# Event Details - **Event Name**: Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition - **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 12 May, 2026 at 07:00 pm – Tue, 12 May, 2026 at 09:30 pm (+10:00) - **Event Description**: Join us for a fun, feel good night where you can grow your social skills in a warm, welcoming space filled with like minded guys.About this EventDoes this sound like you?Tired of endless online chats that never turn into real life connection?Want to practise feeling more confident socially in a queer friend space?Craving grounded, meaningful friendships with other gay, bi, trans and queer men.You’ll feel right at home here at Speed Mating's 'Build & Connect Edition' – a queer social night designed to spark genuine connection in a way that feels relaxed, guided, and actually enjoyable.This isn’t about awkward speed dating or surface level small talk. It’s about creating a space where connection feels easier - especially if social confidence isn’t always your strongest muscle. This event is intentionally designed with socially shy, socially rusty, and socially overthinking humans in mind.We use structured activities and guided conversation rounds to help you practise how you connect with new people - including small group rounds, partner chats, and shared prompts that take the pressure off “what do I say next?”So The Good News Is:No chaos.No cliques.No being left standing alone wondering how to enter a conversation.And Think Along The Lines Of:Clear structureClear facilitationRotating rounds (including group conversations)Event Overview:You’ll have two full hours of guided connection - with enough movement and variety to keep things fresh, but enough structure to feel safe and supported.And here’s the beautiful part: every Chemistry Lab night is a little different. The prompts change. The group energy shifts. The conversations surprise you.The Venue:We’ll be gathering in the back bar of the The Laird Hotel - one of Australia’s longest running gay owned venues. Once known as Melbourne’s iconic bear and leather bar. The Laird has evolved into a warm and inclusive meeting place for same sex attracted CIS and Trans men.Event Details:The Laird Hotel – Back BarArrive by 6:45pm for a 7:00pm startFree tickets (bring a friend!) via Eventbrite until sold outPlease Note:This is not a dating or hook-up event. It’s about friendship, community, and practising real-life connection in a supportive space.If you book a ticket, please commit to coming - and if something changes, cancel so someone else can take your spot.Come as you are. Come open minded and ready to connect - at your own pace. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/abbotsford/speed-mating-build-and-connect-edition/100001984351296144 - **Event Categories**: Meetups - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: AUD ## Event venue details - **city**: Abbotsford - **state**: VI - **country**: Australia - **location**: The Laird - **lat**: -37.805217 - **long**: 144.9930519 - **full address**: The Laird, 149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford, Australia ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/13b12051db7d2856598a00f266ee2c8ed0b4099c3d140ae495d29284af6e3b61-rimg-w1200-h600-dcfd66c3-gmir.jpg?v=1772810601 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition being held? - **A:** Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition takes place on Tue, 12 May, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Tue, 12 May, 2026 at 09:30 pm at The Laird, 149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford, Australia. - **Q**: Who is organizing Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition? - **A:** Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition is organized by Morgan FitzGerald. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition is ideal for party-goers, social butterflies, and anyone looking for a great night out with music, drinks, and good vibes. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Abbotsford, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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