Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into Oklahoma City's Tech Scene

Ready to level up your tech career in OKC? Techlahoma Foundation is where it's at, with a massive network of over 5,000 tech professionals, students, and future innovators.

Their 26 free user groups and 3 conferences cover everything from coding and data science to mobile apps and design.

What makes these meetups extra special is how they actually teach the skills you need to land tech jobs - no fluff, just real-world knowledge. Plus, they've secured $35,000 in grants this year to expand their impact, meaning even more opportunities for us to learn and connect.

The foundation runs amazing programs like OK Coders bootcamp and offers mentorship that can fast-track your career. Whether you're into web development, looking to break into cybersecurity, or curious about AI, there's a space for you here.

The best part? You'll meet people who are already working your dream job and can help you get there too. By showing up and getting involved, you're not just attending events - you're joining a community that's actively shaping Oklahoma's tech future.

Oklahoma City's tech conference scene is absolutely buzzing with opportunities for anyone looking to break into the industry. Beyond the standard events, there's a whole lineup of exciting conferences happening throughout 2024.

The OkACTE STEM Mid-Winter Conference kicks things off in January, followed by specialized events like GenAI Introduction and IoT workshops.

What makes these events so valuable? According to recent industry insights, tech conferences offer hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, and direct access to industry leaders who share real-world experiences.

The networking opportunities are incredible - you can connect with developers, designers, and entrepreneurs who might become future collaborators or mentors. Plus, TECHSPO and DigiMarCon events bring cutting-edge tech showcases to our region, letting you explore the latest tools and innovations firsthand.

Pro tip: come prepared with questions, bring plenty of business cards (yes, people still use them!), and don't be shy about joining conversations. The tech community is surprisingly welcoming to newcomers, and these events are perfect for making those first connections that could lead to your next big opportunity. Most conferences now include virtual components too, making them more accessible than ever. Just remember to follow up with your new connections on LinkedIn within 24 hours - it's the best way to keep the conversation going after the event ends.

StarSpace46, located in the heart of Oklahoma City, is a vibrant coworking hub that has become a mecca for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Founded in 2015, this dynamic space offers a collaborative environment where ideas flourish and connections thrive.

With a mission to foster a thriving tech ecosystem, StarSpace46 hosts a diverse array of events and workshops tailored to cater to the ever-evolving needs of the local tech community.

One of the standout offerings is their Tech Lunch & Learn series, which features industry experts sharing their insights on cutting-edge technologies and best practices.

These interactive sessions not only provide valuable knowledge but also create fertile ground for networking and forging meaningful connections. StarSpace46 also collaborates with organizations like Thunder Plains and Techlahoma to organize hackathons, coding challenges, and meetups, attracting a diverse pool of talent and fostering a spirit of innovation.

Beyond events, StarSpace46 boasts an impressive lineup of amenities designed to cater to the needs of tech professionals and entrepreneurs alike:

• Dedicated coworking spaces equipped with high-speed internet and ergonomic workstations
• State-of-the-art conference rooms for meetings and presentations
• Networking lounges for informal discussions and serendipitous encounters
• Innovation labs and maker spaces for prototyping and hands-on experimentation

With a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, StarSpace46 offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.

As a member, you'll have the chance to rub shoulders with seasoned entrepreneurs, tech veterans, and industry luminaries, all while immersing yourself in an environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

Whether you're an aspiring startup founder, a seasoned developer, or simply a tech enthusiast, StarSpace46 is the ultimate destination for those seeking to connect, innovate, and thrive in Oklahoma City's burgeoning tech scene.

Check this out, DevFest is a global tech conference hosted by the Google Developer Groups (GDG) community, and it's seriously lit! Every year, GDGs all around the world organize these events, bringing together developers from all walks of life to explore the latest tech, attend workshops, and network.

The coolest part is that each DevFest is tailored to the local community, so you get to learn about the stuff that really matters to you.

They cover everything from Android and Google Cloud to web dev, Firebase, and machine learning with TensorFlow. It's the perfect chance to level up your skills and see what's poppin' in the tech world.

But it's not just about the sessions and workshops.

DevFest is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, bringing together devs from all backgrounds to share their knowledge and experiences.

