During and after 2.Ohio (a pro-Obama tech event in Columbus), we heard repeatedly "when is the next event?"
A quote from Columbus Tech Life Meetup:
Mark Storey , Head and Heart Coaching, LLC: "I was impressed with the coordination level with just about 4 weeks of planning. Great program, great coordination, great networking! What's next?"
With over 200 attendees at a tech event with a political purpose, what might we get if we removed the politics?
A LOT. We received a tremendous response when we opened it up. Calling the informal group Columbus Tech Life, we found folks very interested in helping create a culture of innovation in Columbus. Not a big surprise. Throw an idea at entrepreneurs that the entrepreneurs care about and the results are staggering. Columbus Tech Life is now 7 weeks old and here is what we have so far:
- Almost 400 members on the Columbus Tech Life meetup.
- A quickly filling event calendar. The first two weeks of December offer 10 independent events of interest to the tech community.
- An active and open Columbus Tech Life wiki with 136 users.
Who are the conveners of the additional events? They are folks who recognize the value of in person networking and all share a vision of a strong Columbus tech community. Columbus Tech Life online networking is deeply integrated with the in person networking. When I go to an event, I will meet folks I have either communicated with online or who╒s online posts I have read. And the opposite is true also. I'll meet someone in person and then begin communicating online. Having both offline and online networking opportunities speeds up the development of the relationships because I am not dependent upon only one method. 
I organized the Columbus Tech Life Mixer held on November 24. 2008. Approximately 30 joined the group for drinks at Black Creek Bistro. We did not have a sponsor. I simply made arrangements for the space and promoted it via the Columbus Tech Life Meetup and wiki. Little time investment from me but another networking opportunity for myself and the Columbus tech community.
