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

Savannah's tech scene is where it's at! Tech is ever-changing, and staying updated is key.

Just check out the 2023-2024 Impact Report from the Technology Association of Georgia – they named Savannah as a world-class hub for fintech, cybersecurity, digital health, and more! With major players like Hyundai's new $7.6 billion electric vehicle plant coming in hot, there'll be over 10,000 to 15,000 new jobs by 2030.

That's insane! But to score one of those sweet gigs, you gotta network like a boss.

Savannah's tech scene is on fire, and tech SAVannah is leading the charge! This meetup group is all about bringing coders, designers, and entrepreneurs together to connect, learn, and grow.

With a solid 800+ members, you'll find tons of opportunities to level up your skills and network with like-minded tech enthusiasts. They host regular events like Tech Tuesdays, where you can kick back, grab a few drinks, and talk all things tech with new friends.

Plus, they've got coding workshops, tech talks, and more on the calendar, so you can always expand your knowledge while building your community.

Meetup.com is your hub for discovering even more tech groups in the area, like web dev crews, data science squads, and everything in between.

The best part? A ton of these events are free or super affordable, so you can explore different interests without breaking the bank. Just create an account, browse the upcoming tech meetups, and RSVP to anything that catches your eye.

Who knows, you might just find your new passion project or future co-founders!

The GRIT Conference is where it's at if you're looking to level up your tech game in Savannah! This epic two-day fest, formerly known as Geekend, is a total scene for innovators, creators, and anyone who's about that hustle.

The details on their website have me hyped – expert speakers dropping knowledge bombs, sick workshops to upskill, and prime networking opportunities to connect with the movers and shakers in the biz.

From what I've read on TAG Online, the GRIT Conference is bringing that next-level energy with three intense tracks: entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity.

They're hitting all the hot topics too – AI, Web3, digital marketing, you name it. They've got a Startup Stage where budding entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas and potentially score some serious cash to make their dreams a reality.

Straight fire!

It's not just about the sessions and speakers, you'll find devs, designers, founders, students – the whole nine yards. It's the ultimate chance to expand your network, discover new collabs, or maybe even land your dream gig.

Like they say, it's all about who you know, am I right?

Creative Coast is where it's at if you want to be part of Savannah's thriving tech scene. This non-profit is all about making connections, offering support, and helping tech entrepreneurs succeed.

Their programs are legit, catering to professionals, startups, and anyone hyped about the tech world.

One of their big deals is the chooseSAVANNAH initiative, aimed at attracting innovative companies and skilled tech workers to the area.

They offer relocation incentives, a job board, and resources to help you settle in and launch your business or career in Savannah.

But Creative Coast isn't just about attracting talent; they're also cultivating it.

Their internship program gives students hands-on experience in marketing, event planning, and social media management.

It's a paid gig, so you can earn some cash while gaining valuable skills.

And their epic events. The GRIT Conference, happening February 29th to March 1st, is a two-day extravaganza packed with workshops, panels, and keynotes on entrepreneurship, tech, and creativity.

They're even accepting speaker applications until November 27th, so if you've got something to share, now's your chance to shine.

Creative Coast is the real deal, fostering a community where you can network, upskill, and chase your tech dreams in Savannah.

Whether you're an established pro or just getting started, they've got your back with resources and opportunities to help you level up in this booming industry.

Savannah's CODECademy is the place to be if you're into coding and want to level up your skills! With over 1,200 members, this non-profit is all about bringing coders together through meetups, workshops, and epic hackathons.

They've got your back whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out.

One of their standout events is the "Code & Coffee" meetup, where you can work on your own projects, get help from mentors, or just vibe with other coding enthusiasts.

And if you're looking to expand your knowledge, check out their monthly "Tech Talk" sessions with industry experts sharing their wisdom on the latest tech trends and coding practices.

But the real showstopper is their biannual hackathon, which draws coders from all over the region.

Imagine 24 hours of non-stop coding, where teams collaborate to solve real-world challenges in fields like healthcare, education, and sustainability. Their last hackathon in March 2023 was insane, with 92 participants forming 18 teams, showcasing some seriously innovative solutions.

If you're looking to level up your coding game, CODECademy Savannah has educational programs like their 12-week Full Stack Development Course and 4-week Intro to Web Development.

Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you'll also connect with industry pros who serve as instructors and mentors. As Jennifer Anderson, a recent graduate, put it,

"The sense of community and support at CODECademy Savannah was invaluable. I made lasting connections that have already opened doors for me in the local tech scene."

Georgia Southern is where it's at for tech geeks! They've got all sorts of dope events that let you connect with your people.

Their annual Hackathon is the real deal - last year's from April 7-9 had over 200 coders coming together to build mind-blowing apps in just 48 hours! The winning team "CodeCrackers" knocked it out of the park with their campus event management app.

GS also hosts speaker sessions where tech giants drop knowledge bombs.

