Networking can be daunting for anyone starting out, so the team at YouthTV Connect is ditching the formal suits and awkward small talk for something a little more competitive: laser tag.
Following successful – and more traditional – networking events at the Harpur Centre and Bedford Heights, the initiative returns with its third edition, YouthTV Connect: Play Your Way In.
Designed for young entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners aged 16+, the series bridges the gap between the town’s rising talent and established local business leaders.
The first event is on Wednesday, 28 October at Laser Tag in Bedford and tickets are £15.
Moving entirely away from traditional panel discussions, this year’s session splits attendees into two groups of 20 across two hours, ensuring everyone gets a chance to play, build relationships, and talk mentorship or partnership opportunities on equal footing.
“As someone who’s been in the business world for a long time, I know how much a strong network matters, but I also remember how intimidating it felt to build one when I was starting out,” said Samantha Laycock, centre manager of the Harpur Shopping Centre.
“Taking part in YouthTV Connect felt like a natural way to give something back.
“Getting to know young people through something as fun and unguarded as laser tag is a much better way to start a real conversation than the usual formal introductions, and I’m looking forward to seeing what connections come out of it.”
The opportunity to connect with established business people has already proved successful with previous attendees, so the new format is simply taking the event to the next level.
Urban Judge FRSA, founder and group CEO of YouthTV Group, said: “Networking doesn’t have to mean standing around with a drink making small talk.
“Putting this event at Laser World lets young people and business leaders get to know each other properly, working as a team under a bit of pressure, before they ever sit down to talk business.”
The location also serves as a reminder to young people that it’s important to make time for themselves and to strive to achieve a work/life balance.
“Networking can genuinely be fun rather than another item on the to-do list,” said Urban.
“Laser World’s management team have been fully supportive from the start, and it’s been brilliant working with them to get the event to this stage.”
One participant from the 2026 Bedford Heights event said: “Coming along last year genuinely opened doors for me.
“I met people I’d never normally get in front of, and a few of those conversations turned into real opportunities.
“Hearing they’re trying something even more hands-on this year with laser tag, I think it’s a brilliant way to get people talking without the awkwardness of a normal networking event.”
Just 40 tickets are available for the first edition of YouthTV Connect: Play Your Way In, so don’t miss out.
You can book your ticket at Eventbrite or find out more about the initiative at youthtv.co.uk/connect.
