From Exclusion to Empowerment: How One Event Became a Blueprint for Sober-Inclusive Experiences

Two years ago, I left a well-regarded industry event with an uneasy feeling. While the
conference delivered in terms of education and production value, the social environment told a
different story. The real networking, the real energy, seemed to orbit almost entirely around
alcohol—receptions, happy hours, sponsored bars, and after-parties. For someone who had
recently chosen not to drink—for health, personal, religious, or professional reasons—it was
hard not to feel like an outsider.

I found myself retreating to my hotel room after the first hour—not because I didn’t want to
connect, but because the energy in the room had shifted. As the alcohol kicked in,
conversations got louder and less focused, and the meaningful dialogue I was hoping for
seemed to fade into the background. The buzz in the room was no longer one I could relate to. I
didn’t realize at the time that I wasn’t alone in feeling this way—others were also choosing not to
drink for their own reasons. But in that moment, it felt like I was the only one not participating,
like everyone else had effortlessly clicked into place around the bar while I stood apart. Like
many others quietly reassessing their relationship with alcohol, I internalized the experience and
made a silent decision: this event wasn’t for me.

What I didn’t know then was that this moment of exclusion would ignite a journey I hadn’t yet
envisioned.

Building a New Kind of Community

Since that event, I co-founded Sober Life Rocks with Margy Schaller—a professional
community created to support sober, sober-curious, and alcohol-free individuals from all walks
of life. Our mission is to normalize sober choices in professional spaces—especially at events
where alcohol has long been the default tool for connection. In fact, Sober Life Rocks was born
at a DeW event, where I first found the confidence and support to step forward with this mission.
Since then, Margy has started sharing people’s stories and elevating voices in this space
through our podcast, and I wrote The Inclusive Event Planner—a guide for meeting and event
professionals who want to make their gatherings more welcoming to everyone, regardless of
what’s in their glass.

Our message isn’t about banning alcohol. It’s about broadening the lens. Sober inclusivity isn’t
about restriction—it’s about representation. When we consider and include all guests—whether
they’re sober for recovery, religious reasons, health goals, pregnancy, or simply personal
preference—we elevate the experience for everyone.

From Exclusion to Empowerment: How One Event Became a Blueprint for
Sober-Inclusive Experiences

This message has become even more relevant as alcohol consumption patterns continue to
shift. According to a 2025 Advisory Board report, 1 in 4 U.S. adults are now actively trying to
drink less alcohol, and nearly half of Gen Z adults (aged 21–24) don’t drink at all. The data
confirms what we’re feeling on the ground: the demand for thoughtful, sober-inclusive
experiences is real—and growing.

Fast forward two years later, in 2025, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to returning to the same
event. I carried the memory of feeling out of place and anticipated more of the same. But what I
experienced instead completely shifted my perspective.

A Conference Transformation: From Isolation to Inclusion

What had previously felt isolating had become one of the most inclusive and thoughtful event
experiences I’ve attended. Alcohol-free beer options and carefully crafted mocktails were
displayed prominently—not hidden behind the bar or treated as an afterthought. Branded
menus, created in collaboration with our team at Sober Life Rocks, were featured at each
station. The message was unmistakable: all guests were considered, and all were welcome.
Instead of quietly asking for soda, attendees could proudly choose from a printed menu of
thoughtfully crafted NA cocktails.

This transformation didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of collaboration between an
advocate who spoke up about her experience, and a lead planner who truly listened and acted
on that feedback.

Their partnership demonstrates what’s possible when planners engage with intention and
prioritize inclusion.

How One Planner Made It Happen

I sat down with the event planner to understand how she brought this vision to life. Her insights
now serve as a roadmap for anyone—whether you’re planning a large conference or an intimate
retreat—who wants to foster greater inclusivity.

Start with listening.

It began with a conversation. An attendee shared how unseen and excluded she had felt in the
past. That feedback created awareness—and awareness sparked action.

From Exclusion to Empowerment: How One Event Became a Blueprint for
Sober-Inclusive Experiences

“If you’re not choosing to abstain from alcohol yourself,” the planner shared, “you may not
realize how exclusionary a space can feel until someone points it out. Once I heard her story, I
knew we could do better.”

Make alcohol-free options visible and intentional.

