Story Time: Leeds Digital Drinks May Meetup

What is Story Time?

Story Time is an informal space for digital and tech leaders in Leeds to share what they’ve learned the hard way (or maybe the easy way).

The format isn’t set – it could be a panel, fireside chat, or presentation – but the idea stays the same: real stories from people building businesses, leading teams, or shaping communities. No pitches, no polish. Just honest conversation about what’s working, what isn’t, and what we’re figuring out as we go. It’s a tight, focused hour so you can always find time to fit it in your evening.

When and where is Story Time?

⌚️17:30 – 18:30 – talks start promptly at 17:45

​🗓️ Thursday 26th March, 2026

​📍 Avenue HQ
10-12 East Parade, Leeds, LS1 2BH

with Leeds Digital Drinks at Nation of Shopkeepers to follow right after!

Who is speaking at Story Time?

We’re thrilled to welcome Ellie MacDonald from Hello Hope as our first speaker for the evening. Ellie is also the founder of MacComms: Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise & multi-award-winning PR agency to share a short story of the initiatives she is proud to work on.

Our main Story Time speaker of the evening is Jason Crispin, Founder and CEO of AUDITSU — the accessibility compliance system for mobile apps, helping organisations prepare for the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

Jason is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, including recognition in Insider Media’s 42 Under 42, as well as being a Rising Star finalist and nominee for the StartUp of the Year Awards. He is on a mission to make the digital world a more accessible space for over a billion people globally. AUDITSU is also supported by organisations including the UK Government, PXN Ventures, and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

At Story Time, Jason will share insights from building AUDITSU from the ground up, alongside nearly 20 years of experience in enterprise sales and early-stage startups, including two business exits before the age of 24 and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in funding. Expect honest reflections on moving from corporate sales into founding a tech business, building in a fast-changing regulatory environment, and turning complex compliance challenges into a simple, scalable product — all while working through ADHD and neurodivergence as a founder.

This event will NOT be recorded and available later so we suggest you come in person to get the stories first hand.

Following Story Time we’ll be heading to The Nation of Shopkeepers to continue the conversations.

FAQs

What is Leeds Digital Drinks?

Founded in 2016, Leeds Digital Drinks started as a humble meetup of a few friends catching up in the pub after work.

In the last decade the team of volunteers have been supporting the Leeds digital community through meetups, Founders Friday, Startup Weekends, conferences, business dinners, and more!

In recent years the team has expanded to wider conferences around the country but we’re going back to our roots for 2026 for that local friendly feel. Our events kick off with a guest speaker and end up at a local pub following the session to ask questions and continue the conversations.

Who is Leeds Digital Drinks for?

We started as an open community for beginners, new professionals and the tech curious and still welcome absolutely anyone with a passion for the tech, startup and creative sectors of our amazing city. If you have a question, chances are someone at our meetups can help answer it. Whether you’re currently in tech, want to get into tech, have a startup idea, or have the tiniest bit of excitement about new technology, new challenges & Leeds and its future then you’ll find a new friend here.

Who is Leeds Digital Drinks NOT for?

If you prefer events that are more transactional and where selling and exchanging business cards is the main focus then you probably will want to give us a miss.

Who attends our events?

We’re proud to have had 10 years of people with a wide variety of backgrounds, roles, and experience attend our events – from Leeds residents and visitors to the city alike. Leeds Digital Drinks attendees share one thing in common: they are open to new ideas, friendly conversations, sharing generously and meeting new people.

Our vibe for our drinks meetup is always laid back, welcoming and friendly.

Do I need separate tickets for both events?

No, one ticket gets you access to both events on the day: Story Time and entrance to Leeds Digital Drinks after the session. Just make sure you sign up to guarantee access!

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

Reach out to us at [email protected]

See you soon 💙💛