Beyond Small Talk: A Space for Genuine, Meaningful Conversations

It is remarkably easy to get stuck in surface level conversations these days. And honestly, people aren’t the one to blame because society has only been feeding us spaces for exactly this: hostel nights, bar meetups, networking events… We have lost the art of conversation because of this.

We sometimes forget what we really crave: connection. Not just chatter to pass the time, but conversations that leave us feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone.

That’s why we created Beyond Small Talk, a gathering designed for people who want more than surface-level interactions.

This isn’t another networking event. It’s not a party. It’s a space where you can exhale, pull up a chair, and lean into conversations that feel real.

The Pillars of Beyond Small Talk

At the heart of this event are three simple but powerful intentions:

The beauty of Beyond Small Talk is that it’s not about creating fleeting moments, it’s about planting the seeds of something lasting. People often walk away with new friendships, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of belonging.

It’s more than just giving people a space to talk. Little by little, we’re also practicing how to be better listeners and better conversationalists. Some of the gentle reminders we highlight are:

• Be present. True presence allows you to really listen.
• Listen to understand, not to reply.
• Ask follow-up questions. They show you care about the story being shared.
• Don’t steal the story. Let each person have their moment.
• Be yourself. Openness invites deeper connection.
• Respect boundaries. Some conversations may feel too tender or uncomfortable—and that’s okay.
• Respect the PAUSE. Silence isn’t empty; it gives space for thought and honesty.

How these connections grow after the event is up to you. Think of this space as a springboard to begin building the kinds of relationships that can truly last.

A Core Event of MDE Community

MDE Community was born out of the simple desire to make it easier for people to connect. Not just through events, but through experiences that encourage presence, curiosity, and togetherness. Beyond Small Talk is one of our core events because it embodies exactly what we stand for — spaces that go beyond the typical: beyond small talk, beyond drinking, beyond parties.

Looking for Future Hosts

We believe that every city deserves to have a consistent space like this. A space where people can come together without pretenses, without distractions, and just be human together.

If you’re someone who cares about building community and wants to bring Beyond Small Talk to your city, we’d love to connect with you. Together, we can create a ripple effect, one gathering, one meaningful conversation at a time.