Preston Tech Connection: The Tech Resistance

This Preston Tech Connection meet-up we're talking The Tech Resistance. Tech is moving fast — maybe even too fast? At the same time, we're seeing a real shift to in person activities. Craft classes, maker spaces, and hands-on hobbies are booming, as people look for ways to unplug and connect in person again.

Our October meet-up is about making sense of that shift. We'll look at themes around:
What's actually driving the pullback from screens, and whether it's here to stay.
How our relationship with tech is changing — at home, at work, and in our downtime
What role tech should play going forward, rather than just how much of it we use
The tools and apps built to help you use less tech — from screen-time trackers to "dumb phone" alternatives and focus-first devices.
Whether you're tech-curious, tech-fatigued, or just tech-neutral, come along for a practical look at finding a healthier balance. It's a great chance to find ideas and meet others asking the same questions.

Meet your hosts:
Tom Crawley, Neon Mountain Tom Crawley is the founder of Neon Mountain, where he helps businesses bring clarity and structure to complex software challenges. With over 25 years in software development, Tom specialises in building bespoke systems, modernising legacy platforms, and advising companies as a fractional CTO. Prior to Neon Mountain, Tom founded and successfully exited Marimosa, a respected software consultancy serving clients across multiple industries. He has since continued to work closely with SMEs, combining hands-on engineering expertise with strategic guidance to deliver practical, scalable solutions. Tom is passionate about cutting through the noise in tech-whether that's helping businesses make sense of AI, untangling ageing systems, or guiding teams toward better development practices.

Catarina and Brendan King, Society1 Society1 is an independent coworking space located in Preston City Centre. We offer hotdesking, dedicated desk space, meeting room rental, virtual offices, and events. Community lies at the heart of everything we do, and we have a brilliant network of businesses and freelancers that use our space.

About Preston Tech Connection Preston Tech Connection is a group centred around an interest in digital technologies - our events and meet-ups are a place where tech enthusiasts can come together, exchange ideas, work on projects, and support one another. Preston Tech Connection is founded by Tom Crawley Neon Mountain and Catarina and Brendan King, Society1.

We host monthly meet-ups. Our events cover topics like software, programming, hardware and emerging tech. We have a shared interest in the latest advancements in the digital realm. We host events with a social and collaborative aspect, workshops, guest speaker events, and networking.

We are an inclusive group and open for anyone to attend. You don't need to work in tech. If you are interested in the topics or just want to come and be part of a friendly community of people exploring the digital and tech world, you are welcome.

Getting there: Society1 is located on Cross Street, just off Winckley Square (PR1 3LT). It is easily accessible by bus and train. If you need to drive, public parking is available at Fishergate Shopping Centre or Avenham Public Car Park. The Avenham multi storey car park closes at 8pm, so as this event runs later we advise that you park in the open air one or on the streets around us. Note: These events might be photographed and this content will be used in future marketing for Society1.