Atomicon Fringe Meet-up for Solo Guests

Going to ATOMICON on your own? You are so not alone.

The First Hello Solo Guest Meet Up is a relaxed, welcoming space for anyone attending ATOMICON solo who wants genuine connection, warmth, and a sense of belonging. No awkward small talk, no pressure to perform, just real conversations, honest connecting, and kind humans coming together.

This meet up is rooted in compassion and understanding. We know events can bring up feelings of loneliness, overwhelm, or anxiety, especially when you walk in alone. This space is designed to help you take a breath, meet friendly faces, and feel part of something together.

You’ll also have the chance to join our pop-up WhatsApp group before the event, so you can connect with other solo attendees, start conversations early, and feel part of the group even before you arrive.

Expect supportive networking, open conversation, shared laughs, and that comforting feeling of being seen and included. Come as you are.

Sarah Cook of The First Hello will be there to guide the meet up, be a friendly face, and help you connect with others before and during the event.

Who this is for?

• This meet-up is exclusively for ATOMICON attendees who are attending solo
  If you’re coming to ATOMICON on your own and want a warm, welcoming space to connect before the event, this is for you

What to expect:

• A warm welcome from Sarah Cook and other friendly guests

• Open conversation and connecting with like-minded attendees

• A safe space to relax, share, and make meaningful connections

• Early access to a pop-up WhatsApp group to meet others before the event

TIME: Midday to 2pm

DATE: Thursday 1st July 2027

LOCATION: Central Manchester Location TBC

TICKETS: £12 including a delicious lunch + soft drink

The timings:

Midday Doors open, drinks, relaxed small group chats

12.30pm Group brainstorm, sharing marketing experiences

1pm New groups, honest chat about boundaries and balance

1.30pm Closing circle, intentions for ATOMICON, buddy up

2pm Wrap up and head to your next ATOMICON event or relax with your buddies for the afternoon!

In more detail:

⏰ Midday doors open
We've done all our small talk in the WhatsApp group (there'll be lots of opportunities to get to know people) so we can begin with a lovely easy flow into getting to know each other better with conversations in small groups on topics like... one bold move you want to make in your business this year, what feels exciting or slightly nerve wracking about attending solo, which talks you've decided to attend & how you'll balance the day with meeting new people, learning, reflecting and resting.

💡 12.30pm
We'll move onto a more structured part of the session and in groups of 4 we'll get brainstorming our best marketing tips together! Honestly, you don't need to be a marketing pro! We've all got experience of things in our businesses that have worked and what hasn't, so let's spill the beans and help each other out with the behind-the-scenes activities that have helped us grow, as well as the ones that haven't. Have you followed a really succinct marketing plan? Stuck to a specific newsletter campaign strategy? Used a PR agency? Quit social media? Tried something completely unexpected that actually worked?

🤖 1pm
We'll move around a bit so we've got new sets of groups and a fresh topic. This time we'll share our experiences of using AI in our businesses, what's actually helping, what's a bit of a faff, and where we're still figuring it out! Are you using AI to save time, come up with ideas, write content, analyse your business or streamline those jobs you never seem to get around to? Have you discovered a brilliant AI tool or workflow that you couldn't live without? Or are you still wondering where on earth to start? This is a chance to share what's working, swap ideas and pick up some practical inspiration from other business owners.

🌟 1.30pm We’ll come back together as one group for a beautiful closing circle.

Before we head off to enjoy the rest of the day, we’ll each share:

• One clear intention for ATOMICON
• One brave action we are willing to take
• One person or type of connection we would love to make

This is about walking into the event tomorrow feeling grounded, focused and supported, not overwhelmed.

Then we’ll buddy up, so you've got a wingman/woman with you!

You’ll leave with at least one person to:

• Meet at the reception check in desk

• Sit with for the first talk

• Check in with at lunch

• Debrief with at the end of the day

🥳 2pm Event closes and you're ready to head off for your next bit of networking or a quiet cup of tea! Remember you've new mates to call on so you're not walking in alone. Enjoy 🎉

Come as you are, leave feeling connected, supported, and part of the ATOMICON community.

Your ticket price includes a delicious lunch and a soft drink. Dietaries can be accommodated please complete the dietaries question at the checkout. If you've any queries please contact myself Sarah at sarah@sarahcook.co.uk