I sent this out earlier today to my bi-weekly email list. Let me know if you’d like to on that. Otherwise, here are the events I know of that look awesome. 😀
DISCOUNTS and OPPORTUNITIES:
Discount TKTS: Virgance: Equinox II
Sept 15th, 6 – 11pm
Virgance builds companies that change the world by tapping into the hearts of activists and the minds of capitalists. Each Spring and Fall, Virgance brings together its members, volunteers, fans, friends, and team who make this social venture possible. This is a great opportunity to mingle with social entrepreneurs, business and non-profit leaders, activists, and political figures in the Bay Area who are combining forces to bring sustainability to every aspect of life and business. More information and exclusive SFbeta discounts at http://virganceequinox.eventbrite.com/?discount=sfbeta
15% off – Engage! Expo
Sept 23 – 24, All Day
Engage! Expo is the conference that covers the next generation of marketing, presenting the best practices, current trends, and effective strategies of social media and user engagement. Topics include: Game-based marketing, Building a viral metrics infrastructure, The State of Social Media, and Market Size and Key Trends. Leaders from major brands including Wal-Mart, Intel, H&R Block, and Kodak offer insightful discussions of their experience with social media, what worked and what lessons they learned. More details at www.engageexpo.com Use code “RFOPvip” when registering.
SVB Pitch Event
October 22nd
Silicon Valley Bank is hosting a pitch event on for software and services companies seeking seed funding. You must be seeking funding between $500K and $1.5M to be considered, in addition, we are seeking companies in the software and services sectors (consumer, gaming, digital media, infrastructure, energy efficiency, SaaS, mobile, enterprise). You will have seven minutes to present to an audience of approximately 40 Bay Area seed investors. If you would like to be considered for this event, please e-mail your executive summary to Shai Goldman at sgoldman@svb.com. Your executive summary should highlight the company’s revenue forecast, management team, business opportunities, competitive landscape and milestones reached and should be no longer than three pages. Applications are due by Thursday, September 17. For more information about the event, visit the http://www.svb.com/ svbshowcase/
$100 off – BizTechDay
Oct 22nd – 23rd, 2009
Each year, 1200+ business icons, renowned thought leaders and inspired entrepreneurs get to connect, educate, and inspire each other over two days with the most practical strategies and innovative tactics on how to best use new technologies to start and grow their businesses. From building a strong brand on Google, Yelp, or Facebook to successfully raising funds; from building partnerships with Fortune 500 Companies to building your online community from zero to millions – BizTechDay will cover all you need to know to ensure your business forges successfully ahead. Check out http://www.biztechday.com for information, and use code “SFBeta819” at registration to get your discount!
DEMO: SNAP Summit: FailCon
October 27th, 8:30a – 6:00p
FailCon is looking for 20 awesome companies to demo. Ideally, you’ve got a finished product, some user testing under your belt, and maybe an angel round (but no Series A). We’ll be giving each company 3 hours at a station, to demo to attendees and rack up the votes for who’s going to make it through the next year. The top two demos will be given stage time at the end of the day. Details are at http://snapsummit.com/demos
15% off – Virtual Goods Summit 2009
Oct 29th – 30th, 2009
The market opportunity for virtual goods continues to expand as developers and publishers get a deeper understanding of how virtual goods work and how best to maximize the business opportunity around them. The 2009 edition of the virtual goods summit will bring together thought leaders in this space to talk about what’s changed, what’s working, and the key challenges facing the industry.
Register at http://vgsummit2009-failcon. eventbrite.com and use the code FAILCON for a 15% discount on General Admission tickets.
