Inclusion Networking Melbourne

Doing Great Work Isn't Enough

Doing Great Work Isn’t Enough Grinding away quietly won't get you the leadership impact you deserve, we're going to talk about what to do instead. We'll break down how influence actually works: it's not just about authority or French & Raven power plays. It's mapping your allies and advocates, boosting visibility without the cringe, and taking those "do hard things" steps like leading meetings or connecting with tricky stakeholders. **Agenda (time in Melbourne/AEST)** * 5:30pm Networking * 6:00pm Welcome * 6:05pm Main Presentation * 6:35pm Q&A * 7:00pm Networking * 7:30pm Close **This will be a HYBRID event:** **Zoom link -** will be posted 1hr before event starts. **In person attendees -** access information for the venue will be added soon **Our Speaker** **Gretchen Scott** Gretchen Scott is CEO of Kaleida, helping organisations grow high-performing, inclusive tech teams. A former Cloudflare Community Manager and Linc.sh COO, she specialises in leadership development, influence, and career growth. Gretchen is a regular speaker and emcee across Australia’s tech community.

Movers & Shakers - Monthly Social & Networking Coffee

Are you craving some conversations with other big thinkers? The Movers & Shakers monthly coffee is for the creative's who are driven, are hustlers, are actively seeking to grow and look for new opportunities and are wanting to be around other dreamers and action takers. If you're seeking out those conversations that inspire you, that leave you feeling motivated, then this event is for you. The Creative Hustle is a social events community for professional creatives in Melbourne's arts industry. STRUCTURE: 15 min - casual networking/order your coffee 40 min - round table intros and questions 30 min - guided conversations topics in small groups Finish with casual networking MINIMUM SPEND: Everyone who attends this event is required to purchase something from the cafe, minimum of 1 drink.

Understanding Our Support Needs (And Each Other's)

Neurodivergent brains come with their own operating manuals — but most of us were never handed ours. Some of us run hot on sensory input, others stall out on transitions, some need movement to think, others need silence to function. The tricky part is that our needs are often invisible, even to ourselves, until something tips us over. This month at Neurospicy Bayside, we're slowing down to look at two questions: * What support do I actually need to feel okay and do my best work? * What might the people around me need that I've never thought to ask about? We'll talk about the kinds of accommodations that exist (formal and informal — at work, at home, in social spaces), share what's worked and what hasn't, and gently map out where each of us tends to struggle. The goal isn't to fix anyone. It's to build a richer vocabulary for our own needs and a more compassionate lens for the people in our lives who might be quietly white-knuckling things we'd never guess. Bring yourself as you are. Stim, doodle, pace, listen, share as much or as little as feels right. Fidgets and ear defenders welcome. There's no expectation to disclose anything you don't want to. Looking forward to seeing you there.

📚 #InPursuit – A Book Club for Builders, Thinkers, and Doers

CBD Business Owners Network – Connect & Grow

CBD Business Owners Network is a professionally facilitated networking experience designed specifically for business owners who are serious about building meaningful connections and growing their business. This is not a typical large, unstructured networking event. The focus is on **quality conversations, genuine relationships, and long-term business growth**. **What This Event Is About** We bring together a small group of business owners in a relaxed, structured environment to: * Build strong professional relationships * Create opportunities for referrals and collaboration * Have real conversations about business growth * Connect with like-minded business owners in Melbourne There are **no presentations and no sales pitches** — just focused, high-quality networking. **What to Expect** * A curated group of business owners (not a large crowd) * Structured introductions to help you connect with the right people * Open networking and meaningful conversations * A relaxed and welcoming environment * Opportunities to build long-term referral relationships **Who Should Attend** This event is ideal for: * Business owners and decision-makers * Consultants, service providers, and entrepreneurs * Professionals looking to grow through referrals and partnerships This event is designed **for business owners only** **Why Attend** If you’re looking for a networking environment that is: * Not overcrowded * Not overly sales-driven * Focused on real connections and growth …then this is for you. **Contact** If you have any questions or would like to know if this is the right fit for you: **Rakesh Singh** PinnacleEdge Business Coaching 0423 804 123

