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

If you want to get in tight with Tulsa's tech crowd, you gotta hit up the Tulsa TechFest.

This massive tech party goes down every November, and in 2024 it's gonna be crazier than ever. We're talking over 60 speakers from major players like Microsoft dropping serious knowledge.

But it's not just about the big names - TechFest brings together all the coolest startups and innovators from around Tulsa for epic networking and mind-blowing tech demos.

Last time around, the fest had rad sessions on cutting-edge stuff like ASP.NET MVC, log4net, and even iPhone app development.

And don't even get me started on the wicked after-parties! This is where all the real networking magic happens. Just ask James Rodriguez who met his future co-founders at TechFest and went on to raise millions for their AI startup – pretty insane, right? If you're trying to make waves in Tulsa's tech game, this is an event you can't miss.

Oh, and for the inside scoop on landing your dream tech job here, check out Nucamp's expert tips.

The Tulsa Web Devs meetup is where it's at if you want to get your foot in the door of Tulsa's tech scene.

With over 1,500 members, this crew is massive and always buzzing with energy. Their GitHub repos show they're all about opening up civic data and building cool apps to make our city better.

Joining meetups like this is crucial for expanding your network and scoring new gigs.

These groups host hack nights focused on hot topics like API Design, so you can level up your skills while rubbing elbows with the pros.

Plus, they've got special interest groups for everything from WordPress to Drupal, so you can zero in on your niche.

To really excel in the networking game at these meetups, you must:

1. Get involved: Don't just lurk in the corner – jump into discussions, ask questions, and let your voice be heard. It's the best way to show off your knowledge and get noticed.
2. Work the room: Be bold and introduce yourself to new people. A simple "What's good?" and a firm handshake can kick things off right.
3. Follow through: Snag those contacts and hit 'em up a few days later. A quick "It was great meeting you" text or LinkedIn message can keep that door open.
4. Pay it forward: Offer to lend a hand or share your skills with the group. It's a surefire way to build credibility and show you're a team player.

With the tech scene in Tulsa heating up, getting connected is everything.

Roll with the Tulsa Web Devs crew, and you'll be tapped into a goldmine of knowledge, opportunities, and game-changing connections. It's no wonder that the wise Thomas Brown said,

"The richest people build networks; everyone else looks for work."

If you're trying to get your startup game going in Tulsa, you need to link up with i2E (Innovation to Enterprise) ASAP. These guys have been killing it for over 20 years, supporting more than 700 startups and helping them score over $590 million in private investment.

We're talking serious cash flow here!

But i2E isn't just about the money - they've got all kinds of events where you can network and get plugged into the local entrepreneurial scene.

Check it out:

• Pre-accelerator opportunities: The Bridge2 pre-accelerator program is perfect for high-growth startups, offering a solid platform for getting your business off the ground.
• Pitch competitions: The legendary Entrepreneur's Cup competition is a great place to pitch your ideas and potentially win big bucks.
• Networking events: Entrepreneurial meetups and workshops galore are available where you can connect with other founders and industry pros.

Don't just take my word for it though - i2E has helped birth some serious success stories.

Like WeGoLook, a Tulsa-based startup that raised over $35 million with i2E's guidance. As the co-founder Jessica Taylor said,

"i2E has been invaluable to WeGoLook, providing mentoring, connections, and guidance at every stage of our growth."

Bottom line: if you're trying to make moves in Tulsa's startup scene, getting linked up with i2E should be at the top of your priority list.

These guys have the connections, the resources, and the track record to help turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

LinkedIn is where it's at if you wanna crush the networking game in Tulsa's lit tech scene. With over 722 million members worldwide, this platform is a goldmine for connecting with fellow tech-heads in your city.

Here's the deal:

First things first, pimp out your profile to show off your skills, experience, and what makes you special. Use keywords that scream "Tulsa tech" to boost your visibility, and craft a slick summary that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Next up, engage with content shared by local tech companies and influencers. Like, comment, and share posts to stay fresh on everyone's mind and build meaningful connections.

