Discussions, panels mark 2014 State of Young Philly

Young Philadelphians are invited to mix and mingle with peers, elected officials and other prominent leaders in a week of discussions and panels during the State of Young Philly, a yearly event designed to inspire the young professionals in the area.

The weeklong event, which started Friday, Nov. 14, continues until Saturday, Nov. 22 with a full calendar of events across the city.

Using your education about education, join West Philadelphia Alliance for Children and Tree House Books at Fado Irish Pub (1500 Locust St.) for P.O.P. Quizzo, where teams and individuals are tested on their knowledge of the Philadelphia school system and children's literature on Monday, Nov. 17. Your ticket to the 8 p.m. event includes a free drink or appetizer — quizzo away!

Whether you've been inspired by a college professor, coworker, family member, or have yourself been a source of motivation and wisdom for someone, you know the importance of finding a mentor. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, a panel discussion on mentorship — for all professional disciplines — will be held at the Public Health Management Corporation (1500 Market St., East Tower). Starting at 6 p.m. with an optional half-hour jog, the talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. with snacks and beverages.

Artists, entrepreneurs, designers, organization founders and more will be at the Philadelphia Art Alliance (251 S. 18th St.) for a networking mixer on Wednesday, Nov. 19. From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., sip custom cocktails and talk business experience with local creatives and like-minded folk.

Fans of live music and its live evolution in Philly can get a lot out of a panel discussion moderated by WXPN Program Director Bruce Warren about the local music landscape, from venues to musicians to economics and everything in between. Doors open at 8 p.m. at Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) on Wednesday, Nov. 19 with a DJ hour with the one-hour discussion to follow at 9 p.m. Stick around after for a performance from local R&B singer Beano.

Way better than your high school debate team, the Great Millennial Mouth Off welcomes those with ideas and thoughts concerning economic development, education and city planning to work the room at Impact Hub (1227 N. 4th St.) to converse with other young professionals and experts like Meryl Levitz, CEO of visitphilly.org; Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts; Sam Katz, filmmaker at History Making Productions; and more. Come at 6 p.m. with your best ideas on Thursday, Nov. 20 — prizes will be awarded for the buzziest proposals.

Learn about the strides that local nonprofits are taking to give local school kids various opportunities like a variety of extracurricular activities and other programs. Aside from the presentation, hear live music and enjoy refreshments on Friday, Nov. 21 at Morgan Lewis (1701 Market St.) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

A discussion on the needs of the LGBT community and their specific venues will be held at the William Way LGBT Community Center (1315 Spruce St.) on Saturday, Nov. 22. From noon to 1:30 p.m., get the scoop on the LGBT issues and priorities in Philly.

End the week in style at the closing party at Impact Hub (1227 N. 4th St.). Cheers to an open bar, a spread of local breads, cheeses, hummus and tapas from chef Alaia Ortega and Philly Food Works, ice cream from Little Baby's, a game from Philadelphia Game Lab, a DJ, photo booth and more. The cocktail attire event runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., however the night continues at PYT Burger (1050 N. Hancock St.) for those souls who just can't get enough.