We are starting the year with a big topic! The Next Evolution Of Social Media.

Our panel is going to tackle this super interesting topic looking at how social media has evolved over the last few years, how we are using it for our businesses and how new developments in the industry are going to change how we approach its use for the coming year and beyond. Conversation areas will include:

How social media has shifted in the last couple of years.

How is AI impacting social media - looking in the future.

The impact of the under 16 ban coming this year.

Wellbeing and digital fatigue.

The local angle - how can Preston businesses can use these shifts.

Meet our January panelists:

Charlotte Farringdon, Co-Director of Huddle Social

Charlotte is a Social Media Specialist with over 14 years experience in working with brands. Huddle Social a northern based social media agency which provides full-service social media to businesses of all sizes across multiple sectors in the UK. Charlotte is passionate about bringing brands to life on social media by creating a unique online voice to cut through the world of influencers, experts and gurus.

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.

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

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.

Book now