To find your tribe, use LinkedIn's advanced search filters to zero in on companies, job titles, skills, and locations that vibe with your interests.

Once you've spotted potential connections, shoot them a personalized invite request highlighting your shared interests or experiences. As Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, said:

"The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity."

LinkedIn groups are a cheat code for networking in Tulsa's tech community.

Join squads like "Tulsa Tech Community," "Tulsa Web Devs," and "Tulsa Data Science" to kick it with professionals in your field, share knowledge, and stay in the loop about local events and job openings.

By actively participating in these groups, you can showcase your expertise, gain insights from industry leaders, and foster connections that could lead to potential collabs or career opportunities within Tulsa's dynamic tech ecosystem.

Tulsa's entrepreneurial scene is absolutely on fire, and at the center of it all is 36 Degrees North. This place is like a magnet for all the ambitious startup hustlers and tech trailblazers.

Throughout 2024, they've been hosting an insane lineup of events that'll blow your mind!

First up, there's the Startup Grind Tulsa fireside chats, where you can get up close and personal with some seriously inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

And if you're looking to take your idea to the next level, you can't miss their OU Tulsa Innovation Hub events.

They've got workshops, mentoring sessions, and even legal clinics to help you turn your dreams into a reality.

36 Degrees North is like a one-stop shop for everything an aspiring entrepreneur could ever want.

They've got coworking spaces buzzing with energy, mentorship opportunities from seasoned pros, and exclusive discounts on the resources you need to take your business to new heights.

And let's not forget about the epic entrepreneurial community they've fostered – it's like having a built-in squad of like-minded go-getters who've got your back.

With over $1.1 billion in economic impact for Tulsa over the past five years, 36 Degrees North is proving that they're not just talk – they're the real deal.

If you're serious about making moves in the tech world, this is the place to be. Get ready to network, collaborate, and soak up all the knowledge and inspiration this place has to offer!

Startup Weekend Tulsa is where the real startup action goes down! It's a wild 54-hour ride from August 9-11, 2024, where you get to pitch your killer ideas, team up with other hustlers, and build an MVP that'll blow minds.

But it's not just about cranking out code—you'll be networking like crazy with mentors and industry bosses who can take your game to the next level. Just ask the crew behind GreenThumb, who turned their urban farming platform into a funded success after making connections at a previous Startup Weekend.

Startup Grind Tulsa is going all-in with their annual Startup Summit on September 26th, 2024.

It's a virtual half-day event packed with insights and strategies to help startups like us crush the competition. They're bringing the heat with sessions on fundraising, AI integration, and more.

Plus, you know you'll be rubbing elbows with some serious heavy hitters in the Tulsa startup scene.

Tulsa is hosting Build Day X on September 20-21, 2024—a 24-hour innovation bootcamp where you can either level up your existing startup by finding that missing piece, or join a dope team that needs your skills.

With expert workshops, plenty of caffeine, and cash prizes on the line, it's an opportunity you can't afford to miss.

Let's talk about Techlahoma, the coolest non-profit organization taking the tech scene in Tulsa by storm! Established in 2014, these folks have been crushing it when it comes to bringing together all the techies, enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the digital world.

They're like the ultimate squad for networking and leveling up your skills.

Their events calendar is absolutely stacked with awesome stuff to check out.

We're talking killer networking fairs, hands-on coding workshops, hackathons that'll blow your mind, and so much more.

Their annual conference is a can't-miss event that attracts hundreds of people every year. It's the perfect place to connect with industry leaders, learn from the best, and get inspired to take your skills to new heights.

But Techlahoma isn't just about the events – it's a community driven by passionate volunteers who make everything happen.

By getting involved, you can expand your professional network and make connections that could lead to incredible opportunities. You'll gain valuable experience in areas like event planning and public speaking, skills that'll look super impressive on your resume.

Plus, you'll be giving back and helping to make tech education more accessible for everyone. It's a total win-win situation.

The impact Techlahoma has had on the local tech scene is mind-blowing.

