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

If you're into tech and living in Tally, you gotta join Tally Devs! This crew's all about hosting dope events for coding geeks like us.

From virtual happy hours to in-person meet-ups, they've got the whole package covered. They even stream their events online, so you can tune in from anywhere!

But that's not all, folks.

Check out these upcoming lit events that Eventbrite has lined up for us tech junkies in Tally:

• Leadership workshops to help us slay that management game
• Intro classes on hot topics like machine learning and cybersecurity, perfect for leveling up our skills
• Networking mixers to connect with fellow coders, potential mentors, and maybe even score that dream job!

Nucamp's got the lowdown on all the must-attend tech events happening in our city.

From startup showcases to hackathons, they've got us covered with insider tips on where to be and what to do. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start networking, my tech-savvy friends!

The TalTech Alliance is the place to be if you want to get connected in Tallahassee's tech scene. They're all about bringing people together and helping the community grow.

Founded in 2018, TalTech now has over 1,200 members from all kinds of backgrounds - professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone stoked on tech.

Networking is key, and TalTech makes it easy with their monthly meetups, speakers, and panels.

They also host a huge annual conference that draws around 500 people.

You can join specialized groups too, like Women in Tech or DevOps. They've got mentorship programs to help you level up. As their Executive Director Susan Moore says,

"Our goal is to create a space where ideas flow and connections happen. TalTech is all about personal growth, career goals, and pushing the whole community forward."

• Membership is affordable - Becoming a member is simple and won't break the bank. Individual plans start at just $35 per year.
• Easy sign-up process - Head to taltech.org, click "Become a Member," choose your plan, fill out the form, and you're in.
• Access to exclusive content - Once you're a member, you'll get the inside scoop on all the events and updates.
• Networking opportunities - Plugging into TalTech's network puts you in the mix with like-minded people.
• Stay updated on trends - Keep yourself up-to-date on industry trends.
• Influence tech future - Be part of shaping Tallahassee's tech future.

Innovation Park in Tallahassee is the spot for all you tech-savvy people out there. This place has been pushing boundaries since the 60s, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and talented folks to create some seriously cool stuff.

If you're looking to make your mark in the tech world, Innovation Park has your back with a ton of dope programs and events.

First up, they've got the TechTopics Series, where you can learn about the latest and greatest in tech, network with other like-minded peeps, and maybe even get inspired to start your own gig.

And if you're already on that entrepreneurial grind, check out their TechGrant Program - they'll hook you up with some cash to help turn your idea into a reality.

But that's not all! Innovation Park is all about fostering that STEM love, offering dope programs for kids from kindergarten to high school.

We're talking robotics camps, hackathons, and even shadowing opportunities with some of the top tech companies in the area. It's the perfect way to get the next generation hyped about careers in science, tech, engineering, and math.

And let's not forget about the networking events and meetups.

These things are like a playground for tech nerds, where you can connect with others who share your passion for coding, cybersecurity, or whatever else gets you going.

Plus, you never know who you might meet - maybe your future business partner or the person who hooks you up with your dream job.

Bottom line, if you're trying to make moves in the tech scene, Innovation Park is the place to be.

With all the resources, programs, and opportunities they offer, it's like a one-stop shop for everything you need to level up your game. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start networking!

Domi Station is the spot if you're looking to level up your tech game in Tallahassee. This startup incubator has been building a startup community and guiding future businesses since 2014.

It's all about collaboration and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech pros to connect and make moves.

They've got it all going on - monthly mixers to casually vibe and explore potential collabs, Startup Week events with innovative speakers dropping knowledge, and pitch nights where you can pitch your biz ideas to investors for that crucial feedback and potential funding.

It's a whole ecosystem designed to educate, inspire, and help you grow your ventures.

The proof is in the success stories, like Juming Delmas Studios spinning up a dope podcast from their space, or Trakia Software expanding from a two-person startup to a whole squad of 30+ engineers killing it with clients across industries.

Domi Station is the real deal, fostering that collaborative spirit and connecting you with the mentors, resources, and investor opportunities to take your tech journey to new heights.

The Florida State University (FSU) Alumni Network is where it's at for connecting with the tech squad in Tallahassee. With over 391,000 alumni worldwide, this crew is massive, and they're all about hooking you up with dope networking opportunities.

The FSU Alumni Association kicks things off by hosting epic events year-round, like:

• Regional Networking Receptions: These are the spots to link up with fellow pros and industry big shots in your area.
• Virtual Networking Circles: Can't make it in person? No sweat! These virtual sessions let you connect with peeps from all over the globe.
• Alumni Career Fairs: Time for a career glow-up? Check out these fairs to scope out your next big move or score a dream job.

As part of this network, you get exclusive access to rad resources like the Alumni Career Services and the Online Alumni Community.

These platforms are a game-changer, helping you connect with mentors, share knowledge, and level up your professional game. If you're a student, get in on the action early by hitting up on-campus events and joining the Student Alumni Association.

Recent grads can seamlessly transition to the FSU Alumni Association by signing up. Just ask FSU alum and tech boss Jennifer Thomas,

"The FSU Alumni Network has been clutch for my career journey, hooking me up with mentors, collabs, and a solid community to help me navigate the wild world of tech."

Check this out - the Tallahassee tech scene is buzzing with opportunities to connect and grow. One spot that's really popping is the Tallahassee Open Source Community (TOSC).

These folks are all about pushing boundaries and sharing their passion for open-source collab. They host regular meetups and hackathons, giving you a chance to get hands-on and network with like-minded techies.

