[Updated] HYPE (Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs) is hosting an event to encourage young professionals to get involved on town boards and commissions.

West Hartford Town Clerk Essie Labrot will be a panelist at an event designed to encourage young professionals to shape their communities and get involved in local government by serving on boards and commissions.

“Boards & Commissions on Tap” will be held at City Steam Brewery Cafe, on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and Middletown Mayor Dan Drew will welcome attendees.

Labrot will provide guidance on the process for joining a board or commission and talk about the impact of participating on one.

Other panelists include HYPE Civic Engagement Committee Vice Chairman Nick Pinto of Sentry Commercial who will talk about the challenges and opportunities of joining a board or commission. Jon Cabral of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority will share the unique and entertaining story of how being a soccer rebel led to his involvement on Hartford’s Parks & Recs Advisory Commission.

Town Council member Chris Williams will also participate in the discussion, as will representatives from Manchester, Rocky Hill, and other local communities.

The event is open to the public, but advance registration is required due to the capacity of the space. Click here to register.