SAN FRANCISCO EVENTS
Virgance: Equinox II
Sept 15th, 6 – 11pm
Virgance builds companies that change the world by tapping into the hearts of activists and the minds of capitalists. Each Spring and Fall, Virgance brings together its members, volunteers, fans, friends, and team who make this social venture possible. This is a great opportunity to mingle with social entrepreneurs, business and non-profit leaders, activists, and political figures in the Bay Area who are combining forces to bring sustainability to every aspect of life and business. More information and exclusive SFbeta discounts at http://virganceequinox.eventbrite.com/?discount=sfbeta
TC50 AfterParty
Sept 15th, 8:00p – 2:00a
TechCrunch50 is the global competition conference for start-ups. Attendees enjoy an action-packed agenda, including pitches, panels, working breakfasts and lunch sessions, and after parties at the San Francisco Design Center Concourse, with 125,000 square feet of networking space. But if you’ve missed the show, do be sure to swing by this free party!
SF NewTech
Sept. 16th, 5:00 – 11:00pm
The SF New Tech Meetup is a series of regular events for VCs, journalists, hackers, techies, recruiters, CEOs—and you. It’s for people who want to see the latest and greatest new technology in their own backyard. Expect a great evening, where about a half dozen people/companies get 5 minutes to strut their stuff—and then we get to ask questions, make pithy comments, and let ‘em know what’s up! The room talks it out and it’s always fun. More information at http://sfnewtech.com/about/
SFBIG Digital Outlook Series
Sept 17th, 8:00 – 11:00am
In the first of a series of breakfast content panels focused on key Bay Area verticals addressing the evolution, trends and challenges of that industry, September’s inaugural panel event is dedicated to the financial services sector. The panel will consist of leading Bay Area-based marketers from influential financial services companies such as Barclays, Visa and Mint.com. Content will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing these businesses and individual marketers, and a discussion of their perspectives on digital marketing today and moving forward. Check out Facebook for more information.
Alphabar: Q is for…
Sept 17th, 8:00 – 11:55p
A great time hanging out with fun people at various local bars around the city. This week’s event hits Que Serah. While I keep missing these, I’ve heard from various peeps that the crowd is laid-back and fun. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Launch of Trendy Lime
Sept 18th, 10pm – 3am
The time has come to DANCE and celebrate the launch of TRENDY LIME!! After these guys have produced and co-hosted lots of cool events in San Francisco—from French Tuesdays and EuroCircle to the Digital Summer—they’ve now decided to join forces and start creating events together. This is how Trendy Lime was born, and “li-me” stands for Liana+Emmanuel. Join us for their inaugural party at the Supperclub. Info here.
Geek Reading: xkcd Creator Randall Munroe
Sept 21st, 6 – 9pm
The EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) is hosting an exciting fundraiser for their organization at one of my favorite bars, Minna Gallery! They’ve invited hit comic writer Randall Munroe (creator of XKCD) to talk shop, answer questions, and generally entertain the crowd. While not specifically a tech networking event, I think looks to be great fun. 🙂 Info at http://www.eff.org/xkcd
EcoTuesday
Sept 22nd, 6:00 – 9:00pm
ecoTuesday is committed to changing the way people do business. The monthly event provides a structured environment where sustainable business leaders network with one another and gain insight from industry thought-leaders and trendsetters. Everyone in the room quickly learns about everyone else during the “introduction circle.” EcoTuesday.com connects participants between events, serves as a hub for conversations and showcases local businesses. Please join us in Silicon Valley with Marianna Grossman of Sustainable SV and in San Francisco with Marianne Williamson. RSVP at www.ecotuesday.com
DineForChange Launch Event
Sept 23rd, 6 – 10pm
This is a great opportunity for you to meet many local professional organizations and non profits to see how you can get involved. Come network and learn how you can get involved with DineForChange and make a difference in your community just by eating and having fun! There will be a great live performance by Fat Magic from 6-7PM. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjP6bIEvFxw We are expecting a full house for the evening. Please RSVP with us ASAP to ensure entry. If you are a non profit or profesional organization, please contact us via e-mail at info@dineforchange.com for further details on how your organization can be featured. Otherwise, do drop by their Event Page to RSVP.
