We’re seeking offline connections more and more in 2026. With trends of going ‘analogue’ taking over our feeds, we’re turning to run clubs, movie clubs, coffee clubs - clubs for anything really - to meet new people and find connection IRL.
These opportunities allow moments to meet new people, share a common interest and find your own community.
But, what do you do once you’ve said ‘hello’? We put so much focus on putting ourselves out there, and trying these new experiences to meet people but we rarely focus on how we maintain our new connections.
To help, we’ve spoken to Izzy Burns - founder of Crush Club and Co-founder of Club DVD - who is well-versed in the space of IRL connections.
Izzy is an advocate for creating experiences for people with shared interests, and are fatigued of the online dating and friendship landscape.
There's been a lot of chatter around 'analogue experiences' being a priority for people in 2026. Do you think going offline is the key for helping loneliness and connection?
Absolutely! I think it was Hugh Grant who said our phones are the cause of our isolation, and I really do believe that. It’s funny to think that even celebrities are feeling it - they’re not flirting or falling in love with their co-stars because they’re on their phones.
I think going out and meeting new people is so fulfilling, and there are all these cute little clubs and events around Melbourne that make it easy. Chess clubs! Cooking clubs! Supper clubs! Book clubs! Movie clubs! We’re honestly so lucky.
I’m also recently single, and instead of relying on the apps, I’ve been thinking I want to put my phone down and just go out more with my single friends. Go to cute bars in the city, flirt with people, see what happens. Sex and the City style. If anyone wants to join me on my quest, message me!
When we actually go offline, and meet new people at IRL experiences (such as Club DVD or Crush Club!), what are your tips to make the most of meeting a new person and finding a new friend?
My tips: Go in with an open mind and go alone. Bringing a friend can help with nerves, but you’re actually much more likely to meet someone if you show up solo.
Also, once you’ve met someone and made a connection, don’t be afraid to pull out your phone and ask for their Instagram profile or number. I think a lot of us try too hard to play it cool when it comes to dating and making new friends, but chances are you might never see this person again. And they’ll most likely be really flattered by this and relieved that you were the one to ask.
Once a common interest has been established, suggest an activity you could do together that ties into it. I recently made a new friend at a networking event for creatives. We got talking about books and movies, and ended up going to the movies together to check out a new cinema that had just opened.
And finally: add novelty and share your friends. To avoid the classic 1:1 monotonous coffee catch-ups, think about how you can add novelty to a new friendship - maybe invite them to something with your wider friendship group or plan to do a fun activity together.
Looking for more expert insights? You can find content like this and more each week in The Ritual. It’s your weekly pause - read, reflect and return each week to The Ritual in your inbox. Register (for free) here.