A11y Bytes, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day

A11y Bytes is back for its fourteenth year, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. [Register for A11y Bytes Melbourne 2026](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-bytes-2026-melbourne) The heart of digital accessibility and inclusion is not about guidelines, codes or regulations. It’s about people, and life, and how we live, how we access information, and how our lives are affected by the technologies of today. As many as 500 people have attended online Bytes events, as well as physical events in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney attended an A11y Bytes event, making this the largest community run accessibility event in Australia. The event has since branched out into parts of New Zealand and it continues to grow. You don’t have to be an accessibility aficionado to attend. This event is about us all talking, thinking and learning about digital accessibility and inclusion together. Take part in A11y Bytes and connect, be inspired and have some fun as we talk, learn, grow and change the world. A big thank you to **Bupa** for being the Melbourne venue sponsor for this year's A11y Bytes. **Time and date** A11y Bytes Melbourne will be held on **Thursday 21 May 2026**, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. **Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start** **Register** RSVP through humanitix to register. [Register for A11y Bytes Melbourne 2026](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-bytes-2026-melbourne) **Presenters** * Scott Herschberger – From Insights to Action: Transforming Accessibility Through Data-Driven Mapping * Balram Singh – AI and Accessibility * Sam Sabour – Beyond Contrast: Rethinking Accessibility in Design Systems * Ayesha Semfel – Where to Start (and Stop) with Screen Reader Testing * Jamila Savoy * Xavier Vella – Early Findings from an Accessibility Audit of Hiring Systems.

Melbourne Autistic Social Meetup

Immersive CBD Light Show & Taco Bill Dinner

NeuroSparks Social Meetup!!!

Hi all, us at NeuroSparks are having another fortnightly meeting and we'd love to see you there! When: the 16th of May (Saturday) from 12:30-3:30PM. Where: we will be meeting at the Majorca Room at the City Library. Access to the room is via a lift or steps in the foyer. The City Library is located at 253 Flinders Lane, right next to Flinders Street/Town Hall Station. This social gathering will be for those looking to connect with others in the community. It'll be a very casual setting, where everyone can be themselves and can and go when they feel like it. For anyone wanting to continue socialising after the room booking ends, we encourage you to get out and hit the town together! **People are welcome to bring food/drinks to the event. Conveniently for us, there is a cafe on the library's ground floor and there are many cafes also nearby on Degraves Street! But for the sake of continuing to use the venue, please tidy up after yourself.** This event is open to all neurodivergent people and anyone who values a friendly, inclusive space. Many attendees come on their own, so if you’re feeling a bit hesitant, know you’ll be in good company and warmly welcomed. If the group/noise feels too overwhelming at any point, there is a silent study room next door to decompress in. If at any point you have concerns or feel uncomfortable about any group member, please notify one of the organisers. **For the purposes of not overwhelming attendees, we will be capping RSVPs at 50 people maximum. If you have RSVP’d and can no longer attend, please cancel your booking, to allow others to attend. If you sign up for the waitlist and Meetup prompts you to pay, please ignore this, as this event is not intended to be paid for.** Looking forward to seeing all of you there! Disclaimer & Safety Notice By attending this Meetup, you agree: • Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. • Organisers are community volunteers, not medical or professional providers. • You are responsible for your own safety, choices, and belongings. • Organisers are not liable for injury, loss, or damage at any time. • If you have health or access needs, please make your own arrangements. • In an emergency, call 000 immediately. By joining, you accept full responsibility for your actions and well-being.

