By Dawn McGuigan

Business networking had a very standard formula for a very long time: beige buffets, strong coffees, rooms filled with suited and booted executives looking for their next client.

Then, a few years ago, the ever-innovative tech industry wilfully disrupted the old guard by introducing meet ups where business could be done over pizza and beers. Much less formal, much cooler.

However, despite its modern approach, tech networking remains pretty old fashioned in that it’s still dominated by men.

Women occupy just 21% of digital jobs in the North East and only 4% of UK tech startup founders are female. Research from CodinGame found distinct barriers to accessing the industry, with two-thirds of tech companies admitting bias (unconscious or deliberate) when it comes to hiring women.

For women and non-binary people who have carved out careers in tech, or for those who want to, there’s a distinct lack of representation and role models.

WOMEN IN TECH: NETWORKING EVENTS

The group’s networking events are deliberately more considered and collaborative.

Focused on banishing the intimidation of traditional networking, Women in Tech North East’s speakers are from its own community to platform unheard voices and diverse experiences. They banned the booze and the bloat, too, with a lighter food menu and non-alcoholic drinks (that include mocktails and nosecco).

Rotating event times also give those with childcare, caring responsibilities and school drop-offs to juggle the chance to attend.

The first event sold out and tickets for the second event were snapped up in just three days. There’s certainly an appetite for this style of networking.

Jeni Smith, networking strategist and founder of Durham-based NetKno, spoke at the first Women in Tech North East event and believes the group’s approach will help delegates to make more authentic connections in their network.

To connect with the Women in Tech North East community and book your place at their next event, follow the group on Instagram