Last year, they had events in over 90 countries, reaching half a million developers worldwide. That's some serious global connectivity right there!

And let's not forget about the networking opportunities.

At DevFest, you can connect with industry pros, tech entrepreneurs, and other brilliant minds. They've got dedicated networking events, coding competitions, and even "Birds of a Feather" sessions for folks with similar interests.

It's the perfect chance to make new friends, find potential collabs, or maybe even score your next gig.

If you're tryna get your network game strong in OKC's tech scene, you gotta be all over LinkedIn. That platform has like 830 million members worldwide, so it's a total goldmine for making connections with other techies in your city.

First things first, make sure your profile is on point - highlight those sweet skills, experiences, and accomplishments you got. Join dope groups like "OKC Tech Community" and "OKC Web Development & Software Meetup" to stay looped in on all the local events, job openings, and industry buzz.

Engaging with those groups is key for linking up with peeps who share your interests.

To really crush it on LinkedIn, here's the 411:

• Share relevant content: Post updates, articles, or your own insights on the tech topics you're passionate about. Show off that knowledge!
• Participate in discussions: Don't just lurk - get involved in the convos, drop your two cents, and engage with others' posts. It's all about building those meaningful connections.
• Use LinkedIn's search game: The platform's search tools are insane. Use 'em to find potential connections based on location, industry, or skills. Then you can hit 'em up with a targeted request.
• Personalize those requests: When reaching out, make it personal. Explain why you want to connect and what you got in common. It'll make people way more likely to accept.

Oh, and don't sleep on those local tech meetups and events advertised on LinkedIn.

That face-to-face networking is clutch for solidifying your virtual connections. Like this LinkedIn expert said,

"Building a strong network isn't just about piling up connections - it's about fostering relationships with people who can support your career ambitions."

So get out there and start making those meaningful links in OKC's tech scene!

Oklahoma Women in Tech (OKWIT) is making waves in the local tech scene as a 501(c)3 nonprofit that's seriously changing the game for women in STEM. As someone who's been following their progress, I can tell you their impact is real.

Through their monthly professional development events, they're creating opportunities that actually matter. What's really cool is their scholarship program, offering between $500-2,500 to help women pursue STEM degrees - and trust me, that makes a huge difference for students.

Their career development resources are seriously practical, covering everything from resume workshops to interview prep.

But what really sets OKWIT apart is their hands-on approach - they run these amazing STEM student retreats twice a year, complete with data center tours and real-world tech experiences.

If you're looking to level up your tech career, their Women in Tech Summit is absolutely worth checking out.

They partner with InnoTech OK to deliver some incredibly valuable sessions. Plus, their annual Gala isn't just another networking event - it's their biggest fundraiser that keeps all these awesome programs running.

Whether you're just starting out or already in the field, OKWIT is seriously committed to bridging the gender gap in tech, and they're doing it in ways that actually work.

Alright, check this out - Code for All is this sick global network dedicated to using tech for positive social impact.

They've got a crew of 31 civic tech organizations from around the world, all united by a mission to make governments more transparent, democratic, and community-focused through digital innovation.

While they're all about creating civic tools and apps, it's not just about the tech itself.

It's the entire process of collaborating with communities and empowering citizens to participate in decision-making that really drives their movement.

Almost a third of their members aren't even techies - they're organizers, facilitators, and government reps who identify local needs and bridge the gap between citizens and institutions.

Code for All's initiatives, like their Citizen Engagement in Security Research and Communities of Practice, connect civic tech groups worldwide to share resources, co-create solutions, and amplify their impact.

They're all about peer-learning, tool-redeploying, capacity-building grind. And they do it while staying true to values like democracy, collaboration, openness, and accessibility.

So, if you're looking to get involved in the civic tech scene and make a real difference, keep an eye out for Code for America events and initiatives happening in OKC. These guys are all about using technology to reimagine and transform government systems to work better for everyone.

It's a way to expand your network, gain valuable experience, and contribute to creating a more open, participatory society.

Oklahoma's tech innovation landscape is transforming rapidly, with exciting developments across multiple sectors. The Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute stands at the forefront of this evolution, particularly in cybersecurity research and technology deployment.