Cardboard Tube Fighting
Sept 27th, 4 – 6pm
Alright, not a tech event. But super fun, and I swear, I WILL be at this one (Ive even started making armor!) From their site “Come one, come all, to the Cardboard Tube Fighting League Tournament. Prepare yourselves for a late afternoon of cardboard tube wielding mayhem as contestants vie for the title of Corrugated Champion. Prizes for the winner and best cardboard costume. If there is rain, and it is light, we will probably still be there.” Info on their site at http://tubeduel.com/
Elance 101 – How to Find, Hire, Manage and Pay Online Experts to Get Work Done
Sept 29th, 3:00 – 5:30pm
Have you heard about the new way to work? NYT calls it “tapping a new talent pool.” WSJ calls it the “freelance economy.” Others all it just plain smart. Come to this session and learn about how tapping into the tens of thousands of online experts who are available to work for you whenever you need it can help you be successful in your business. This will be followed by a networking Happy Hour (6:00 – 7:00pm) at nearby Varnish Art Gallery and Bar, open even to those unable to attend the earlier event. Info and registration at http://elance101.eventbrite. com/ and http://thenewwaytowork. eventbrite.com/
Geek Chic Inaugural Event
Oct. 6th, 6:00 – 9:00pm
I don’t have much info on this amazing mixer, but I know it’ll be pairing life style and fashion with the hottest founders, investors, and media around. To take place at Bima Loft; entrance will be $10, but the alcohol, activities, and music there will be free. I’ll let you know as I learn more, but mark your calendars. This will be a gala not to be missed.
SF PHP/MySQL Meetup
Oct 1st, 6:30 – 10:00pm
Besides being used at LiveJournal.com, Gearman is also now used by other organizations such as Yahoo! and Digg. Development is now active again with an optimized rewrite in C, along with features such as persistent message queues and pluggable protocols. We’re also introducing new and improved client APIs, including new user-defined functions for MySQL, Drizzle, and PostgreSQL. The Gearman APIs and simple server installation allow you to have your own distributed computing framework setup in a matter of minutes, which enables you to focus on your own code rather than the plumbing. This talk will introduce these concepts, how to get started, and then describe a few common use cases. Info at http://www.sfphp.org/calendar/ 11251755/
GeeksOnAPlane: Europe
Sept 18th – Oct 2nd
GeeksOnaPlane Europe 2009 is hosted by Dave McClure, Founders Fund and Brady Forrest, O’Reilly Media. We are inviting Silicon Valley & US entrepreneurs, technologists, investors, and bloggers on a 14-day tour of Europe’s top technology cities, events, and people featuring stops in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Paris, plus a kickoff event in Washington, DC. For more information and to request an invitation, check out http://geeksonaplane.com/
BAY AREA EVENTS
How do VCs Select Angel-Backed Deals
Sept 16th, 5:30 – 8:30
Palo Alto, CA
Angels and angel networks historically provide more seed capital to entrepreneurs than the entire VC Community combined. Angel-backed deals should be the logical place for VCs to look for early stage deals. Yet, only a fraction of the deals that Angels start do VCs choose to take to the next level of funding and beyond. How do VCs choose which deals to back and which deals to leave behind? What types of companies do organized Angels finance? What makes Angel-backed companies most attractive to VCs? Join us and find out. More information at http://www.VCTaskForce.com
SVASE VC Breakfast with Len Rand
Sept 17th, 8:00 – 9:30a
The SVASE VC Breakfast club provides a terrific opportunity for entrepreneurs to meet with VCs in a relaxed, informal setting, to build relationships and get valuable feedback on their startup idea. Participating entrepreneurs deliver an extended elevator pitch for 8 – 10 minutes, and the guest VC provides immediate feedback, enabling fast, effective, accessible mentoring and relationship development. A unique opportunity indeed for entrepreneurs to meet with potential investors who they otherwise would struggle to meet, and take away ideas, advice and possible leads from the guest VC as action steps. More information at http://www.svase.org/?q=node/2258
MobilePlay 2009
Sept 17th, 10:00a – 8:00p
Sunnyvale, CA
Please join us as mobile industry leaders gather to discuss monetization strategies, location based services, mobile payment, mobile application analytics, gaming, and mobile device impact on the market. The conference will include a demo session featuring the hottest applications in mobile today. Registration and more info at http://mobileplay.eventbrite.com/
TechKaraoke SV
Sept 17th, 6:30 – 11:00pm
Menlo Park, CA
Alright everyone. It’s long overdue already, and we have a new venue! Bring your karaoke voices and meet us at the BBC to get your drink and sing on Thanks to our sponsors – ZDNet and Cookies by Design! (Details at their FB page.)
