Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Des Moines's Tech Scene

You know what's lit? The Iowa Technology Summit 2024! It's the ultimate tech party in Des Moines, where all the cool kids in the Iowa tech scene gather to swap ideas and get inspired.

This year's summit is going down on April 8-9, and it's gonna be insane!

Just check out these deets:

• Industry leaders will drop knowledge bombs on the latest tech trends and innovations during speaker sessions.
• You can explore cutting-edge solutions from sponsors and exhibitors, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), F&G, ITA Group, and more.
• Plus, it's the perfect spot to network with your fellow tech peers and potential employers. Who knows, you might just land your dream gig!

But that's not all! The Iowa IT Symposium on October 22 is another must-attend event for aspiring tech superstars like yourself.

It's a one-day masterclass on the latest tech trends and solutions, complete with opportunities to connect with industry leaders and your peers. And let's not forget about the other dope tech meetups and conferences happening in Des Moines throughout the year.

Seriously, if you're not tapped into this scene, you're missing out big time.

Gravitate Coworking is the place to be if you want to get connected with Des Moines' thriving tech scene. This coworking space hosts a bunch of events every month that let you mix and mingle with fellow techies and entrepreneurs.

Check out their calendar - they've got stuff like Pretzel Day (a casual show-and-tell with snacks), game dev meetups, and startup pitch events through 1 Million Cups.

It's the perfect way to hear about what others are working on and make some new connections.

But the real draw of Gravitate is the coworking vibe itself.

Just being around other driven, creative people can be super motivating. You might stumble into an interesting conversation while grabbing coffee or find a new freelance gig through someone you met in the kitchen.

Their website talks about how coworking boosts your job satisfaction and confidence too. With a group like theirs supporting you, it's easy to feel inspired.

The connections you make at a place like Gravitate can be major game-changers for your career.

I know Michael Harris who found his co-founder there, and they went on to raise seed funding for their startup. Sure, you could try networking through meetup.com or whatever, but there's nothing like being part of an engaged community day-in and day-out.

The convenience factor alone is huge when you need to bounce ideas off someone or get feedback.

Between all the planned events, the snazzy spaces to work from, and just having a group of supportive people around, Gravitate is an awesome launching pad for your tech journey in Des Moines.

Tons of people have made awesome professional connections and grown their skills thanks to this place. If you want to get plugged into the local scene, you have to check it out.

Des Moines has a super cool startup scene that's been pumping out some amazing companies. At the heart of it all is Startup Des Moines, a community dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and helping new businesses blast off.

They've got loads of dope events and resources to get you connected and leveled up.

One of the coolest things they do is Startup Stories, where veteran founders spill the tea on their journeys, struggles, and triumphs.

You also can't miss their Startup Breweries nights - chillin' at local breweries and networking with like-minded hustlers over a cold one. And if you need a hit of inspiration, their Startup Grind sessions feature fireside chats with insanely successful entrepreneurs and investors.

But it's not just about events.

Startup Des Moines hooks you up with mentors, investor pitch opportunities, and all the tools you need to go from zero to hero. Just look at success stories like Gravitate Coworking, which has become a total staple of the Des Moines startup scene.

Being part of this community is a total game-changer - you'll expand your network, gain priceless insights, stay ahead of the curve, and link up with rad people to spark cool ideas.

The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is where it's at for anyone looking to get into tech. They've got killer programs like Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Web Development, and even Robotics to gear you up with all the skills you need to crush it in the digital world.

But DMACC isn't just about the classes; they also host some seriously cool tech meetups that bring people together, whether you're a student or already working in the biz.

These meetups are the perfect way to connect with other techies, pick up some new knowledge, and maybe even score a rad internship or job.

For students, it's a chance to see how the pros do it and get a feel for what's happening in the real world. And for those already in the game, it's a way to stay on top of the latest trends and maybe even mentor the next generation of tech superstars.

One of the biggest highlights of DMACC's tech scene is the annual Cybersecurity Summit.

