⛺ Hi from TechWalk: TechHike, TechCamp, or TechBall?

As summer approaches, TechWalk participants have strong opinions on how they would like to see TechWalk expand...

…and they aren’t alone. In a recent article Forbes article, author Michelle Maree, CEO of the Nomad Escape, highlighted five trends that will dominate professional networking in 2024. These include a focus on non-traditional networking venues, prioritizing diverse connections (think people from different industries, cultures, etc.) embracing authenticity, an appreciation for quality over quantity, and hybrid-led, meaning the ability to easily traverse back and forth between IRL and digital conversations.

This feels right in line with some of the ideas that we are cooking up for the rest of the year and we hope you will be just as excited as we are. More news coming soon!

February 7th TechWalk

Speaking of untraditional, authentic, and quality professional networking events. We invite you to go connect with our 2.07 Co-Host’s in advance of this week’s walk and learn more about their takes on dream networking events, sneak peeks follow below:

  • Christian DeMarais, Director, Revenue Operations and Strategy, Wix -  “I’m going to sound like I’m writing a prompt on my Hinge profile, but to me, it’s less about the WHERE, and more about the WHO. I love it when a best friend or fave coworker of mine meets and gets along swimmingly with another best friend or fave coworker of mine. There’s no better feeling in the world than connecting people who can genuinely make each other’s lives better. So my dream would be a carefully crafted guest list at a sort of Americana venue like Dave & Busters, go big or go home event - the sky’s the limit!”

  • Laurent Baillot, Co-Founder, Spaciously - “I look for inspiration in my network. A dream event would bring these folks together. Meeting people who fought against the odds and found success, in whatever field, is incredibly energizing. A network I love is French Founders, a group of French-speaking professionals.”

  • Abhinav Swaminathan, Product Manager, Walmart Global Tech - “I have a BIG list for my dream networking events 🙂 (1) People are there with context on what is going on (2) Everyone is open to but not desperate to find a connection. Again this is a mindset (3) Networking with purpose - Everyone knows what they're looking to achieve by their participation (4) Event managers match peeps in a way that could prove fruitful. This is hard but is not impossible.”

Smashing Conference, a TechWalk sponsor is looking for two venues for ancillary events. If you can help out please reply to this newsletter:

  • 10/7 & 10/10 Workshop locations: Looking for 3 professional rooms for 30-50 attendees (classroom or u-shape), equipped with projector/whiteboard/etc, paid usage or part of a sponsorship deal

  • 10/9 Music Jam location: Informal music session for 10-20 people, drum kit, other instruments are a bonus, preferably Manhattan, but more flexible, paid usage or part of sponsoring deal

Upcoming TechWalk Schedule

TechWalk Community Member Highlight

Each week Amanda ups the ante of the TechWalk fashion game - pictured here in the mint hat (part of the TechWalk color palette!)

Meet Amanda Bendrey in her own words…

“I’m a growth leader with 10+ years of experience partnering with a diverse client base of technology providers, spanning from fast-growing startups to ‘Big Tech’. Having worked both media owner and agency side, I’m adept at translating business needs into marketing strategies that deliver exceptional customer experiences and revenue impact for organizations. Most recently I led account-based marketing and demand generation practices for an international B2B agency, where we designed award-winning work for industry-leading marketing and sales organizations. I’m passionate about building and scaling teams during high-growth phases, specializing in international expansion. I’ve helped open offices in London, Singapore, and New York - my home of five years now. Outside of work, I’m an avid thrifter, traveler, and reader - talk to me about what you’re currently reading or listening to!”

Please go say hi to Amanda and maybe set up a follow-up conversation if you haven’t already chatted with her during a TechWalk.

TechWalk Schedule Continued…

Congrats on reaching the end of this newsletter! If you would like information on sponsoring our next edition, being a featured member, or joining a future walk as a Co-Host, simply contact us at [email protected]

Happy Walking!

Christine Farrier Rosemin

Founder