Menus were thoughtfully designed and placed alongside their alcoholic counterparts. Gone
were the days of having to “ask what’s behind the bar.”
“We didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to go searching for something non-alcoholic,” she
said. “We made those options beautiful, visible, and part of the experience.”

Include alcohol-free brands.

By working with AF brands and communities like Sober Life Rocks, the event delivered
authenticity, not just optics.

Train your staff.

Venue staff and volunteers were briefed on sober-inclusive offerings so that they could
confidently support and engage with all attendees.

Balance the menu.

Offering two to three AF options alongside alcoholic ones isn’t expensive—it’s thoughtful. One
signature mocktail can go a long way in making everyone feel welcome.

The Impact Was Immediate

Attendees noticed. People shared photos of the mocktails on LinkedIn and expressed
appreciation for feeling included. For some, it was the first time they felt truly seen in a
professional setting. Others, who were simply choosing not to drink due to health, religious
reasons, pregnancy, or wellness goals, also felt grateful.

The bar was no longer the only place to network. Dessert stations, coffee bars, and photo
booths became new hubs for conversation and connection.

“People were talking about the NA options more than we expected,” the planner told me. “It
made people feel like the event was designed with them in mind.”

We’re not only seeing this shift at the big events—we’re also seeing it at smaller gatherings, too.
Events like DeW (Dental Entrepreneur Women) have started offering thoughtfully presented
non-alcoholic options at their evening functions. That alone is worth toasting to.

From Exclusion to Empowerment: How One Event Became a Blueprint for
Sober-Inclusive Experiences

A Collective Shift Worth Celebrating

What happened at this event reflects more than just a single planner’s effort—it represents a
broader cultural shift that so many are helping to drive. From sober individuals to wellness
leaders, from alcohol-free brands to event planners, the tide is turning—and it’s something to be
thankful for.

We’re especially grateful for the people who still choose to drink but understand the importance
of creating a more inclusive space. Margy coined the term “Sober Wingman” to describe these
thoughtful allies—those who may raise a glass but still make space for everyone to feel
welcome. They see the need for more balanced environments where no one feels like they have
to disappear when the party kicks in.

These allies, attendees, and brands are all part of this momentum. Together, we’re making it
easier for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles to fully participate, connect, and stay
present.

For alcohol-free brands: This is your moment. Demand for elevated NA options is growing,
and events are increasingly looking for partners who align with wellness, inclusion, and modern
values. Being on the menu is great—but being integrated into the experience is even better.

For event planners: Sober inclusion is not a trend—it’s a shift in expectation. Offering
thoughtful AF options is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s part of building a welcoming, high-quality
event.

Building a Sober-Inclusive Event: Key Takeaways:
● Talk to sober, sober-curious, or alcohol-free attendees during the planning process
● Provide at least two AF options at every bar
● Display alcohol-free choices with equal visibility and branding
● Offer a signature mocktail that feels intentional
● Train staff and volunteers on inclusivity goals
● Create non-alcohol-centric gathering areas
● Invite sober advocates or organizations to consult during planning

A New Standard

This experience reminded me that inclusion is not just about good intentions—it’s about action.
It’s about seeing the whole room and asking: Who might we be unintentionally leaving out?

From Exclusion to Empowerment: How One Event Became a Blueprint for
Sober-Inclusive Experiences

With the right conversations and partnerships, any event can become a space where people of
all backgrounds and choices feel like they belong. And when people feel seen, they engage
more deeply, stay longer, and want to return.

This is about more than sobriety. It’s about building better events—for everyone.

What Comes Next

As the movement continues to grow, we’ve taken what we’ve learned and poured it into our next
venture—a new kind of gathering built on everything we believe about community, visibility, and
belonging. This January, we’ll host the first AMPLIFY Sober Voices conference, designed to
bring together sober influencers, authors, podcasters, coaches, advocates, and thought leaders
from all walks of life.

But this isn’t just our story. It’s the story of an entire community that’s shifting the culture of
events—one voice, one menu, one brave conversation at a time.

The momentum is here. We see it in the planners who listen, the brands who show up, the
Sober Wingmen who make space, and the guests who choose to stay.

With the right conversations and partnerships, any event can become a space where people of
all backgrounds and choices feel like they belong. And when people feel seen, they engage
more deeply, stay longer, and want to return.

This is about more than sobriety. It’s about building better events—for everyone.

By Laura Nelson, Co-Founder of Sober Life Rocks and Author of The Inclusive Event Planner