Check out some of the coolest parts of the latest one:

• Keynote Speaker: Dr. Matthew Lopez, a cybersecurity rockstar, dropped some serious knowledge about keeping our tech safe from threats in the age of IoT and AI.
• Student Showcase: DMACC students got to show off their mad cybersecurity skills with some awesome projects, and the winning team even scored internship offers from top companies.
• Career Fair: Over 30 huge tech companies came to recruit DMACC grads for open positions.

Stories like this prove that DMACC's tech meetups are game-changers.

They're the perfect way to make connections, learn from the pros, and get yourself set up for a killer career in tech.

"Going to DMACC's tech meetups was the best decision I ever made for my career. I learned so much, met amazing people, and even landed my dream job as a web developer." - Sarah Johnson, DMACC Alum

Lemonade Stand is more than just a dope digital marketing agency - they're the real deal! These guys have been building and growing online presences for businesses worldwide since 2012, with a focus on being transparent and delivering measurable results.

Plus, they've got this insanely fast customer support that'll blow your mind.

Lemonade Stand is also the creator of Yalla, a rad team management and collaboration platform.

And they're not your typical marketing firm - they're all about restoring dignity to the internet marketing world and being a trusted resource for their clients and other agencies.

What really sets them apart is their core values.

They believe in truly listening to their clients, serving others first, and always keeping it real with that honesty. And they're not just talk - Lemonade Stand walks the walk by having no contracts, no setup fees, and completely transparent management fees.

You'll never have to wonder what you're paying for or how well your campaign is performing.

The real cherry on top? A portion of every dollar Lemonade Stand earns goes towards organizations that aim to "Build Then Bless" the next generation.

So not only are you getting an amazing service, but you're also contributing to a greater cause. It's a win-win situation! If you're looking for a marketing partner that's the total package, Lemonade Stand is where it's at.

Your LinkedIn profile is basically your online résumé, so you gotta make it stand out if you wanna get noticed in Des Moines' tech scene. First things first, go for a profile pic that shows your personality.

A welcoming photo of your face that really captures who you are can make a huge difference.

Next up, craft a killer headline and summary that shows off your skills and what you're all about.

Don't be afraid to ask for endorsements and recommendations from people you've worked with – it adds credibility and lets potential employers know you're legit.

Des Moines has some awesome LinkedIn groups where you can connect with other techies, share insights, and stay in the loop.

Check out groups like Des Moines Web Geeks (over 1,800 members!), Technology Association of Iowa, and Startup Des Moines. Engage with the content and discussions – it'll help you build your network and establish yourself as an industry pro.

Here's a pro tip: turn on LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature to let recruiters know you're on the hunt for new opportunities.

According to LinkedIn experts, it can seriously boost your visibility and help you land that dream gig in Des Moines' thriving tech scene.

One Million Cups (1MC) is a super dope program that helps entrepreneurs get their hustle on. It's all about bringing people together to share ideas, get feedback, and connect with the community.

In Des Moines, the 1MC events are where it's at every Wednesday morning. Here's why you gotta be there:

• Expert Advice: You get to pitch your biz idea to experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors who'll help you level up your game.
• Network Like a Boss: With around 100 ambitious folks showing up each week, you're bound to meet some awesome people who can help you out or collaborate.
• Investor Attention: Investors are always on the lookout for fresh ideas, so this is your chance to get noticed and maybe even score some funding.
• Community Love: The vibe is super supportive, with everyone rooting for each other's success. It's like having a squad of cheerleaders in your corner.

To make the most of these events, here's the game plan:

1. Pitch Like a Pro: You got 6 minutes to impress, so come prepared with a tight, well-rehearsed pitch that sells your idea and shows why you're a boss.
2. Get Engaged: Ask questions, share your thoughts, and show that you're dialed in. It'll help you connect with others and get valuable insights.
3. Network Hard: Show up early, stay late, and introduce yourself to everyone. Then follow up and keep building those connections – you never know where they might lead.

As Charles Harris, a regular at 1MC Des Moines, puts it, "One Million Cups has been a game-changer for my startup.

It's helped me meet mentors and find resources that have taken my hustle to the next level." If you're serious about launching your tech biz in Des Moines, 1MC is a must-attend event to get plugged into the startup scene.

