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

Sioux Falls is becoming the place to be for techies in the Midwest. In recent years, this city has seen a major surge of tech startups and big companies setting up shop here.

According to a study by CompTIA, the tech industry in Sioux Falls employs over 7,500 workers, with a projected job growth rate of 4.6% for 2024.

What's driving this growth? The city's business-friendly policies, affordable cost of living, and a talented workforce from top schools like South Dakota State University and the University of Sioux Falls.

As a techie, networking is key for career growth, and Sioux Falls has plenty of opportunities to connect with others in the industry.

Here are the top 10 strategies we'll explore to help you tap into the thriving tech scene:

1. Join the Sioux Falls Developers Group: Networking in developer groups is crucial for building connections.
2. Attend the Innovation Expo: Exposure to innovative ideas can enhance your career growth.
3. Engage with the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship: Engaging with entrepreneurship centers can boost your business acumen.
4. Become a Member of the Sioux Innovation Fast Track (SHIFT): Membership provides invaluable networking opportunities.
5. Participate in Events at the University of Sioux Falls: University events offer a rich learning environment.
6. Collaborate with the South Dakota Technology Business Center: Collaboration is key to gaining industry insight.
7. Follow Local Tech Influencers on Social Media: Following influencers keeps you informed about trends.
8. Attend Coffee and Code Meetups: Casual meetups are perfect for personal networking.
9. Volunteer for Tech Events and Hackathons: Volunteering offers practical experience and exposure.

As William Garcia, CEO of a local tech startup, states, "Networking is not about just connecting people.

It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities." So, let's dive in and explore how to leverage these strategies to kickstart your networking journey in Sioux Falls.

Check it out! The Sioux Falls Developers Group is where all the cool techies hang. This crew has been around since 2011, and they've grown into a massive circle of over 800 members who are all about coding, networking, and geeking out together.

Whether you're a total noob or a seasoned hacker, this group has got your back.

Every couple of weeks, they host these epic meetups that draw around 80 people.

It's the perfect spot to pick up some new tricks, listen to experts drop knowledge bombs, and get your hands dirty with some killer workshops. They cover the whole nine yards – web dev, mobile apps, cloud computing, data science, you name it.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

These guys also throw down with some major events throughout the year. Their annual CodeCamp is like the Woodstock of coding fests – last year, they had over 300 attendees from all corners of the nation.

It's a full-on coding extravaganza with multiple tracks and some seriously mind-blowing speakers.

"This group has been a game-changer for me. Not only have I leveled up my skills, but I've also connected with so many rad people who share my passion. The support and community vibes are off the charts." - Patricia Miller, software engineer and member.

Head over to their website, sign up for free, and get in on the action.

It's the perfect way to plug into Sioux Falls' booming tech scene, make some new friends who get your geek on, and take your career to new heights.

Check this out, Sioux Falls is about to get lit with the Innovation Expo on September 24, 2024! This isn't just another boring conference, it's a chance to connect with some serious players in the startup world.

We're talking entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and all the cool cats making moves in the tech scene.

The event listing says it's all about showcasing speakers who'll drop some serious knowledge bombs, plus networking opportunities galore.

You know how it is, building that network is key if you want to level up in the tech game. And let's be real, who doesn't want to rub elbows with the big dogs in the industry?

But it's not just a bunch of suits and ties.

The details mention a whole lineup of speakers, like Barbara Lee, a photography boss who helps creative entrepreneurs get that cash flow going.

There's also Patricia Davis, a former Cornell professor and co-founder of TinySeed, an early-stage investor in B2B SaaS companies. And let's not forget Elizabeth Harris, a principal at M25 who's all about bringing the Midwest community together through epic events like this one.

So yeah, if you're trying to level up your networking game and get in with the movers and shakers of the Sioux Falls tech scene, the Innovation Expo is definitely the move.

Just come correct with your elevator pitch, business cards, and a whole lot of hustle, and you might just walk away with some solid connections and opportunities.

Check this out! The Startup Sioux Falls crew is totally killing it when it comes to supporting the tech scene in our city.

They used to be called the Zeal Center for Entrepreneurship, but they recently went through a major rebrand to better reflect their role as the central hub for all things startup.

These guys aren't just about renting office space, they're all about building a thriving community of innovators and hustlers.

Through programs like CO.STARTERS, they provide the tools and resources to help entrepreneurs take their ideas from concept to reality.

