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# Dinner and a show
- URL: https://madewithlove.com/blog/dinner-and-a-show/
- Published: 2019-10-23T09:40:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-02T12:32:26.000Z
- Author: Steve Tauber
- Tags: madewithlove, CTO

Because we are constantly learning, madewithlove hosts [CTO dinners](https://madewithlove.com/blog/improving-companies-by-sharing-stories-and-cauliflower-risotto-at-our-first-cto-dinner/) as a way of facilitating conversations between CTOs of Belgium. [The role of a CTO is complex](https://madewithlove.com/blog/one-job-many-roles-the-different-skills-needed-to-be-a-successful-cto/) and varies depending on the stage you are in.

It’s important to prepare yourself and build skills for what is coming next. I found the dinner I attended particularly useful because I could connect with others that are facing similar challenges.

![CTO dinner AWS september madewithlove](https://madewithlove.com/blog/content/images/2024/08/cto-dinner-aws-september-2019-madewithlove-59-1024x683.jpg)

![CTO dinner AWS september madewithlove](https://madewithlove.com/blog/content/images/2024/08/cto-dinner-aws-september-2019-madewithlove-47-1024x683.jpg)

The evening started with a cocktail hour where I had a chance to meet CTOs from startups such as [CitizenLab](https://www.citizenlab.co/), [SettleMint](https://www.settlemint.com/), [Keyrock](https://keyrock.eu/), [Teamleader](https://www.teamleader.eu/), and [SweepBright](https://www.sweepbright.com/). We discussed our personal journeys and the latest products we were building. Next, we sat down for the first course. After I ate some delicious soup, there was a gruelling 2-hour sales pitch. Just kidding. Andreas ([our CEO](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreascreten/)) thanked us for attending — and that was that. No sales pitch. No boring speech. As the main course was served, we rotated seats and kept the conversation flowing.

![CTO dinner AWS september madewithlove](https://madewithlove.com/blog/content/images/2024/08/cto-dinner-aws-september-2019-madewithlove-33-1024x683.jpg)

It was nice to meet CTOs that were working on similarly-sized teams and products. We had the chance to compare pain points and discuss what was working and what wasn’t. I also had a long conversation with a CTO that worked with much bigger teams. It was interesting to hear his perspective on certain problems.

![CTO dinner AWS september madewithlove](https://madewithlove.com/blog/content/images/2024/08/cto-dinner-aws-september-2019-madewithlove-26-1024x683.jpg)

Just before dessert, we swapped seats a second time. We thanked [AWS](https://aws.amazon.com) for sponsoring the event then the conversations and learning continued as time drifted away. It was nearly midnight before the last guest faded into the night. I was full of red wine, new ideas, and comfort in knowing that the products I work on are headed in the right direction. I would definitely attend a CTO dinner again if I could. Where else do you get the opportunity to have such intimate conversations with the business leaders of Belgium.

![CTO dinner AWS september madewithlove](https://madewithlove.com/blog/content/images/2024/08/cto-dinner-aws-september-2019-madewithlove-39-1024x683.jpg)