Allow us to introduce you to Chalk Connect - an exciting "meet up" strand of our Chalk Eastbourne network for exploration and learning. If you’re a professional working in the digital, creative, or technology sector, or a student in a related field, come along to learn from others, share your ideas, strengthen your skills, and expand your network.

Relaxed monthly meet-ups

Whether you're a seasoned tech pro, a digitally-focused student, or a coding enthusiast, Chalk Connect is your platform to build relationships, share insights, and explore opportunities over a coffee.

Chalk Connect is a relaxed, informal affair where professionals and students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, share ideas and experience, and ignite their creative sparks. Regular or newbie, 10,000XP or "Hello, World", all attendees are most welcome.

Lightning and Spotlight talks from experts

Chalk Connect is more than just a once-a-month gathering. At each session, we arrange a short lightning talk or two, or a longer spotlight talk, from a guest expert or one of our regular attendees to share their knowledge, projects, and skills. As well as learning from them, this gives a great starting point for onward discussions within the group.

For tech enthusiasts, by tech enthusiasts

As with the wider Chalk Eastbourne community, you are at the heart of everything we do. We value your opinions and aspirations, so we'll encourage all participants to share their thoughts on what they want to achieve in the group - we'll shape the direction of Chalk Connect together, ensuring it remains a dynamic and relevant platform for all its attendees.

When?

The first Tuesday of every month from 5pm to 7pm.

The 2025 dates are as follows - and we’ll update our speaker list as and when they are confirmed:

• Tues 4th February 2025 - Spotlight talk “Don’t Feed the Pigeons: Notes on What Matters in Software Product Development.” by technical product owner, Russ Miles

• Tues 4th March 2025 - Spotlight talk by Kurtis Toy, Cyber Centre of Excellence

• Tues 1st April 2025 - Spotlight talk by Mark Austin, AutoMutatio

• Tues 6th May 2025

• Tues 3rd June 2025

• Tues 1st July 2025

• Tues 5th August 2025

• Tues 2nd September 2025

• Tues 7th October 2025

• Tues 4th November 2025

• Tues 2nd December 2025

Where?

FOUNDRY, The Beacon, Eastbourne, BN21 3NW - we’ll be on the bleachers at the back of the ground floor.

What should I bring?

Yourself! And an open mind to chat with and learn from professionals and students from across the spectrum of digital careers.

If you’d like to seek advice from the group on a particular project you’re working on, please feel free to bring a laptop along to help with your discussion - there’s plenty of plug sockets. We’d love to see what you’re up to.

How much is it?

Free, supported by Switchplane and FOUNDRY, so come along and see what you make of it! No need to book in advance.

For more information or to register your interest in speaking at a future session, please contact hello@chalkeastbourne.com