How do you make the leap when everyone says “just start” but nobody tells you how to find your first real assignments?
Thinking about freelancing in tech?
Already started, but still figuring out how to build momentum?
Then this event is for you!
The real question in 2026 is:
How do I build a freelance career that actually works with clients, confidence, and a network I can grow on?
At this event hosted by Insitoo Benelux and Clusity, we bring together aspiring freelancers, early-stage freelancers and experienced freelancers for an honest evening about what it really takes to get started in tech freelancing today and how to build long-term sucess in a volatile world.
No glorified success story.
No “quit your job and it will all work out” talk.
But a real conversation about starting, switching, growing, doubting, evolving and finding your own path.
Why this event matters
A lot of people who want to freelance in tech have the same questions:
How do I find my first assignments?
How do I build a network when I’m just starting out?
How do I position myself if I’m not “senior senior” yet?
Can I still stand out in a market where everyone seems visible, experienced, and already connected?
And maybe the biggest one: am I really ready?
That’s exactly why we’re organizing this evening.
You’ll get practical insights, relatable stories, and the chance to meet others who are in the same phase: people exploring freelancing, people who just started, and people who want to grow into it with more clarity.
The Talk: The advantage of having it done before
by Karen De Bock, Freelancers for Operations & Project Consultant
Karen is a digital professional with more than 20 years of experience across design, front-end development, project management, and client strategy.
Freelancing gave Karen the independence, flexibility, and variety she was looking for, and it became a defining step in her career.
What started as solo freelance work eventually grew into a business she co-built with an associate. Over time, that business expanded into a company of around 25 people.
Why she left the agency world and now is back all into freelancing will be her surprise for you during her talk!
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Karen is a digital professional with more than 20 years of experience across design, front-end development, project management, and client strategy.
She began her career as employee in graphic design and creating websites, before making the move into freelance design and front-end development.
Freelancing gave Karen the independence, flexibility, and variety she was looking for, and it became a defining step in her career. What started as solo freelance work eventually grew into a business she co-built with an associate. Over time, that business expanded into a company of around 25 people.
As the company grew, so did Karen’s role. She moved from hands-on creative work into project management, account management, leadership, and eventually managing director responsibilities. Along the way, she developed deep experience in guiding clients, leading teams, and growing a business with clarity and empathy.
After the business was sold around the COVID period, Karen reached another turning point. Today, she is consciously returning to freelancing, focusing on the work that fits her best: project management, coaching people, and supporting others through change.
What we’ll talk about
During this session, we’ll explore questions like:
what freelancing in tech really looks like at the start
how to find assignments without relying only on luck
how to grow your network in a way that feels natural and useful
how your freelance direction can change over time
and why being a “normal freelancer” may be more powerful than trying to become a personal brand overnight
Expect practical insights, honest reflections, and useful conversations with peers and partners in the ecosystem.
Program
18:00 – Start event + registration
18:30 – Welcome
18:40 – Intro by Insitoo + Clusity
18:50 – Speaker session by Karen De Bock
19:10 – Q&A
19:20 – 1:1 networking
19:50 – Open networking
21:00 – End of event
For who?
This event is for:
people who want to become freelancers in tech
freelancers who started and want more direction
professionals who are exploring a move from employment to independent work
people who want to learn how to find assignments and build a stronger network
those who are capable and ambitious, but not necessarily positioning themselves as ultra-senior experts yet
Ready to dive into the world of tech? Everyone is welcome!
Huge thanks to our sponsor partner Insitoo!
Register now and join us for an inspiring event evening!
About Insitoo
For more than 15 years, Insitoo has specialized in IT and business freelancing, becoming a recognized reference in the freelance market through its expertise, transparency, and close relationships with both clients and consultants.
As a trusted intermediary between businesses and freelancers, Insitoo goes beyond simple matchmaking. Its approach is built on creating strong, long-term partnerships that deliver value for everyone involved.
For businesses, Insitoo helps simplify access to highly qualified talent by highlighting certified skills, proven experience, and trusted references. For freelancers, Insitoo supports and promotes their expertise through a personalized understanding of their career path, tailored assignment follow-up, and strong visibility of their online references.