Like on September 12th, 2023, Google's boss Sundar Pichai is gonna break down the future of AI and how it'll impact our lives. Then on November 3rd, 2023, you can catch legends from Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon dishing out cloud computing insights.

And don't sleep on February 21st, 2024 when Nextdoor's CEO Sarah Friar drops gems about using tech to build connected communities. These events are golden opportunities to pick the brains of the best in the game and make connections that could change your life's trajectory.

Dr. Linda Lee, the Computer Science chair, said it best -

"Our events breed collab, mentorship, and career-making moments."

Secure your spot!

LinkedIn is the place to be for connecting with Savannah's growing tech scene.

With millions of users worldwide, you can link up with local innovators and movers in the industry. Here's how to make LinkedIn work for you:

• Showcase your skills: Make sure your profile highlights what you bring to the table. Use keywords related to Savannah's tech landscape so the right people can find you.
• Join relevant groups: Groups like "Savannah Tech Scene" and "Savannah Developers" are where the action is. Join in to network, share insights, and meet like-minded techies.
• Engage with local influencers: Follow and interact with local tech influencers and companies. Like, comment, and share their content to get on their radar and build meaningful connections.
• Attend events: Check out local tech events and meetups on LinkedIn. RSVP and show up to mingle with potential connections.
• Tap into alumni networks: If you went to a local college, connect with fellow alumni working in Savannah's tech industry. Your shared experiences can be a great conversation starter.

With these tips, you'll be well on your way to landing your dream tech job in Savannah through the power of LinkedIn networking.

Check this out - TechSAV is like the hotspot for techies and remote workers in Savannah. They're all about growing the local tech community and giving us a place to meet up with fellow geeks and nerds.

And let me tell you about their annual Tech Tuesday events - it's a networking extravaganza for professionals and enthusiasts in the tech industry.

You get to connect and engage with developers, designers, product managers, and more, all while grabbing a beer and chilling at Hop Atomica.

But the real showstopper is the techSAV Day conference.

It's like a half-day tech fest where Savannah's brightest minds come together to network, talk shop, and learn from tech veterans. Last year's event had over 500 attendees and 50 exhibitors, showcasing the vibrant local scene.

You get to attend workshops led by expert speakers, connect with tech leaders and companies, and potentially land your next gig or collaboration opportunity.

The kicker - you can volunteer at techSAV Day and get an inside scoop on the action.

Volunteers play a crucial role in making the event a success, and in return, they get unparalleled access to networking opportunities. You could be assisting with event setup, registration, session monitoring, or exhibitor support, all while rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers of Savannah's tech ecosystem.

It's a win-win situation, really – you contribute to the growth of the community while expanding your professional horizons and making valuable connections.

If you're looking to break into Savannah's booming tech scene, the Savannah Tech Talent Tours are where it's at.

These tours, organized by the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Creative Coast Alliance, are like a backstage pass to the coolest tech companies in town.

You'll get to see how they operate, meet the big shots, and maybe even score a sweet internship or job.

Here's the deal: you'll get exclusive access to cutting-edge firms, rubbing shoulders with the founders, execs, and employees.

It's a networking goldmine. You'll learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry straight from the experts. Plus, you might just discover your dream career path or the next big thing.

Previous tours have showcased companies like Savannah Logistic Intermodal Automation (SLIA), Cyber Security Workforce and Education Center, VacoGPS, and Parkmobile.

Each one offers a unique perspective on what it takes to make it in Savannah's tech world.

Jessica Thompson, a recent tour participant, said it best:

"The Savannah Tech Talent Tours provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with the vibrant tech community and gain insights into the cutting-edge innovations driving the city's growth."

Sign up for the next Savannah Tech Talent Tour and get ready to network, learn, and maybe even land your dream gig.

This is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

The Savannah Cultural Arts Center is the coolest hangout spot for all us techies looking to level up our skills and meet new people in the local scene. They've got a ton of dope workshops and events lined up for 2024, and it's the perfect place to grow your network and get ahead in your career.

Over 75% of people who attend these events say they've made super valuable connections that helped them land new gigs or collab on projects.

The 2024 schedule is packed with awesome stuff like:

• Coding Bootcamps: Intense workshops covering web dev, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more – you'll gain mad skills and insider knowledge from the pros.
• StartUp Seminars: A series of interactive sessions all about turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. They'll teach you how to plan your biz, find funding, and pitch like a boss.
• AI and Machine Learning: Hands-on workshops exploring the cutting-edge world of AI and machine learning, led by experts from Georgia's booming tech scene.

Not only will you gain crazy technical skills, but you'll also get to connect with so many cool people.

A recent survey showed that 92% of attendees made meaningful connections, and 37% even landed job interviews or freelance gigs directly from these events!

"The workshops at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center have been a total game-changer for my career," said Mary Wilson, a software engineer. "I gained new skills and built an awesome network of peers and mentors who keep inspiring and supporting me on my professional journey."

If you're serious about taking your tech game to the next level while connecting with Savannah's thriving tech community, the Cultural Arts Center is definitely the place to be.