How to Meet People in Manchester Tech: Manchester Tech Network (MTN)

Manchester's tech story didn't start with a startup accelerator - it started in 1948, when the University of Manchester built the "Manchester Baby," the world's first stored-program computer, with Alan Turing himself working there shortly after. Nearly eight decades on, the city is home to MediaCityUK's digital cluster in Salford Quays, homegrown tech employers like Auto Trader and THG, and a dense agency and startup scene packed into the Northern Quarter.

With that much tech talent in one city, the hard part isn't finding people in tech - it's meeting them somewhere that isn't a conference hall or a company Slack channel. That's what Manchester Tech Network (MTN) is for: an OkGather gathering built around meeting other people in tech over drinks, in a friendly, informal setting.

Why is Manchester such a good city to meet people in tech?

Manchester is a strong city to meet people in tech because it combines a long computing history rooted in the University of Manchester, a major broadcast and digital cluster at MediaCityUK, and a dense concentration of agencies and startups in the Northern Quarter - all supported by an active local tech community around groups like Manchester Digital.

Manchester's tech scene isn't confined to one part of the city: MediaCityUK in Salford Quays hosts the BBC, ITV, and a growing cluster of digital and games companies; the Northern Quarter is where a lot of Manchester's creative agencies and startups are based, often working out of shared spaces like Federation House; and the Oxford Road Corridor connects the universities to the city's innovation scene. Homegrown employers like Auto Trader and THG mean a lot of the city's tech talent didn't have to leave Manchester to build a serious career.

What is Manchester Tech Network (MTN)?

Manchester Tech Network (MTN) is an OkGather gathering for people working in Manchester's tech industry - software engineers, product managers, UX designers, and founders - to meet each other over drinks in a friendly, informal setting. It's one of OkGather's regularly organised gathering themes, hosted at a bar in Manchester.

MTN isn't a pitch night, a conference, or a formal meetup with an agenda and speakers - there's no stage and no name badges. It's simply a relaxed evening at the bar with other people who happen to work in tech, without the pressure of "networking" hanging over the conversation.

How does OkGather's Manchester Tech Network work?

OkGather's Manchester Tech Network works by hosting gatherings at a bar in Manchester exclusively for OkGather members, who join with a single membership rather than booking each gathering individually.

What that actually means for anyone thinking about joining:

• One Membership, Every Gathering: Sign up once and attend as many MTN gatherings - or any other OkGather gathering, in any city - as you like, with no per-event tickets or booking fees.
• 20% Off at the Venue: Show your OkGather member profile at the bar and get 20% off food and drinks at the gathering.
• Friendly, Informal Atmosphere: MTN is built around relaxed conversation over drinks, not pitching or formal networking exercises.
• Manchester-Focused: MTN gatherings are specifically for people working in or around Manchester's tech industry.

How do I start attending Manchester Tech Network gatherings?

You can start attending Manchester Tech Network gatherings by creating a free OkGather account, becoming a member for unlimited access, and then finding an upcoming MTN gathering that fits your schedule.

1. Create Your Account: Visit the Manchester Tech Network page and sign up in under 60 seconds.
2. Become a Member: Subscribe for unlimited access to every gathering OkGather runs, including MTN.
3. Show Up: Find an upcoming MTN gathering, RSVP, and head to the venue. Show your member profile at the bar for 20% off food and drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester Tech Network

What makes Manchester's tech scene different from other UK cities?

Manchester combines one of the longest computing histories of any UK city (the University of Manchester built the world's first stored-program computer in 1948), a major digital and broadcast cluster at MediaCityUK, and a dense agency/startup scene in the Northern Quarter, backed by an active local tech community around groups like Manchester Digital.

Who is Manchester Tech Network for?

MTN is for anyone working in Manchester's tech industry - software engineers, developers, product managers, UX designers, founders, and everyone in between - who wants to meet other people in tech over drinks in a friendly, informal setting.

Is Manchester Tech Network a formal networking event?

No. MTN is a relaxed, informal gathering at a bar - there are no speakers, pitches, or structured networking exercises. It's simply a friendly space to meet other people who work in tech.

Is OkGather free to use for Manchester Tech Network?

OkGather isn't free to join, but it's simple: a single membership gives you unlimited access to every gathering OkGather runs, including Manchester Tech Network, plus 20% off food and drinks at the venue.

How do I meet other people in tech in Manchester if I don't know anyone yet?

Join Manchester Tech Network on OkGather. Becoming a member gives you access to every upcoming MTN gathering - just pick one that fits your schedule, show up, and start talking.