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.
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What People Are Saying
Optional quotes or reactions related to the topic of the blog post.
"they have created a space for connection in which I could find again international travellers from whom to learn and with whom to grow. This community has brought into my life people who are now very important for me."
"...It’s so easy to meet like-minded people because of the communities that they’ve curated and the events that they’re organising. I’ve never felt so at home. It’s very beautiful to see it grow by the day and I’m grateful to be a part of this!"
"With MDE Community, I understood - when you are part to a community full of people that have the same values and experiences, when you take part in events that grow you, then you feel that you truly belong and you want to stay."
"Medellin Community has transformed my experience in the city. The connections I've made here are invaluable!"
