The real estate catch-up taking Sydney by storm

What began as a casual coffee meeting among a few industry professionals has quickly become one of Sydney’s most dynamic real estate networking events.

In just 12 months, this informal catch-up has evolved into a must-attend event for solopreneurs, business owners, and real estate leaders. It provides a relaxed space to discuss market trends, build relationships, and escape the isolation of remote work.

Unlike traditional networking events with rigid structures, name tags, and referral expectations, this gathering is refreshingly unstructured.

It’s a welcoming environment where the industry’s best and brightest come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and enjoy a morning coffee with like-minded professionals.

Sydney’s chapter, inspired by Ash Goodchilds PM Collective, the monthly event has flourished under the leadership of Jo Black, founder of Black Book Solutions.

Its success lies in its simplicity: no sales pitches, no membership fees, no pressure—just genuine connections in a laid-back setting.

“It’s nothing fancy,” says Ms Black. “It’s just a casual get-together where people can drop in, connect, share insights, and support one another.”

While many attendees are seasoned industry veterans, the event has also attracted newer professionals eager to be part of an authentic, collaborative community.

In an industry that can often feel isolating—especially for independent operators and business owners—this gathering has become more than just a networking event; it’s a professional support system.

“There’s no pressure to pass leads or hit targets,” explains Ms Black. “It’s about catching up with friends rather than exchanging business cards. If connections happen organically, great—but there’s no obligation.”

This relaxed approach has fostered genuine, lasting relationships, with attendees returning month after month because they enjoy the conversations, not out of obligation.

“We’ve got people from all areas—corporate real estate, marketing, sales, proptech, property management, coaching—you name it,” she says.

“Everyone brings something unique, and that’s what makes it special.”

For those working independently, the event offers a sense of camaraderie that’s often missing when running a solo business. “For some, this is the only team they have,” she adds.

Despite being relatively new, the catch-up has already built a dedicated following, with attendees making significant efforts to be part of it.

“We’ve had people fly in just to attend and others drive from the Central Coast,” says Ms Black.

This level of commitment speaks volumes. Attendees aren’t just coming for coffee; they’re coming for connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

“In real estate, it’s easy to feel like you’re on an island,” she notes. “This gives people a space to talk, share, and connect in a way that feels supportive rather than competitive.”

One of the event’s biggest takeaways is that sometimes, simply showing up is enough.

“For many, the hardest part of networking is walking into a room full of strangers,” says Ms Black. “But because this is so relaxed and welcoming, it doesn’t feel intimidating.”

As the catch-up continues to grow, there are plans to expand, with the possibility of launching similar gatherings in other cities.