Events at MRJ
Networking made simple
Created in collaboration between MRJ Recruitment and our various friends, colleagues and connections around the Northwest, these events have been made to capture various areas of the tech industry, creating shared spaces where professionals can network, share insights, and collaboratively shape the future.
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Our Previous Events
Leaders Connected
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Inspire. Motivate. Thrive
Welcome to Leaders Connected, powered by MRJ. 🚀🚀
Join us for fireside chats with technology leaders as they talk us through their inspiring journeys whilst sharing their words of wisdom too.
If you’re a leader of today or tomorrow, this is a network you will want to be part of.
Join us today to:
👨🏽💻 Expand your network and connect with like-minded professionals
📊 Gain invaluable insights from industry leaders
🗣 Engage in discussions that will challenge you to become a better leader
💡 Generate new insights into the future of tomorrow
MCR.TEST - “Connecting Minds, Sharing Stories: Uniting Manchester's Testing Community”
Introducing mcr.test, a new networking event powered by MRJ and the brainchild of Alex, Ken, Steve & Cam.
Formed following a meeting of the four on the current state of the Manchester testing community, this networking event was made to answer the following questions:
⚡ How do we ensure the next generation of testers are supported?
⚡ Where is the space for us all to really connect?
⚡ Where is the unified space for new voices to be heard?
The answer? 🧪 mcr.test 🧪
Held across well-known testing powerhouses in and around Manchester, you can look forward to a variety of different formats from panels to Q&As and more!
The issues YOU want to talk about
Forget dry lectures, this is your chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions with the brightest minds in testing and QA! We'll delve into the most pressing issues and exciting advancements that are shaping the future.
Is AI a harbinger of doom or a powerful new tool? Our experts will unpack the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the testing landscape, separating fact from fiction.
Is a career in testing still relevant? Absolutely! We'll explore the ever-evolving job market and help you chart the perfect course for your testing and QA aspirations.
But that's not all! We'll cover a wide range of topics, all meticulously curated to tie back to the core of testing and QA.
Group Topic Discussion & Breakout Rooms
Tired of the same old, one-way street presentations at Northwest QA meetups? You're not alone! We at MCR.TEST believe there's a better way to learn and connect. While insightful talks have their place, we crave more engagement, more interaction. That's where MCR.TEST comes in.
We're flipping the script on traditional testing meeting and injecting it with some of our trademark humour:
Breakout the monotony: Ditch the lecture hall setup. Our meetups feature breakout rooms, a smash hit with attendees. These focused sessions allow for smaller group discussions, fostering deeper dives into specific topics and encouraging active participation from everyone.
Training exercises to get connections sparked – from “Skynet training exercises” to live interactive debates – the aim is for everyone to have a voice in a low pressure environment.
Mentor Connect
“No frills, no pressure, no catches – just genuine advice from professionals that want to help!”
Straying away from elaborate setups, undue pressures, and hidden agendas, Mentor Connect is all about inclusivity. Whether you are an enthusiastic newcomer to the tech scene or a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience that wants to get into the mentoring game, everyone is welcome.
Having kickstarted our UX Mentor Connect event in 2023 and expanding into Product, as we embark on this exciting journey, you can look forward to us moving across other tech fields that you’ll be able to tune into.
Diverse Industry Insights and Expertise
Our diverse group of mentors comes from a wide range of tech fields, including UX, product management, software development, data science, and cybersecurity. They're all passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience, so you can be sure you're connecting with someone who genuinely cares about your success!
Personalised Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
At Mentor Connect events, we offers one-on-one and small group mentoring sessions where you can receive targeted advice and actionable feedback from seasoned professionals. Building these relationships can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and long-term professional growth. Where better to kick-start expanding your professional network than with people with want to see you succeed?
manc.js - curiosity, camaraderie, and coding - made for and by the JavaScript and Software Developer community
Network, learn, and collaborate alongside the North West’s top programmers and software development enthusiasts in our quarterly meetup group.
Covering a range of topics with a particular focus on web/mobile development, Typescript, Node, Javascript Rust and more. manc.js is made to provide a space for figures in the coding space to speak directly to their community with issues, thoughts and ideas.
Interactive Sessions
A huge part of manc.js comes from the volunteers we have take to the stage and we encourage anyone with something to say to try their hand!
Whether you're a seasoned professional with years of industry experience or a newcomer with fresh perspectives, manc.js values diverse voices and embraces the idea that every member of our community has something unique to contribute.
Live Coding Workshops
Bridging the gap between theory and application and complementing our talks, manc.js also includes practical live coding workshops where you can see hands-on issues and remedies shown by those that are in your exact same shoes. You’ll be able to see in real-time problem-solving, debugging, and optimising code with questions encouraged.
Networking Opportunities With Free Food:
The coding community can sometimes feel like a walled garden for those that are new to the industry and we’re proud to be able to provide a ladder for you to climb over and connect! In every manc.js event we dedicate time for participants to connect with both speakers and fellow attendees and offer free pizza, beer and wine to create an informal setting
Founders Connected
Founders Connected is a premier new type of networking event hitting the northwest scene that brings together leaders at various stages of their professional journeys and provides a platform for all to share insights, experiences, and invaluable advice.
"Uncovering the Secrets to Leaders' Success" serves as the overarching theme, promising attendees an open forum for every leader from startup founder to C-Level exec to share their personal and professional journeys.
Interested in learning more? Get In Contact with MRJ's Grant Spencer
Industry Giants' Stories
Having been blessed to speak and share to some of the most inspirational figures in the Northwest tech scene, our event will occasionally feature keynote leaders who are recognised as industry giants and have made significant contributions to the tech sector. These leaders share their personal stories, challenges faced, and the strategies that propelled them to success.
Advice for the Current & Next Generation
Our event goes beyond just storytelling; it aims to offer practical advice and guidance to aspiring leaders that may be just taking their companies on their first steps in the industry. Have a burning question that you’re feeling lost on? Why not share with the group and hear a different perspective?
Diversity and Inclusion Focus
Founders Connected is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. The event intentionally features leaders from various backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities, ensuring a well-rounded representation of leadership excellence. We’ll have speakers talk about their experiences as minorities and offer advice to people similarly passionate about promoting inclusion.
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I attended the phase 2 MCR.TEST event and found it really truly engaging and impactful. The inclusive atmosphere allowed me to meet new people in a great setting. It all started on time, and I felt safe and welcomed by the hosts. A fantastic experience all round!
Interested in our events?
Craving connection but tired of the same old tech meetups? Our aim is to power events across various corners of the tech industry and foster real connections, not just hand out business cards.