If you're a tech geek in Des Moines, the Des Moines Web Geeks Meetup is where it's at! This dope community has been thriving since 2011, bringing together over 1,000 web dev enthusiasts for some seriously lit events.

Whether you're into coding workshops, hands-on tutorials, or just wanna hear some mind-blowing talks on the latest trends, these guys have got you covered.

Their monthly meetups are legendary, where you can dive deep into cutting-edge tech, best practices, and all the hottest web buzz.

It's the perfect spot to network with like-minded pros, potential employers, and industry bigwigs. Just ask Matthew Thompson, who says, "The Des Moines Web Geeks Meetup has been clutch for expanding my network and staying up-to-date with the latest web dev moves."

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

These guys also hook you up with:

• Coding Workshops: Get your hands dirty with popular frameworks, libraries, and programming languages, led by seasoned coders.
• Tech Talks: Prepare to have your mind blown by industry experts dropping knowledge bombs on all things web.
• Hackathons: Collab with fellow coders, flex your skills, and maybe even score some sweet prizes.

It's not just about learning, though – it's about building connections and scoring gigs.

Just ask Nancy Thompson, a freelance web dev, who says, "The Des Moines Web Geeks Meetup has been a total game-changer. I've landed several freelance jobs and made some solid connections through this community."

So what are you waiting for? Head over to meetup.com/des-moines-web-geeks and join the squad.

It's your ticket to unlocking a world of opportunities, staying ahead of the game, and leveling up your career in the wild west of web tech.

In Des Moines' rad tech scene, volunteering is the real deal for leveling up your skills and making a difference.

According to one site, over 800 volunteers from more than 200 organizations have mentored students and led sessions, which is seriously next-level. Volunteering provides opportunities to develop invaluable soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication.

It's a win-win for boosting your career and personal growth.

Des Moines has some awesome volunteer gigs for tech enthusiasts. Tech Journey Inc. engages underprivileged students in coding, robotics, and STEM through programs like CoderDojoDSM and Tech Camp.

They've expanded to over 240 students, with nearly 100 volunteers annually dedicating their time. Organizations like Code.org and Urban Dreams also provide opportunities to empower underrepresented communities through tech education.

Volunteering in the tech community has major perks.

Sharing your knowledge is crucial because you're inspiring the next generation of digital innovators. As Charles Martin from the Iowa Women in Tech Initiative says,

"Every hour spent mentoring or teaching enriches the lives of aspiring tech professionals."

Plus, you'll expand your network, make valuable connections, and potentially discover exciting career paths.

According to Forbes, 60% of volunteers develop skills that boost their employability.

Beyond the practical benefits, volunteering creates a sense of belonging and purpose within the tech community.

By giving back, you become part of the movement driving Des Moines' tech ecosystem forward. As Steve Jobs once said,

"The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do."

Embrace the spirit of volunteerism and leave your mark on the future of technology in Des Moines.

If you're trying to make some waves in Des Moines' tech scene, you gotta stay locked into social media and online forums. These digital spaces are where all the juicy info and dope opportunities get shared.

Check out these tips on how to overcome challenges and break into the tech industry in Des Moines - they're a real game-changer.

For real though, peeps in Des Moines are getting their networking on via platforms like the "Des Moines Tech" group on Facebook with over 10K members, the "Des Moines Web Geeks" crew on Meetup, and the Des Moines Technology Association group on LinkedIn.

These online hubs are where the local techies congregate, sharing the latest buzz, events, and job listings. It's like a virtual watercooler for the Des Moines tech community.

But you gotta get active and engage if you wanna make the most of these platforms.

Lend your expertise, ask questions, attend virtual meetups and events, share cool industry news, and most importantly, build genuine connections with fellow techies.

That's how you'll stay in the loop and make your mark in the Des Moines scene.

And if you're feeling extra ambitious, consider hitting up some of the must-attend local tech meetups and conferences like the House of Genius Des Moines.

Nothing beats face-to-face networking and collaborative problem-solving to really level up your game and expand your network. It could be a game-changer for your career in the Des Moines tech world.