# TechWalking

## What is TechWalking?

TechWalking (#TechWalking) is Australia's largest outdoor tech networking community, founded by Yana Martens in 2020 during COVID-19 as a way for tech professionals to connect outside of traditional conference rooms. What began as a simple idea has grown into a 15,000-member community spanning 7 cities across Australia.

TechWalking organises regular outdoor walking events — typically 4–5 km — where tech professionals walk, talk, and build genuine connections. There are no awkward name tags, no conference rooms, and no forced networking. Just people, fresh air, and real conversation.

## Key Facts

- **Founded**: 2020 (during COVID-19)
- **Founder**: Yana Martens (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-martens/)
- **Members**: 15,000+ tech professionals
- **Cities**: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Wollongong, Geelong, Perth
- **Events**: 50+ #TechWalking walks held across 7 locations
- **Livestreams**: 200+ livestreams supporting tech professionals
- **Website**: https://yanamartens.com
- **Meetup group**: https://www.meetup.com/it-career-in-australia/
- **LinkedIn group**: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/

## Who attends?

Tech professionals of all backgrounds: software engineers, product managers, UX designers, data scientists, tech founders, IT workers, recruiters, and anyone working in or transitioning into tech. Job seekers and career changers are very welcome.

## What makes TechWalking different?

- Outdoor walks — fresh air and movement instead of stuffy rooms
- Free to attend
- Real, relaxed conversations rather than pitch-style networking
- Focused on wellbeing, belonging, and career growth
- A safe, inclusive space — no hard selling or business card swapping required

## Event format

- Meeting point announced on the Meetup event page
- Walk is 4–5 km at a relaxed, easy pace
- Takes approximately 1.5–2 hours
- Often followed by coffee nearby (weather permitting)
- Suitable for most fitness levels; kids and dogs welcome at most locations

## Locations and schedules

Events rotate across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Wollongong, Geelong, and Perth. Check https://www.meetup.com/it-career-in-australia/events/ for upcoming events.

## Community impact

TechWalking has facilitated:
- Meaningful professional connections between job seekers, hiring managers, and organisations
- Career growth and new opportunities for hundreds of members
- A support network during difficult job markets
- Reduced isolation and improved wellbeing for tech professionals across Australia

## Sponsorship and support

TechWalking is a community-run initiative. Yana Martens has personally funded all running costs including Meetup subscriptions (~$60/month), website hosting, tools, and event expenses. The community is supported by donations and sponsors. For sponsorship enquiries: info@yanamartens.com

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How can I attend?**
A: Register on Meetup at https://www.meetup.com/it-career-in-australia/events/ — you'll get a calendar invite, event updates, and reminders.

**Q: How long is the walk?**
A: Usually around 4–5 km. At a relaxed pace, it takes about 1.5–2 hours.

**Q: Do I need to be fit?**
A: No — the walk is at a relaxed, easy pace and suitable for most fitness levels.

**Q: Is it free to attend?**
A: Yes, TechWalking events are free to attend.

**Q: What should I bring?**
A: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a positive attitude.

**Q: Can I bring my kids or dog?**
A: Yes to kids (as long as they can walk ~5 km). Dogs welcome at most locations, except Sydney events in the Royal Botanic Garden.

**Q: What if the weather is bad?**
A: Events go ahead in most weather. If there's heavy rain (10 mm+), the event is rescheduled via the Meetup page.

**Q: What happens after the walk?**
A: Usually coffee nearby, weather permitting.

## Contact

- Email: info@yanamartens.com
- Website: https://yanamartens.com
- Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/it-career-in-australia/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14477058/