And let's not forget the mentorship opportunities – they connect you with experienced biz leaders like Susan Jackson who've been there and done that.

But Startup Sioux Falls isn't just talk, they've got the stats to back it up.

According to their impact reports, they've supported over 200 startups, helped create over 500 jobs, and generated a whopping $120 million in revenue.

That's some serious impact right there!

If you're looking to break into the tech scene, or just want to surround yourself with other like-minded hustlers, Startup Sioux Falls is definitely the place to be.

With their co-working spaces, networking events, and overall entrepreneurial vibe, you'll be well on your way to making moves in the Sioux Falls tech world.

The CHAD Annual Members Conference is an insane opportunity for networking with tech pros in Sioux Falls.

This yearly event brings together leaders from community health centers across the Dakotas to discuss the latest trends, programs, and innovations. It's the perfect place to connect, share ideas, and get inspired by the cutting-edge work happening in the region. What's so dope about the CHAD Conference? This yearly event brings together leaders from community health centers across the Dakotas to discuss the latest trends, programs, and innovations.

You've got experts dropping knowledge on everything from building culture and strengthening workforce to integrated behavioral health care and using data to drive impact.

Plus, there are breakout sessions and workshops where you can get hands-on experience and collaborate with other passionate techies. But it's not just about the educational stuff.

You'll be surrounded by leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are hustling to make a difference in their communities. It's the perfect chance to expand your network, learn from the best, and maybe even find your next career move or business opportunity. And let's not forget about the Maximus booth.

This tech powerhouse is always on the lookout for fresh talent, and they'll be there scouting for the next generation of rock stars. If you're looking to level up your career, you'll want to slide through and introduce yourself. But the CHAD Conference isn't just about work, work, work.

It's also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for tech and making a positive impact. You never know, you might just meet your future business partner or co-founder at one of the social events or after-parties. So, if you're serious about getting involved in the Sioux Falls tech scene and taking your career to new heights, the Promise Act Grant Program is an absolute must-attend event.

You won't want to miss out on this epic opportunity to network, learn, and level up your game.

The University of Sioux Falls is the place to be for tech networking in town! They've got so many cool events lined up where you can link up with experts, companies, and other students.

Check out these highlights from their event calendar:

• Silicon Prairie Festival (September 2024): This is a massive innovation expo showcasing the latest from tech startups. You'll get to see cutting-edge products and network like crazy with founders, investors, and fellow innovators.
• Media Center Open House (Every semester): The university's state-of-the-art Media Center hosts open houses where you can check out their facilities, like the HD video studio, podcasting booth, and multimedia editing suites. It's the perfect chance to connect with media studies students and professors.
• Tech Career Fair (Spring 2024): This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to land a job. Companies from all over come to recruit USF students and alumni. You can hand out resumes, do interviews, and maybe even score an internship or full-time gig.

But it's not just about the events – get involved with student organizations like the Cybersecurity Club or the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

They're always hosting meetups, workshops, and social gatherings where you can with other tech-savvy folks. And don't overlook the professors either – they've got connections in the industry that could boost your networking game.

Just think of all the doors that could open by putting yourself out there and making new connections at USF!

If you're trying to make it big in the tech world, you gotta check out the Startup Sioux Falls (formerly known as the South Dakota Technology Business Center).

This place has been around since 2002, and they're all about helping entrepreneurs get their hustle on. They've got events, mentorship programs, and all sorts of resources to help you turn your brilliant ideas into a legit business.

One of the coolest things they offer is the CO.STARTERS accelerator program, where you can join a 10-week crash course in entrepreneurship.

It's like a bootcamp for kickstarting your venture, and they've already helped tons of founders like Sarah White with her yoga business.

But that's not all! Startup Sioux Falls is also planning to move to a new downtown location, which means they'll have even more awesome amenities like coworking spaces, blazing-fast internet, and sweet meeting rooms.

You can even book their spaces for events if you need a dope venue for your company parties or meetings.

So, if you're serious about making waves in the tech scene, Startup Sioux Falls is definitely the place to be.

They'll hook you up with mentors, networking opportunities, and all the tools you need to turn your vision into reality.

Social media is the new way to get connected in the tech world, and if you're trying to make moves in the Sioux Falls scene, you gotta be on top of it. Companies like TSP are using social platforms to recruit fresh talent and showcase their company culture.

It's not just about job listings anymore; you need to show your personality and interests too.

Pay attention to the local influencers like Brianna Schreurs, the communications strategist for Sioux Falls Parks and Rec.

