Many Americans are spending less time together in person than ever before, even as digital connections have grown. According to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in-person social contact has declined steadily in recent years. In Maryland, this trend is felt strongly in both urban centers like Baltimore and more rural or suburban communities in Southern Maryland, where busy work schedules, long commutes and screen-based routines have replaced many traditional gathering spaces.
Teremana Tequila is addressing this shift with its “Share the Table, Share the Mana” initiative. Rooted in the brand’s philosophy of Mana — the idea that good energy is contagious and the best moments happen when people come together — the campaign encourages real-world connection through shared meals and experiences.
The brand has partnered with Timeleft, a global app that matches strangers into small groups for real-life meetups. Starting this week and running every Thursday through August, the Share the Table series will bring curated groups together at bars and restaurants in 13 U.S. cities. The gatherings are designed to reduce the pressure of constant planning and allow relationships to form naturally around a shared table.
This approach aligns with broader social trends. The American Psychiatric Association reports that 1 in 3 American adults went at least a week in 2024 without feeling genuinely connected. Eventbrite’s 2026 Social Trends Report found that 58% of people now prefer events where socializing isn’t the only focus, showing a growing interest in activity-based communities. Recurring gatherings like weekly trivia nights or monthly potlucks are becoming more popular because they provide structure and shared interests that make showing up easier.
In Southern Maryland, where communities in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties often revolve around family, boating, fishing and local events, the campaign could resonate. Many residents already value waterfront dining and casual gatherings at places like Capt. John’s in Newburg or local crab houses. The initiative offers a modern way to expand those traditions by creating low-pressure opportunities for neighbors and newcomers to connect.
Teremana’s campaign also includes experiential moments. Earlier this year, the brand surprised passersby with hidden bartenders behind what appeared to be standard billboards, turning street corners into spontaneous gathering spaces. More of these unexpected “Share the Table” activations are planned.
For those who prefer hosting at home, Teremana offers simple cocktail recipes like the Cucumber Serrano Margarita or Mana Paloma to make entertaining easier. The goal is to lower barriers to connection, whether at a restaurant table or around a kitchen island.
The campaign comes at a time when Maryland is seeing increased interest in community events and local tourism. From Annapolis waterfront gatherings to summer festivals in Southern Maryland, residents are seeking ways to reconnect after years of digital-first habits. The partnership with Timeleft provides a structured yet casual way to meet new people with similar interests, potentially strengthening neighborhood ties in places like Prince Frederick, Leonardtown and La Plata.
Teremana Tequila emphasizes that sometimes the smallest gesture — pulling up a chair and sharing a table — can unlock something transformative. By investing in real-world infrastructure for connection, the brand hopes to reverse the trend of personal disconnection.
Marylanders interested in participating can visit Timeleft.com for more information on upcoming meetups. The initiative is open to anyone looking to move beyond screens and rediscover the value of face-to-face interaction.