Some of TOSC's standout projects are TallyMaps (an open-source mapping app for our city), OpenTally (keeping our local government transparent), and Tally Coders (teaching coding skills to underprivileged youth).

By joining TOSC, you'll not only contribute to these epic initiatives but also gain mad coding experience and expand your professional circle.

A recent survey showed that 86% of TOSC members leveled up their coding skills, while 72% credited the group for helping them build their network.

That's some serious value.

If you're ready to dive into the open-source world, TOSC's got your back. They host biweekly meetups and an annual Open Source summit, where you can showcase your projects, share knowledge, and make new connections.

Just hit up the TOSC website and join the community forum to get started. This is an opportunity you don't wanna sleep on.

Networking is key for scoring that dream tech gig, and LinkedIn groups are an awesome way to get connected in Tallahassee's scene. Check out these thriving tech communities for starters: Diverse Computing, Citizens Property Insurance, CSI, Trulieve, and The Zimmerman Agency.

These companies are actively hiring and their LinkedIn groups are where all the buzz is happening. By joining popular groups like Global Information Technology Professionals Association, Information Security Careers Network, and Women in Technology International, you'll get the scoop on the latest job openings, trends, and networking events.

And don't just lurk - get involved! Share insights, ask questions, and show off your expertise. That's how you'll make real connections and get noticed by potential employers or mentors.

Speaking of networking events, Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals is where it's at for mingling and meeting like-minded people IRL. Their mixers and workshops are a great way to expand your circle and learn from industry pros.

And if you're feeling extra ambitious, consider attending tech conferences like Tech Tuesday at Domi Station - these are prime opportunities to rub elbows with thought leaders and potential employers.

Just remember, networking is all about giving as much value as you hope to receive, so come prepared to share your skills and insights too.

Let me update you on the best ways to get involved in Tallahassee's tech scene by volunteering at events. It's a great way to meet people and get some experience.

Check out all these nonprofit organizations near Tallahassee that could use a hand with tech stuff.

Volunteering is important.

You get to connect with entrepreneurs, developers, and professionals in the industry. Like Thomas Martin said,

"Volunteering opened doors I never imagined. I met so many contacts and even landed job opportunities."

Plus, you level up your event management skills, which looks great on a resume.

To find volunteer gigs, here are some tips:

1. Follow local tech groups on social media: Stay updated with groups like TalTech Alliance, Domi Station, and the Tallahassee Open Source Community who always post calls for volunteers.
2. Check event websites: Sign up for roles on major tech event volunteer sections.
3. Attend meetups: Engage directly by scouting tech meetups in Tallahassee and asking organizers about volunteering. See more tech meetups.

Take a look at these upcoming events that might need volunteers:

Event	Date	Volunteer Roles
Synapse Innovation Summit	October 2024	Registration desk, moderators, setup/breakdown crew
Techstars Startup Week Tallahassee	March 2025	Event coordination, social media, venue support
Tallahassee Web & Coding Meetup Hackathon	May 2025	Judges, mentors, logistics

Volunteering at these events helps grow Tallahassee's tech scene and gets you some valuable experiences and connections to level up your career.

Don't miss out on it!

Let me tell you about the sickest ways to get plugged into the tech scene here in Tallahassee. Synapse Summit is a total game-changer, bringing together innovators from all corners of Florida to talk emerging tech.

Last year's event had over 3,000 people hyped up about AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable innovation. It's like a buffet for your brain, dishing out mind-blowing insights on how tech is reshaping industries.

Techstars Startup Week is where the startup hustle comes alive.

In 2023, their Tallahassee edition hooked up over 1,200 one-on-one meetings, connecting entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and collabs that took their game to new heights.

Just ask Thomas Jackson, CEO of QuantLR – he said Startup Week "opened doors that propelled our growth exponentially."

These mega-conferences are straight-up gateways to expanding your network and staying ahead of the curve.

You'll be rubbing shoulders with industry heavy hitters, uncovering game-changing innovations, and maybe even landing your next big gig. According to the stats, 86% of attendees made connections that leveled up their careers.

It's a no-brainer – if you're serious about making moves in Tallahassee's tech world, these events are an absolute must.

The Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce is the real deal when it comes to networking and leveling up your business game.

This powerhouse organization, which has been around since 1923, is all about bringing companies together and helping them thrive. With over 1,300 businesses repping diverse industries, the Chamber is the collective voice that keeps Tallahassee's business scene booming.

By joining the Tallahassee Chamber, you unlock a world of awesome perks that'll give you a serious edge.

First off, they host a ton of dope networking events where you can make connections, find mentors, and explore collabs.

Upcoming highlights include the August Networking Luncheon on the 15th, the September Business After Hours on the 27th, and the Annual Community Conference in October.

It's like a non-stop networking party!

Members also get exclusive access to the Chamber's Business Assistance Center, which is like having a squad of experts on deck to guide you through legal, financial, and marketing challenges.

Plus, they offer workshops, seminars, and forums to keep you ahead of the game with the latest industry insights and leadership skills. It's like a continuous masterclass in bossing up.

Patricia Hernandez, the Chamber's President, summed it up perfectly: "At the Tallahassee Chamber, we're all about fostering a thriving business ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs, established companies, and community leaders. Our networking events and resources empower businesses to expand their reach, innovate, and collectively shape Tallahassee's economic future." Mic drop.

With a diverse crew spanning startups, small businesses, and corporate giants, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce is the ultimate hub for professional growth, strategic partnerships, and economic prosperity in the tech scene.

By linking up with this influential organization, businesses gain a serious competitive edge and amplify their voices within the local tech and entrepreneurial landscape.