Building Community Beyond the Business Card: Inside the Third Space Networking Event
Creators gathered at Third Space on 8 May to network, share ideas, hear from speakers and receive honest feedback in a community focused setting.
By Aliza Iqbal
CafĂŠ and events host, Third Space, hosted a networking event that moved beyond the usual idea of self-promotion. Rather than encouraging people to simply exchange names, titles and Instagram handles, the evening focused on something far more valuable: building genuine, meaningful relationships with like-minded people.
The event brought together creators, professionals, entrepreneurs and community voices in a warm and welcoming environment. It was a space where people could connect not just for opportunity, but for support, understanding and long-term growth. In a time where networking can often feel transactional, the Third Space event reminded attendees that the strongest connections are built through a willingness to uplift one another.
From the beginning, the atmosphere felt different from a typical networking event. People were not there only to propel themselves forward or gain something instantly. Instead, there was a clear sense that everyone had come with the intention of meeting others, listening to their stories and forming relationships that could continue beyond the event itself.
The purpose of the event was not simply to ânetworkâ in the traditional sense. It was about creating a community. For many creators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, the journey can feel isolating. It can be difficult to find people who understand the pressure of trying to build something from the ground up while also carrying the responsibility of representing your culture, identity and values. Events like this help change that. They create spaces where people can see that they are not alone and that there are others around them who are also trying, learning and growing.
A key part of the evening was the presence of several speakers who shared their own experiences and reflections on community, creativity and representation. Among the speakers was the owner of Third Space, who spoke about the importance of creating environments where people feel seen, supported and encouraged. Third Space itself has become more than just a physical location. It represents a wider idea: a place where people can come together, share ideas and build something meaningful.
âThird spaces are the places that exist outside of work and home. They are where people come to connect, share ideas and feel part of something. In a world where so many people are building alone, spaces like this give people the chance to find communityâ, Usaamah Jawad, the owner of Third Space.
BBC reality TV star Alisha Sharma also addressed the room, speaking passionately about the power of community and representation. Her message centred on the importance of South Asians supporting one another in spaces where visibility still matters.
âWe have to be willing to open doors for each other,â she told attendees. âEspecially as South Asians, our success should not be something we keep to ourselves. It should become something that makes space for the next person, too.â
She also reflected on the impact representation can have on future generations. âWhen we are visible, we are showing younger people that there is room for them as well,â she said. âThat matters, because you cannot become what you never get to see.â
Alishaâs speech also challenged the idea that people from the same community should view each other as competition. Instead, she encouraged attendees to think about success as something that can be shared. In creative industries especially, it can be easy to feel that there is limited space, opportunity and recognition. But the event encouraged a different way of thinking. It reminded people that when one person opens a door, they can help others walk through it too.
This idea of collective progress was felt throughout the evening. Attendees were encouraged to think about networking not as a way to collect contacts, but as a way to build trust. Attendees were also encouraged to bring their sample products and ideas into the space, not simply to receive praise, but to gain honest and useful feedback. This added to the collaborative feel of the event, as creators were able to test their concepts, hear different perspectives and understand how their work could improve. Rather than focusing only on positive reviews, the event created an environment where constructive criticism was welcomed as part of growth.
In a world where networking is often treated as a strategy, Third Space offered something more human. It created an opportunity for people to meet with purpose, connect with honesty and leave with a stronger sense of belonging. The event was a reminder that when likeminded people come together, they do not just build networks. They build communities.