SDForum Open Innovation and Research Forum
Sept 18th, 8:30a – 3:00p
Santa Clara, CA
Sales are down, unemployment is at record levels, budgets are slashed and investment dollars are harder to get than ever before. How do companies continue to innovate during these economic hard times and plan for the future? Hear key influencers from Silicon Valley’s leading high-tech corporations, including IBM, HP, Microsoft and Nokia share their thoughts, insights and best practices on how not only to survive, but to identify market share and growth opportunities. Learn how industry leaders innovate and how to partner with them. Information is at www.sdforum.org
HackerDojo Grand Opening
Sept 19th, 7:30pm – 1:00am
Mountain View, CA
Hacker Dojo wants YOU to come celebrate our first month of operation in style! There will be a dj (or two!), great people and tasty edibles for your enjoyment. HackerDoJo is a “Startup Un-Incorperated”! People volunteered to fix it up, wire the network, bring furniture, HD TV, games, wall posters/paintings, food, projector, fun photo booth., etc. Conversation flows every where about new ideas, collaborative opportunities, coding tips, or just random “umm, I think I can bring …. next time..” Info here!
SV Tweetup #3
Sept 23rd, 5:30 – 8:30pm
San Jose, CA
Please join Brian Solis at Hotel Valencia (Cielo Lounge) for some cocktails and networking and book Signing. Generally looks to be a great group of folks. For more info, check out http://www.siliconvalleytweetup.com
Digital Family Summit
Sept 23rd, 5pm – 12midnight
Santa Monica, CA
Join the Digital Family for an evening of exploration on the topic of “Managing Online Communities. Jason Calacanis, CEO of Mahalo, will broadcast “This Week In Start-Ups” live from the event and his guests will be community experts Peter Hirshberg, chairman of The Conversation Group and Michael Jones, COO of MySpace. Results of the first-ever Managing Online Communities survey will be presented by Karen North, Director, USC Annenberg Program on Online Communities and Gerry Philpott, CEO of E-Poll. Info here!
Kamala Harris Meetup
Sept 23rd, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Menlo Park, CA
Not tech related, but something I’m working on and so just wanted to drop the word. Since it’s political and I tend to try to avoid politics in this mailing, I will say no more. Just let me know if you want info on how to attend, or check out http://kamalaharris.org/donate/event/503
PlugandPlay TechCenter Events
Daily!
So PlugandPlay TechCenter has a ton of awesome events, and it would take an entire newsletter just to share them all. Skim their calendar regularly to see what they have to offer. (I’m a fan of the entrepreneur-engineer mashup, myself.) http://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/calendar/
SVASE Series
Weekly
SVASE, the Silicon Valley Association of Startup Entrepreneurs, is the largest and fastest growing nonprofit association in Northern California dedicated exclusively to helping early stage tech entrepreneurs. They hold events regularly in the peninsula, and occasionally the city itself. There are too many to name in my brief email, but be sure to check them out for advice on investment, team development, financing, corporate leadership, and much more: http://www.svase.org/
SDforum
Weekly
Not to add another list of events to my list, but SDforum also has something every other day. Essentially “SDForum is the leading Silicon Valley not-for-profit organization providing an unbiased source of information and insight to the technology community. SDForum provides a venue for engineers, executives, researchers, technology leaders, and venture capitalists to exchange information on emerging technologies and best practices.” Info on their events at www.sdforum.com.
A Web 2.0 Wallflower 