A Guide to Navigating Tech Events Without Burning Out (Or Selling Your Soul)

Something new is bubbling in Toronto’s tech scene—and no, it’s not just another Slack integration.

This June (June 23 – 27, 2025 to be exact), a fresh take on what it means to gather, connect, and build in tech is taking over the city. The team behind this new tech week has done something rare: made it feel human. Between the stunning branding (yes, I do judge your font choices) and the open, build-your-own-schedule format, it actually feels like it was designed for us—not just a bunch of bros chasing AI hype.

I’ve been in this industry for a little over a decade. I’ve watched teams scale, implode, rebuild, and rise again. I’ve hired engineers, built onboarding systems, led layoff comms (unfortunately), and coached founders through their first real HR conversations. Through it all, what’s remained true is this: people matter. And when done well, events like this are a powerful reminder of that. 🟢 First Things First: Get the Green Light Before you start mapping out panels and coffee breaks, make sure your manager’s on board—especially if you’re hoping to attend any daytime sessions.

Here’s a little note you can copy, paste, and tweak to help make the case:

Hi [Manager’s Name], There’s a new tech event happening in Toronto from June 23–27 that’s gaining a lot of momentum. It’s designed for people in tech, startups, and product roles—with sessions focused on industry trends, networking, and community building.

I’d love to attend a few sessions during the day. I think it’ll be a great way to learn from others in the industry, stay current on trends, and represent our team in the broader Toronto tech community.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks, [Your Name]

Sometimes, showing the ROI is just about framing it as professional development and visibility. Because hey—being seen in the right rooms matters.

So if you’re heading out that week—as a professional, a founder, a curious soul, or someone just looking to vibe—here’s how to make it work for you:

✍🏽 Plan Your Week Like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure

This isn’t a conference. It’s a sandbox. Take 15 minutes to scroll the schedule and pick 2–3 things a day that genuinely interest you. Don’t try to do it all (you’re not a robot… yet).

Pro tip: Bookmark a midday break or coffee catch-up to avoid back-to-back burnout.

🌱 Be Mindful of Your Energy

You don’t have to be “on” the whole time. Show up where you feel you can contribute or gain value. If something feels off, skip it. Toronto will still be here tomorrow. An old leader of mine once said, “Work when you’re energized.” I loved that—because he got it. I’m more “on” in the morning, and that little permission to honour my natural rhythm stuck with me. Tech events are no different.

Also—tell your friends, colleagues or connections where you’re headed. Chances are, someone’s already going too.

👕 What to Wear?

This isn’t fashion week, but let’s be honest: how you show up does matter. If you're unsure, a white tee and jeans rarely miss. I actually made a Pinterest Board if you care to peek. If not, just remember: put in a little effort. You’re meeting people. Make it memorable, not messy.

🗣 How to Start a Conversation

A friend once taught me the “common denominator” rule. Look for shared context:

• “What brought you to this event?”

• “Know any of the speakers?”

• “What kind of work do you do?”

You’re not pitching. You’re connecting. Approach it like a real conversation, not a sales funnel.

🔗 Add People… But Make It Human

LinkedIn QR codes are great—until they glitch mid-chat. Just ask for their name and look them up later if that’s more your style. I personally keep a little note on my phone called “Name Book.” It started because my grandma taught me to always remember people’s names—the barista, my concierge, the delivery guy. So now I do the same at events. Jot down the name, a detail about them, and why you might want to connect again.

🧠 After the Event

Add them. Message them. Say something beyond “Nice to meet you.”

Something like: “Hey [Name], great to meet you at [Event]! I really enjoyed our chat about [topic]—would love to stay connected.” It’s simple. It’s warm. It works.

Whether you’re here for the insights, the vibes, or just the post-panel snacks, I hope you find something meaningful that week. And if you see me around—say hi 👋🏽! I’ll be the one in jeans and a white tee probably talking to the event organizer about their amazing font choices.

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