Brainerd and Staples, MN -- Central Lakes College is excited to announce the return of ConnectEffect, an innovative and interactive experience designed to bridge social gaps and foster meaningful connections within our community. The series of events will occur from September 23 to 27 across various Brainerd and Staples, MN locations.

Hosted by two-time Emmy-nominated television director/producer Riaz Patel, ConnectEffect offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in dynamic conversations and activities that break down social barriers and promote empathy across generations and cultures.

Event Schedule:

Friday, September 27
Afternoon Session:
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Central Lakes College Brainerd Campus – 501 West College Drive, Brainerd

Evening Session:
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Brainerd High School – 702 S 5th Street, Brainerd

About ConnectEffect: ConnectEffect blends talk shows and live theater elements to create an engaging atmosphere where participants can explore the contrasts between the "Real World" and the "Screen World." Through guided exercises and conversations, attendees connect with new people in a fun, relaxed setting, leaving a renewed sense of community and understanding.

In an age when digital interactions often replace genuine human connection, ConnectEffect is an immersive & dynamic experience that connects any group of people - even complete strangers - in a deeply meaningful way that reignites a sense of hope & belonging.  Data collected in consultation with Essentia Health shows that 93% feel more able to connect to others, 96% more able to bridge divides, and 97% emerge more hopeful - in just under an hour. The magazine Forbes called it a “game-changer” for the epidemic of isolation & alienation.

Riaz Patel, known for his compelling storytelling and ability to connect diverse audiences, brings his expertise back to Central Lakes College after a successful inaugural event earlier this year. Participants from the January session described the experience as transformative and uplifting, highlighting its impact on reducing feelings of isolation and fostering genuine human connections.

"We are thrilled to bring ConnectEffect back to our community," said Joey Yow, Director of the CLC Performing Arts Center. "The positive feedback from our previous event has inspired us to expand and reach even more people. We believe these sessions will continue to build stronger, more empathetic connections among residents of all ages and backgrounds."

Chatty Hour
Following the September 23-27 event, ConnectEffect will launch a three-month engagement of Chatty Hour, a weekly drop-in opportunity held in Brainerd and Staples that is designed to foster meaningful conversations and strengthen community bonds. Chatty Hour will provide a relaxed, welcoming space where participants can engage in open discussions, share stories, and build connections with others in the community. This initiative builds on the success of previous Chatty Hour sessions hosted at Central Lakes College in early 2024.

These events are supported by the Central MN Council on Aging, Crow Wing County, and Central Lakes College.

Registration Information: This event is intended for ages 14 and up. All sessions are free and open to the public, but due to limited seating, advance registration is encouraged—register at www.connecteffectbrainerd.net. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

Questions can be directed to Joey Yow at [email protected].

To learn more about the ConnectEffect organization and its mission, visit www.connecteffect.us.

Riaz Patel is an Executive Producer/Director of TV series & media projects in Los Angeles with a specific focus on transformative, perspective shifting projects. He has been nominated for two Emmy Awards, and an NAACP Image Award for creatively leading shows for NBC/Universal, Lifetime, Discovery, and many others. His shows have been filmed in 21 different countries, and distributed worldwide by companies like A&E, MTV, Hulu, and Netflix. His most recent project, “The RAD Impact Awards” featured Priyanka Chopra, Margot Robbie, Charlize Theron, Laverne Cox & Travis Scott and earned 138.4 million impressions online. He sits on the Board of Trustees of Odyssey/Impact (NYC) and The Jenesse Center (LA).

In reaction to the media-induced communication crisis and ever growing divide in America, Riaz spent seven years creating & testing The EPIC System, a new framework that changes how we talk about divisive issues. Riaz & his EPIC System have been profiled by Forbes, The Washington Post, CNN, The Blaze, and Huffington Post. EPIC is taught at universities, high schools, companies, and places of worship.

https://connecteffect.us/riaz-patel.html.