It all started with an idea during a panel session at the Microsoft MVP Summit earlier this year. Simply stated, my thought was that sessions in or near the bar are almost always full. Why don’t we do some sessions locally for all different types of technologists and geeks at brewpubs. This way we can all network around beer and the technology du jour.
When I got home, I talked with Jes Borland (@grrl_geek) about the idea and if I remember she was on board from the word beer. We did some brainstorming and came up with a few ideas to help determine if this was feasible or not. Amazingly, it was very feasible.
After some discussion we enlisted another person to help out. Mark Cyrulik (@mcyrulik) came on board almost as fast as Jes did, although I think that discussion was a few tweets.
Then came some paperwork and more brainstorming and as of this week, Tech on Tap spun up and we are racing toward our first event.
What is the idea?
Brewpubs are great places to network and socialize and technology is fun. Bring the two together and who knows what kind of learning might happen.
For more details about the organization and upcoming events visit Tech on Tap.
Our first session on Virtualization is Saturday November 12th 2011 at the Stone Cellar Brew Pub in Appleton. We have an attendance limit for this event of 50 people. If we get more signups than we can accommodate, that will help us work toward the next Tech On Tap Session.
Where are the details?
The details of the specific events, especially the first one are still being finalized and are coming soon. Because this is our first event, it will likely take a little longer than we’d like, but should make going forward that much easier.
Thank you for all your help
Working on this project has been exciting and sometimes a bit scary, but Jes and Mark have been great partners in getting this rolling. Without their help, and form filling skills, I do not think this would have been more than an idea. You guys Rock!
My wife Laura is also at the top of my thank you list because she believed my idea was worth a shot and that I wasn’t crazy for going after it. Sure I’m busy and have a lot on my plate, but what’s one more thing? Thanks Honey.
We hope that others in the Fox Valley will find these sessions useful and share them with those they know.
