conversations deepened under the stars.
“We want them to feel like they’re actually getting their money’s worth,” said Nicotra. “We’re considering so much more down the line. This is just the start.”
Guests found themselves lingering on the deck, reluctant to let the evening end. Some exchanged phone numbers, others made plans to go on a first official date, and a few simply smiled, grateful for a night filled with laughter, connection, and the intoxicating allure of possibility.
“People are getting very fed up with just trying to be on apps or trying to talk to people online,” said Nicotra. “People have even said to us, could you just do a friendship event? There’s so many ideas that we want to tackle and we plan to expand event frequency to a monthly schedule in 2025 because we really want to help bring people together in the South Florida area and beyond.”
