Like speed dating, but for friends.
A fun, supportive night for neurodivergent people to meet like-minded people.
Friday 13 November · 6pm to 8pm · Kallangur Community Hall
Speed dating, but for friendship
A fun night out for neurodivergent people to meet like-minded people, one short chat at a time.
You know how speed dating works: sit down, chat for a few minutes, then move on to the next person. Connection Lab is the same idea, but for making friends. You'll meet a whole room of new people in one night, with prompt cards to get the conversation going and our friendly team there the whole time. No pressure, lots of laughs, and maybe a new mate or two to catch up with again.
Connection Lab is made for neurodivergent people. Everyone in the room gets it, so you can just be yourself. Want to stim, take a break, skip a round or chat about your favourite special interest for the whole three minutes? All welcome here.
Meet lots of new people
Short, friendly chats with a new person each round. It's a fun, easy way to meet a whole room at once.
Build conversation confidence
Practise communication and social skills with real people.
Low pressure, lots of fun
Each chat is only a few minutes, so there's never time to feel stuck. Just move on and meet someone new.
Guided prompts
Prompt cards and activities so nobody is left wondering what to say.
Made for neurodivergent people who want to find their people
A space where you don't have to mask or explain yourself. Everyone here is neurodivergent, and that's the point.
- Neurodivergent young adults and adults who want to meet like-minded people
- Participants who want to feel more confident socially
- Young adults and adults who find meeting new people difficult
- People who want to practise conversations in a respectful, supported way
- Participants building independence, confidence and community participation
What happens at Connection Lab
Arrive and settle in
Come in, say hello and get comfortable. No rush.
Guided conversation warm-up
A relaxed warm-up to get everyone talking and laughing.
Speed-friending rounds
Just like speed dating: chat for a few minutes, then the bell rings and you move on to meet someone new.
Prompt cards on every table
Never stuck for something to say. The cards do the hard part.
Wrap up together
A fun group activity to finish, and a chance to share what went well (and who you'd love to chat with again).
Staff support throughout
Our team is there the whole time, ready to help.
All the fun of speed dating, none of the awkward
Connection Lab uses the speed dating format because it works: lots of short, easy chats with new people. But it's all about friendship, not romance.
Our team is there to keep things relaxed and supportive, so everyone can enjoy meeting people at their own pace. No pressure, no performing, and nobody is being judged.
Looking for something else?
- 1Connection Lab: practise conversations and build confidence (you're here)
- 2Friend Match: get matched with like-minded friends
Skills that carry into everyday life
Connection Lab is aligned with NDIS capacity building goals.
Facilitated by Marching Forward
A registered NDIS provider, with a team that knows how to make new situations feel easy.
- Small groups
- Experienced support team
- Neurodivergent-friendly environment
- Structured activities
- A safe and respectful space
Grab your spot
Friday 13 November, 6pm to 8pm at Kallangur Community Hall. Groups are kept small, so places are limited.
Launch special
Normally $49
$29
per ticket · Fri 13 Nov · 6–8pm · Kallangur Community Hall
- Welcome drink and nibbles
- Guided conversation warm-up
- Speed-friending rounds with prompt cards
- Group reflection and confidence-building activities
- Our support team there all night (included)
- Welcome to bring your own support worker
NDIS funding: tickets may be eligible to be claimed under the NDIS for existing Marching Forward clients. Not a client yet? Contact us to join.
Common questions
Friday 13 November, from 6pm to 8pm at Kallangur Community Hall. Tickets are $29 as a launch special (normally $49), including a welcome drink and nibbles.
Connection Lab is for neurodivergent young adults and adults who want to meet like-minded people and make new friends. You're welcome to take breaks, skip a round, or bring your own support worker. Our team is there all night too, included in your ticket.
No. It works like speed dating, but it's all about making friends.
Yes. Our own support team is there the whole night, and that's included in the ticket price. You're also welcome to bring your own support worker if you'd like.
That's completely normal, and it's what Connection Lab is designed for. We start with a guided warm-up, there are prompt cards on every table, and staff are there to help the whole time.
Yes. Connection Lab is aligned with NDIS capacity building goals such as communication skills, social confidence and community participation.
Tickets may be eligible to be claimed under the NDIS for existing Marching Forward clients. If you're not a client yet, contact us to join and we'll let you know if it applies to you.
Of course. Get in touch or call 0447 427 142 and we'll answer any questions.
Tickets are $29 as a launch special (normally $49), including a welcome drink and nibbles. Book your ticket online and your spot is saved.
Come and meet your new friends.
Friday 13 November, 6pm to 8pm at Kallangur Community Hall. Launch special: tickets are only $29 (normally $49). May be eligible to be claimed under the NDIS for existing Marching Forward clients.