Dana Walton Launches "Table of 10" to Bring Authenticity Back to Industry Connection

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In a world where networking is often polished, performative and transactional, Australian real estate identity Dana Walton is taking a different approach, one built around authenticity, honesty and genuine human connection.

Over the weekend, Walton opened her home to nine members of her personal network for what she describes as a simple but powerful concept, “Table of 10 at Dane’s”.

The idea is intentionally stripped back. Ten people. One table. No agenda, no pitching, no curated professional personas.

Just real conversation.

Walton said the gathering was born out of a desire to create space for deeper connection at a time when many people feel the world has become increasingly divided and superficial.

Our beautiful world feels fractured right now. Division is loud, and too often connection is replaced by performance, she explained.

Saturday’s gathering, she said, served as a reminder of what can happen when people step away from traditional networking environments and simply show up as themselves.

The afternoon unfolded with open, honest discussions about life, business, challenges and opportunities, the kinds of conversations that rarely happen in formal industry settings.

For Walton, the experience reinforced something she believes many professionals are quietly seeking.

Depth.

Honesty.

And connection without competition.

Rather than creating another networking event, Walton says the intention is to build a genuine community of people who know and support one another beyond the usual professional surface.

As a result of the strong response from those who attended, Walton has now confirmed the initiative will become a regular fixture.

“Table of 10 at Dane’s” will be hosted quarterly, with the next gathering scheduled for Saturday 6 June from 1:00pm.

Despite the name, Walton says the format will remain flexible.

If ten people attend, the table stays intimate. If more express interest, the concept will simply evolve. And if fewer attend, the conversations will still happen.

For Walton, the number is far less important than the intention.

She believes the industry, and the wider community, needs more spaces built on respect, courage and authenticity.

Less surface-level networking.

More real conversations.

More meaningful relationships.

Sometimes, she says, all it takes to begin is opening the door and inviting people to pull up a chair.