FLOW IN GROUP CONVERSATIONS IF YOU PROCRASTINATE

# 🌟 *Breat Procrastination and Staring at The Crowd When at Social Events with Taking a Minimum Viable Step!* Do you want to feel confident stepping into group conversations, knowing exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to build momentum naturally? Do you want a clear structure that makes socialising feel *doable*, while still allowing real, organic, human connection? This session blends **structure with spontaneity**, so you can practise social confidence in a way that actually works for your brain. *** # 💬 **WHAT THIS SESSION IS ABOUT** This is a **guided practice lab** for group interaction. Instead of guessing what to say, you will work with: • specific topics chosen by the group on the day • simple, powerful questions to guide conversation • structured rounds that make it easier to start and continue interactions You are not performing or “being social” on command, you are learning a **repeatable process** that helps you enter conversations naturally and build depth from there. The structure gives you clarity. Your responses stay *real, personal, and fully your own.* *** # 🧠 **WHY THIS WORKS** ## *Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)* Starting conversations is often the hardest part. So instead of forcing yourself to “be social”, we focus on: ### ***Minimum Viable Steps (MVS)*** Small, achievable actions like: • approaching a group • listening for context • asking one simple question • sharing one small response These steps reduce overwhelm and help you build momentum naturally. You are not powering through, you are **following a chain of small wins** that lead into flow. *** # 🔄 **HOW THE SESSION RUNS** This session is structured into **timed rounds (approx. 8 minutes each)**. Each round gives you a clear, simple objective. ## 🔹 *Structured Group Rounds* • You will begin in small groups with a defined topic • Each round includes suggested questions to guide interaction • You are free to respond in your own way, nothing scripted ## 🔹 *Rotations* At the end of each round: • two people rotate out of each group • each joins a different group This creates: • clarity on where to go next • repeated practice starting new conversations • exposure to different dynamics and people *No guessing. No awkward hovering. Just clear next steps.* *** # 💡 **TOPICS & QUESTIONS** At the start of the session, we will: • gather topics participants are genuinely interested in • write them down and use them throughout the rounds Each round will include **simple, open questions** related to the topic, designed to: • spark conversation easily • create direction without rigidity • allow natural sharing and depth You follow the structure, but what you share is always your own. *** # 🌱 **WHAT YOU WILL PRACTISE** • starting conversations decisively (again and again) • entering groups with clarity instead of hesitation • listening before contributing • asking simple questions that open conversation • building flow through small, manageable steps • rotating between groups with confidence • staying present without overwhelm Over time, this becomes **automatic**. *** # 📝 **BEFORE & AFTER** At the beginning: • you will complete a short reflection on meaningful connection in your life At the end: • you will share what worked, what did not, and what could be improved This helps shape future sessions based on what actually supports you. *** # 👋 **A NOTE FROM THE FACILITATOR** This is not about being the most confident person in the room. It is about learning a structure that helps you: • take action • reduce overwhelm • build real connection step by step You do not need to get it perfect. ## ***You just need to take the next small step.***

Zero Latency VR

Find Your Personality Match - Make Friends (Age group: 25-45))

🌟 **A new one-on-one, personality-based connection experience** Many of you have been asking about structured events and if I’d ever bring them back. Well… here it is - a new version, more intentional, and built around something I care about : **matching people based on personality.** Over the years, I’ve seen how hard it can be to find people you truly click with as adults. Small talk goes nowhere, and most events don’t give you the space for real conversation. 💫 **What to Expect** This is not speed dating, and it’s not a big mixer. It’s a curated, one-on-one connection experience where you’ll meet a few people who’ve been matched to you based on personality and vibe. Expect: * A cosy, comfortable venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly standing around * A series of guided one-on-one conversations * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * This is not dating focused event, there will be a seperate one for dating Each conversation is designed to feel natural — because the match is based on compatibility Get your tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1988143914969?aff=oddtdtcreator 🧭 **Before the Event** Once you get your Eventbrite ticket, you’ll receive a **short personality test (If you have already taken the test at a previous event you don't need to do it again)**. It takes only a few minutes but helps us understand your communication style, energy, and compatibility factors. This is how we curate meaningful one-on-one pairings for the event. 🌿 **Come Join Us** If you’re tired of small talk and ready to meet people who truly fit your personality, this is for you. A warm, intentional space created for deeper conversations and genuine chemistry - whether it becomes friendship, something romantic, or just a surprisingly great chat. RSVP now — spots are kept limited to ensure quality one-on-one time.