Building on existing momentum, the state is investing heavily in two major tech clusters. The Oklahoma Biotech Innovation cluster received $35 million in federal funding, while Tulsa secured $38.2 million for advanced mobility initiatives.

These investments are creating amazing opportunities for tech professionals and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. The cybersecurity sector alone has over 4,100 open positions across Oklahoma, with more than 700 jobs available in the Tulsa region.

Regular events hosted by these institutions connect professionals, students, and industry leaders.

The calendar includes hands-on workshops, technical conferences, and networking sessions that tackle everything from artificial intelligence to renewable energy.

These gatherings aren't just about learning - they're perfect for meeting potential employers, finding mentors, and discovering new opportunities. For anyone interested in tech, whether you're starting out or looking to level up your career, these events offer direct access to the people and companies shaping Oklahoma's tech future.

The impact of these initiatives is already visible.

The biotech sector has seen a 25% increase in industry employment, while research and development activity has doubled. Tech startups are flourishing, with new innovation hubs and research facilities opening across the state.

Local universities are partnering with industry leaders to create specialized training programs, ensuring graduates are ready for real-world tech challenges. These developments are positioning Oklahoma as a serious contender in the national tech scene, offering competitive salaries and exciting career prospects for tech professionals at all levels.

Let me set the record straight about ThunderPlains - it's actually not a hackathon, but Oklahoma's premier tech conference celebrating its 10th anniversary at the OKC Convention Center.

While we're talking about hackathons though, Hacklahoma is Oklahoma's largest hackathon, hosted annually at the University of Oklahoma, while Oklathon offers another awesome opportunity for developers to collaborate on open-source projects.

ThunderPlains stands out as a one-day conference packed with JavaScript and web development talks.

The 2023 event featured sessions on everything from the JavaScript Event Loop to Mixed Reality development. What makes it extra special is the mix of technical content and practical career advice - they even had talks about mastering discovery interviews and navigating unfamiliar codebases.

The conference brings together students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts, offering different ticket tiers to make it accessible for everyone.

The networking opportunities at these events are incredible.

Between the morning coffee, lunch breaks, and the afterparty with OKC Tech, there's plenty of time to connect with other developers. Plus, the lightning talks give anyone a chance to share their ideas in 5-minute segments.

For developers looking to level up their careers, these events are perfect for meeting potential mentors, future colleagues, or even finding your next job opportunity.

The best part is that you're surrounded by people who genuinely want to help others succeed in tech.

Collaborating with local universities' tech programs offers an invaluable opportunity to tap into a pool of emerging talent while fostering industry-academia collaborations that drive innovation.

In Oklahoma City, institutions like the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU) actively engage with the local tech ecosystem through dedicated initiatives and partnerships.

At OU, the Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth facilitates connections between students, faculty, and industry partners, enabling collaborative research and real-world problem-solving.

Similarly, OSU's New Product Development Center provides a platform for interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions, often in partnership with local companies.

Such programs not only nurture emerging tech talent but also create a pipeline for recruiting top graduates into the local workforce.

Beyond formal initiatives, local universities frequently host tech-focused events and hackathons that bring together students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Events like the OU Hackers Hackathon and OSU HackOSU offer unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing participants to showcase their skills, collaborate on projects, and connect with potential employers or partners.

As Megan Sloan, Director of the OKC Thunder Launchpad program, notes, "Engaging with university tech programs is a win-win scenario – companies gain access to fresh ideas and talent, while students gain hands-on experience and mentorship from industry experts."

Notable examples of successful university-industry collaborations in OKC include:

• OU's partnership with Paycom, a leading HR software company, to develop advanced AI solutions for HR management.
• OSU's collaboration with Dell Technologies and Tinker Air Force Base on cutting-edge cybersecurity research and training.
• The University of Central Oklahoma's collaboration with Inasmuch Foundation to establish the UCO Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, fostering tech entrepreneurship and startup growth.

By actively engaging with these local university tech programs and initiatives, professionals in OKC can tap into a vibrant talent pool, gain early access to groundbreaking research, and build long-lasting relationships that drive innovation and growth within the local tech ecosystem.