She's killin' it on TikTok with fun safety messages and crew features. You can learn a ton about engaging content and building connections with your community from people like her.

But don't think it's all sunshine and rainbows – social media can be risky too.

Fake accounts, trolls, and misinformation are real problems you gotta watch out for. That's why you need to be smart about who you follow and engage with. The key is to find the right balance between sharing your authentic self and protecting your online presence.

Bottom line, if you want to get noticed and open doors in the Sioux Falls tech world, you better be active on social media.

Connect with the right people, showcase your skills and interests, and always keep it real. The opportunities are out there, but you gotta put in the work to make it happen.

Real talk, if you wanna get plugged into the Sioux Falls tech scene, you gotta hit up these Code & Coffee meetups. It's like a chill sesh where devs and code nerds come together to sip some java and bounce ideas off each other.

These laid-back gatherings are the perfect spot to network without all the stiff formalities that can make mingling feel like a chore.

According to the crew at DeltaV Code School, their Coffee and Code events are all about bringing the community together, no matter your skill level.

You could be a coding newbie or a seasoned pro – it's an open invite to work on your own projects, collaborate with others, or just kick it and soak up some knowledge from the veterans in the game.

But it's more than just a hangout.

These meetups are like a breeding ground for growth and opportunity. According to the folks at GreatLIFE, getting involved in these casual learning sessions can level up your problem-solving game by 27% and boost your technical skills by nearly 20%.

Plus, you never know who you might meet or what kind of insights you'll pick up from chatting with industry pros about the latest trends and techniques.

At the end of the day, Coffee and Code events are all about that community vibe.

As the masterminds behind CoffeeAndDCode.org put it, these meetups are the epitome of community-driven learning, where knowledge gets shared freely, and you might just make some solid connections that turn into lasting friendships or epic collaborations down the line.

If you're looking to dive into the Sioux Falls tech scene, volunteering at events and hackathons is a solid move. By lending a hand, you'll be rubbing elbows with all the cool cats and making connections that could lead to some pretty sweet opportunities.

Check out these upcoming gigs where you can get your volunteer game on:

• Silicon Prairie Festival (September 2024) - Innovation and Networking: This awesome conference showcases the latest tech startups and innovations. As a volunteer, you'll be right in the mix, helping to make it all happen while networking with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry pros.
• Sioux Falls Women in Tech Hackathon (November 2024) - Collaboration and Mentorship: Join forces with badass women coders and techies for this 24-hour coding challenge. Volunteers get a behind-the-scenes look at the action and can connect with mentors and participants who are crushing it in the tech field.
• TechKids Summer Camp (June-August 2024) - Inspiration and Education: Help inspire the next generation of tech wizards at this camp for kids. Volunteers assist with coding workshops, robotics projects, and more, all while gaining hands-on experience and networking with instructors who are experts in their domains.

But it's about more than just showing up and pitching in.

As Linda Hernandez, President of the Sioux Falls Devs Group, puts it, "Volunteering creates this tight-knit community vibe and a shared sense of purpose.

It's how you form genuine connections in the tech world." Plus, studies show that volunteering can seriously boost your networking game and help you develop those all-important people skills.

So, if you want to level up your involvement in the Sioux Falls tech scene, get out there and start volunteering!

The tech scene in Sioux Falls is buzzing, and if you want to be part of the action, networking is key.

From joining dev groups to attending conferences, there are so many ways to connect with other techies in the area. Let's break it down.

First up, you gotta hit up the Sioux Falls Developers Group and start mingling.

These meetups are the perfect spot to swap stories, talk code, and maybe even land a sweet job lead. Speaking of job hunting, make sure to check out these tips for snagging that remote gig you've been dreaming of.

Next, level up your networking game by hitting up events like the Innovation Expo or joining groups like SHIFT and the Zeal Center.

These places are crawling with entrepreneurs and innovators who can open doors for you. Oh, and don't sleep on the educational institutions either – the University of Sioux Falls and Southeast Tech have some awesome programs that can help you connect with mentors and potential employers.

Finally, don't forget about social media. Follow the local tech influencers, join online communities, and share your work. And if you really want to stand out, volunteer at hackathons or coding events. Getting involved is the best way to build meaningful relationships in this scene.

So there you have it, the insider scoop on networking your way into Sioux Falls' tech world.

The rest is up to you – start putting yourself out there and watch the opportunities roll in. Just remember to have fun and keep learning along the way!