MK Tech Forum
MK Tech Forum brought to you by Protospace is slightly different to most of the networking groups I’m posting about; it doesn’t offer memberships and there’s no charge for attending, despite there always being a lovely spread; that’s because it’s currently funded by MK City Council to stimulate the tech network and activity in Milton Keynes.
Location: The last two events that I’ve attended have been hosted by MK:U Innovation Hub at 200 Silbury Boulevard. Central MK.
Format: An hour over lunchtime before informal networking and buffet grazing for those who can spare more time; advertised as just the hour so worth noting to allow some additional time afterwards. The protospace team start with welcomes and updates from their projects, related council projects, local activity and regional/national tech activity of note. Around 3 (5 min max) spotlight speakers (with any Q&A) with an opportunity for 5 x 1 minute pitches (which I dont see many of- what an opportunity, founders!!) before they open the floor to announcements or shout-outs.
I actually really love this event for it’s punctual and targeted delivery and concise updates; it’s always informative with a fantastic variety of speakers and updates. The hour is perfect and the number of/length of speakers spot on. It packs a lot into a lunch break!
Costs: Currently fully funded by MK City Council, so no charge.**
Hosts: The event is hosted by Protospace; Simon Wright, Oliver Waters & Richard Wiggins.
Typical Attendee: Tech-interested individuals and businesses; from students to CEOs, solopreneurs to community managers, investors to educators. A really diverse mix of demographics, with the shared commonality; an interest in contributing to the Milton Keynes Tech Ecosystem. Females are still in the minority; Protospace are actively calling out for more women in Tech to join the community- spread the word!
Upsides: A really sector specific niche of people, not your ‘usual suspects’ of networking. An action packed super useful hour.
Downsides: It’s still a relatively small group; 20-40 at each session at a guess and lots of people only diarise the hour so shoot straight off (me included, it always seems to fall on a day where I have lots of events darn it!)
Top Tips: Although the event is advertised as an hour, try to arrive 15 mins early and leave an additional 30/45 mins afterwards to enjoy the buffet and conversation.
Take advantage of the opportunity to give your sixty second elevator pitch a spin- even if your ‘ask’ is simply ‘spread the word’- there are some great people in that room being underutilised; if you are looking for investment, team, adoption or promotion!
** prices correct at time of writing