This Preston Tech Connection meet-up we're talking Hot Takes in Tech.

We all have a view on a topic. It might be controversial, unpopular or thought provoking. Do we say it out loud though? At this month's meet-up our panel will bring their own hot takes, defend them and discuss with the group. This is not about right or wrong, we want to bring the discussion to the room and hear different perspectives.

We invite you to bring your own hot takes to discuss with our panel and the room. A prediction for the future? An idea that would revolutionise the tech world? Bring your thoughts, we will be inviting the audience to get involved in the discussion.

This is designed to be a fun interactive evening looking at the world of tech and seeing how we can address some of the issues that impact our lives. Idea sharing and some best practices to help each other.

Our experienced panelists:

Becca Sharples:

Becca Sharples has spent her career at the heart of some of the UK's most exciting digital growth stories, from being one of the first 15 hires at Social Chain as it scaled to unicorn status, to working across Boohoo Group, PrettyLittleThing, and The Hut Group. Following her pivot to high security, counter terrorism builds and government work, she is now a Product Leader at Civica and founder of Forge. Outside of her day job, Becca founded S Werd (a spoken word night), is a founding member of Preston Beer Girls, and runs Cottam Candles, because apparently one venture at a time isn't really her style.

Johnny Winter:

Johnny is an independent data consultant who has been working with Business Intelligence software since 2007, specialising in full stack data platform development since 2016. He's a self-confessed data nerd, and as well as running Greyskull Analytics, he runs a blog on Substack and has a YouTube channel where he likes to geek out about all things data. He's passionate about the data community and since 2023 has been a co-organiser of the Power BI & Fabric Manchester User Group.

Meet your hosts:

Tom Crawley, Neon Mountain

Tom Crawley is the founder of Neon Mountain, where he helps businesses bring clarity and structure to complex software challenges. With over 25 years in software development, Tom specialises in building bespoke systems, modernising legacy platforms, and advising companies as a fractional CTO.

Prior to Neon Mountain, Tom founded and successfully exited Marimosa, a respected software consultancy serving clients across multiple industries. He has since continued to work closely with SMEs, combining hands-on engineering expertise with strategic guidance to deliver practical, scalable solutions.

Tom is passionate about cutting through the noise in tech-whether that's helping businesses make sense of AI, untangling ageing systems, or guiding teams toward better development practices.

Catarina and Brendan King, Society1

Society1 is an independent coworking space located in Preston City Centre. We offer hotdesking, dedicated desk space, meeting room rental, virtual offices, and events. Community lies at the heart of everything we do, and we have a brilliant network of businesses and freelancers that use our space.

About Preston Tech Connection

Preston Tech Connection is a group centred around an interest in digital technologies - our events and meet-ups are a place where tech enthusiasts can come together, exchange ideas, work on projects, and support one another.

Preston Tech Connection is founded by Tom Crawley Neon Mountain and Catarina and Brendan King, Society1. We host monthly meet-ups.

Our events cover topics like software, programming, hardware and emerging tech. We have a shared interest in the latest advancements in the digital realm. We host events with a social and collaborative aspect, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking.

We are an inclusive group and open for anyone to attend. You don't need to work in tech. If you are interested in the topics or just want to come and be part of a friendly community of people exploring the digital and tech world, you are welcome.

Getting there:

Society1 is located on Cross Street, just off Winckley Square (PR1 3LT). It is easily accessible by bus and train.

If you need to drive, public parking is available at Fishergate Shopping Centre or Avenham Public Car Park. The Avenham multi storey car park closes at 8pm, so as this event runs later we advise that you park in the open air one or on the streets around us.

Note: These events might be photographed and this content will be used in future marketing for Society1.

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