My goal for 2026 is all about connection, meeting more people online and in person, so what better way to do that than bring lots of the amazing business owners I know online together for a day in real life!
Running an online business is brilliant, it gives us the flexibility to work around our families and manage our lives the way we want and need it to. But there is something truly special about stepping away from the screen and meeting the people behind the profile pictures.
That is why I am hosting my very first in-person Business events in Essex. This Mum Loves Tech Community and Connection Live on Tuesday, 30th June at the County Hotel in Chelmsford.
A whole day of connection, learning and hopefully lots of fun from 10 am till 4 pm.
As much as I would love to chat about tech all day, I also know running a business is about more than just the tech, so I’ve invited four amazing women to speak to you all on the day. But these aren’t just any speakers, these women have been my mentors, guides and clients helping me shape This Mum Loves Tech into what it is today.
Here is a closer look at each of these amazing guest speakers and how they are going to help you elevate your business.
Lisa Yelland: Sales Consultant and Professional Sales Trainer
I first met Lisa when I joined the ONLE Bristol networking group, which she hosts. From that very first meeting, I could see the incredible energy she brings to a room, exactly the kind of energy I knew I wanted for this event.
Recently, we worked together in my Tech School programme, where I was redesigning her website and helping her set up her lead magnet funnels. It gave me a deep look into Lisa’s 32 years of experience in the sales industry. She is a true expert in her field.When planning this event, I knew I needed a sales strategist who had the practical knowledge my community needs, but also the personality to keep everyone engaged. Lisa will be sharing her Sales Activation Framework, a no-fluff, practical session with steps you can implement the same day. You’ll leave knowing exactly who to contact and how to lead a sales conversation with clarity.
- Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-yelland-coaching/
- Visit Lisa’s website: https://www.lisayellandcoaching.com/
Jen Lister: Business Strategist, Coach, and Podcast Host
Jen is a brilliant local business owner here in Essex. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet her in person many times over the years, starting back when she was part of the fab duo running The Village networking group.
Every time I see Jen speak, everyone in the room comes away with amazing, practical actions. Jen’s mission is one that resonates with every parent in business: helping you create a “full-time business with part-time hours.” She is a specialist in sustainable business growth and creating a strategy that is unique to you. In her session, “How to use Strategy to Elevate Your Business,” Jen will be showing you how to build a profitable business you love while keeping firm boundaries in place for family and freedom.
- Connect with Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenlisterstrategy
- Visit Jen’s website: https://jenlister.com/
Vicky Etherington: The Website Mentor, WordPress Expert
Vicky has been a mentor to me since the very early days of my business. Joining her “Rock That Website” programme to learn WordPress website design was the key that unlocked everything for me when it came to the tech. It was while I was learning the tech from Vicky that I realised I actually loved it and was quite good at it!
The moment I knew I had to learn from her was when she spoke about “Sleeping Beauty” websites, those sites that may look great but just sit there waiting to be found, never actually working for the business. I knew I was guilty of this before I met her, so I knew I needed her help.
In her interactive session, “Your Website Has 7 Seconds. Make Them Count,” Vicky will show you exactly what the top of your website is communicating to visitors. You’ll leave with a clear way to describe what you do, to your website visitors.
- Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickyetherington/
- Visit Vicky’s website: https://thewebsitementor.com/
Joy Foster: Founder of Tech Pixies and Social Media Coach
It is no exaggeration to say that This Mum Loves Tech simply wouldn’t exist without Joy. She is the reason I had the “crazy” idea to start my own business in the first place.
I originally joined the Tech Pixies programme to learn about social media for a job I was in at the time, but before I’d even finished the course, I had left that job to set up on my own! I left with the confidence to know I had more to offer. Five years ago, I was too nervous to even do a live video, now, I’m hosting my own live event.
Joy is a master at building social media confidence. In her talk, “Social Media Confidence: How to build your community and show up with clarity,” she will be showing us how to use social media as a tool to create your own community and grow your visibility.
- Connect with Joy and TechPixies on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TechPixies
- Visit the TechPixie website: https://techpixies.com/
Going Beyond the Screen: Why Connection In-Person Matters
This isn’t an event where you simply sit and listen to people speak all day. Community and Connection Live is designed to be interactive.
The day has been planned with plenty of time for connecting and networking with everyone in the room, with my table hosts there to ensure everyone gets to speak if they wish.
Plus, every single ticket type will have the opportunity to get a professional headshot taken by the talented Siobhan Jones Photography. Most of the photos you’ll see on this website have been taken by Siobhan, so I know how brilliant these photos will be for you all.
You’ll leave the day not just with new knowledge, but with a fresh photo to help you show up more professionally online.
How to Join Us in Chelmsford
We have three ways for you to get involved on Tuesday, 30th June:
- Standard Ticket: Full access to the day, all speaker sessions, and your professional headshot. Early Bird tickets are £75 until the end of April, rising to £95 on May 1st.
- Product Sponsor: A dedicated space to showcase your products to every attendee.
- Table Host Sponsor: A chance to be at the heart of the day, helping to lead the conversations and facilitate connections at your table.
If you are ready to step away from the laptop and spend a day with people who “get it,” I would love to see you there.