Finding In-Person Technical Networking Events

Here are suggestions for a person looking to find in-person technical networking events, regardless of their location:

1. Leverage Online Platforms Specifically for Events

• Meetup.com: This is an excellent resource for finding local interest-based groups. Search for terms relevant to your technical interests (e.g., "tech," "software development," "AI," "cybersecurity," "data science," "web design," "coding," specific programming languages, or even "game development") along with your city or a nearby major city. Many cities have active tech communities on Meetup. Example searches might include: "[Your City Name] Python Users Group," "[Your City Name] Women in Tech," "[Your City Name] JavaScript Meetup," "Cloud Computing Professionals [Your City Name]."
• Eventbrite: Similar to Meetup, Eventbrite hosts a wide range of professional and technical events, from small workshops to larger conferences. Use keywords like "tech," "networking," "conference," "hackathon," or specific technologies in your location.
• Local Tech Calendars/News Sites: Many cities or regions have dedicated online calendars or news sites that list local tech events. A quick Google search for "[Your City Name] tech events calendar" or "[Your City Name] startup events" can often uncover these.

2. Explore Local Tech Organizations and Communities

• University and College Tech Departments: Even if you're not a student there, many university computer science, engineering, or IT departments host public seminars, guest lectures, tech talks, or career fairs. Check their event calendars. Student-run tech clubs (e.g., ACM chapters, IEEE student branches) sometimes host events open to the public.
• Local Chambers of Commerce: While general, local chambers of commerce often host business networking events where you might encounter professionals from the tech sector. They may also list events put on by their members, some of whom will be tech companies.
• Tech Hubs, Incubators, Accelerators, and Co-working Spaces: Major cities often have dedicated spaces that foster the tech and startup community. These places frequently host public events, workshops, pitch nights, and meetups. Search for "[Your City Name] tech incubator," "[Your City Name] co-working space," or "[Your City Name] startup accelerator."
• Industry-Specific User Groups/Chapters: Look for local chapters of national or international tech organizations relevant to your interests. Examples: OWASP (cybersecurity), Agile Alliance, IEEE, ACM, local chapters of Python user groups (PyData, PyLadies), Java User Groups (JUGs), or groups focused on specific cloud providers (AWS User Groups, Azure Meetups).
• Non-Profit Tech Organizations: Many cities have non-profits dedicated to fostering the tech community, promoting diversity in tech, or providing tech education. These organizations frequently host events.

3. Attend Conferences, Expos, and Hackathons (Local, Regional, and Online-Promoted)

• Local/Regional Conferences: Search for "tech conference [Your State/Region]" or "software development conference [Your City/State]". These can be excellent for concentrated networking.
• Hackathons: Many hackathons are open to students and provide intense learning and networking opportunities with peers and mentors from industry. Look for "[Your City Name] hackathon" or "student hackathon [Your Region]".
• Job Fairs/Career Expos (Tech-Focused): Universities and professional organizations often host career fairs specifically for tech roles. Even if you're not actively job searching, these are great for meeting company representatives and learning about local tech companies.

4. Utilize Professional Networking Sites

• LinkedIn: This is a powerful tool.
  • Event Search: Use LinkedIn's "Events" feature and filter by your location and keywords like "tech," "networking," or specific technologies.
  • Follow Companies/Organizations: Follow local tech companies, relevant industry associations, and individuals you admire in your area. They often post about events they are hosting or attending.
  • Join Groups: Join LinkedIn groups focused on tech in your city or region. Event announcements are common in these groups.
• Twitter/X: Follow local tech influencers, startups, VCs, and tech news outlets in your city. Many events are announced and promoted here using relevant hashtags (e.g., #YourCityTech, #YourCityStartups).

5. Word of Mouth and Local Communities

• Talk to Professors and Mentors: Your instructors, academic advisors, and any mentors you have might know about local tech events or communities.
• Connect with Alumni: Reach out to alumni from your program who are working in tech in your area. They can be invaluable sources of information about local events and networking opportunities.
• Industry Professionals You Know: Any contacts you have in the tech industry can provide insights into local events.

Tips for Attending In-Person Events:

• Define Your Goal: What do you hope to achieve? Learn about a new tech? Find an internship? Connect with potential mentors?
• Prepare Your "Elevator Pitch": Briefly and clearly explain who you are (a student studying X), what your interests are, and what you're looking for (e.g., "I'm a computer science student interested in AI and looking to learn more about industry applications").
• Bring a Way to Connect: Have a LinkedIn profile ready (use the QR code feature or "Find Nearby" for easy connections), or if you prefer, simple business cards with your name, university, major, and LinkedIn URL.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: Show genuine interest in what others do and discuss. This is more effective than just talking about yourself.
• Follow Up: After the event, send a personalized LinkedIn connection request or email to the people you met. Reference something specific you discussed to refresh their memory and continue the conversation.
• Be Professional and Enthusiastic: Make a good impression. Your enthusiasm for learning and networking will shine through.

For other locations not listed: Google "technical networking events in <your city and state>". Nearby large cities may also provide a richer set of possible events to attend.

Have other sources you'd like to see listed here? Please email events@cbus-networking-events.org with the details.

Please note: All events subject to change. Confirm well in advance. Some events may be remote. Some events may charge a fee (but may have reduced or free admission for students).