Networking for Builders

A lot of us here at Indy Hackers would rather solve a hard problem than make small talk.

Walking into a room full of strangers and starting a conversation? Different kind of hard.

Here's the thing: relationships are how careers, companies, and communities actually move. The next job, co-founder, mentor, hire, or customer is almost always one or two conversations away. The good news... networking is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned.

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6-8pm, we're partnering with Brooksource for a practical workshop built specifically for technologists, introverts, and anyone who'd rather ship code than work a room. No hustle-culture energy. No "just be more confident!" advice. Real tactics for how you're actually wired.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Live assessment on your phone or laptop – find out your communication style in real time

• How to read someone else's style and meet them where they are

• A networking playbook built for small groups, coffee chats, and casual conversation (the kind we actually have in Indy)

• Conversation prompts on screen, note cards for contact swaps, and structured time to practice in a low-pressure room

• A real list of where to go next – conferences, meetups, LinkedIn outreach, informational interviews

WHO SHOULD COME

Honestly? Anyone in or around Indiana tech who wants to get better at this.

• Engineers, designers, founders, PMs, and other builders, especially if you've ever stood at the snack table pretending to read your phone.

• Students and early-career folks figuring out how to break in.

• Business and non-technical professionals, we want you here. The room is better with you in it, and you'll meet a great group of people.

• First-time Indy Hackers attendees: this is a great first event. Come.

Bring a friend, especially one who's been meaning to come to an Indy Hackers event but hasn't pulled the trigger yet. New and seasoned networkers all welcome!

THE SCHEDULE

• 6:00 PM — Doors open, pizza, soft arrival

• 6:15 PM — Welcome

• 6:30 PM — Live assessment + communication-style workshop with Brooksource

• 7:00 PM — Networking playbook + practice

• 7:30 PM — Open networking with food and conversation prompts

• 8:00 PM — Wrap

FOOD AND DRINKS

Pizza, soda, water. This is an alcohol-free event.

COST

Free. Please register so we order enough pizza.

WHAT TO BRING

• A charged phone (you'll take the assessment live in the room)

• Business cards welcome, but we'll also have note cards on hand for contact swaps

• Curiosity - the best networkers in the room will be the ones asking the most questions