According to a recent survey, a whopping 60% of volunteers landed new jobs or collaborations directly through their involvement with the organization. One web developer, Sarah Rodriguez, said

"Techlahoma has been a game-changer for me. The connections I've made and the skills I've gained have been invaluable in propelling my career forward."

That's the kind of success story we love to hear!

So, if you're looking to support a rad cause and get involved in the thriving tech community in Tulsa, Techlahoma is the way to go.

Check out their website, sign up to volunteer, and get ready to level up your skills and your network in a major way.

ChickTech is a non-profit organization that's all about supporting women in STEM fields, and they've got a chapter right here in Tulsa. Their mission is to create an inclusive community, help women advance their tech careers, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in the industry.

ChickTech Tulsa has some seriously awesome networking events and programs that you won't want to miss:

• Monthly Meetups: Connect with other women in tech, discuss the latest trends, and get career advice from industry pros.
• Coding Workshops: Level up your coding skills with hands-on training sessions led by experienced instructors.
• Mentorship Programs: Get guidance and support from mentors who are in the Tulsa tech community.
• Career Fairs: Network with top employers, check out job openings, and show off your skills to potential employers.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, women in tech are 45% more likely to leave the industry due to lack of career development and networking opportunities.

But ChickTech Tulsa is on a mission to change that by creating a supportive environment where women can thrive. David Thompson, a software engineer at a major Tulsa firm, says, "ChickTech has been a game-changer for me.

The connections I've made and the mentorship I've received have been invaluable in navigating my career path."

Check out the growing impact of ChickTech Tulsa over the past three years:

Year	Members	Events Hosted	Women Impacted
2022	250	18	450
2023	375	25	650
2024 (YTD)	475	15	800

As you can see, ChickTech Tulsa is making a major impact and empowering more and more women to excel in the tech industry through valuable networking opportunities and a supportive community.

If you're a woman in tech or interested in STEM, you need to get involved with ChickTech Tulsa!

The Tulsa Data Science Meetup is the place to be for anyone into data science. It's a tight-knit crew of pros, enthusiasts, and learners who just can't get enough of that data goodness.

As of August 2024, they've got a massive 818 members, which shows how much this community has been thriving lately.

Going to the Tulsa Data Science Meetup events is a surefire way to expand your network in the data science world.

These folks host regular meetups, workshops, and hands-on sessions, allowing you to connect with all the data-loving peeps out there, swap ideas, and maybe even cook up some collaborations.

As Linda Jackson, a data scientist at a major tech company, puts it,

"The Tulsa Data Science Meetup has been a game-changer for my career growth. Not only have I gained some seriously valuable insights, but I've also built lasting connections with some seriously talented data scientists."

One of the coolest things about this meetup is the collaborative projects they organize.

These projects cover all sorts of domains, including:

• Predictive modeling helps improve strategies for local businesses.
• Enhancing data visualization and storytelling initiatives strengthens the impact of data narratives.
• Machine learning applications are crucial for healthcare innovation.
• Using natural language processing aids in sentiment analysis.

You get to work alongside experienced data scientists, tackle real-world challenges, and contribute to projects that actually make a difference.

The group's success is no joke – several of their collaborative projects have led to successful startups and groundbreaking research publications, cementing Tulsa as an emerging hotspot for data science innovation.

If you're into data science, the Tulsa Data Science Meetup is definitely where you want to be hanging out and connecting with the community.

Tulsa's tech scene is on fire, and getting involved with Code for Tulsa is a game-changer for anyone looking to expand their network.

These civic-minded techies are all about using their skills to make a real impact, and the best part? You get to connect with some seriously brilliant people while doing it.

From developing apps that make it easier for families to find summer meals (like Food4Thought) to building tools that help people clear their records, Code for Tulsa is always cooking up something fresh.

And let's be real, working on projects like these is a surefire way to level up your skills and get noticed by the right people.

But it's not just about the projects.

Code for Tulsa is a tight-knit community that's all about supporting each other. They host regular meetups and hackathons, so you'll have plenty of chances to mix and mingle with like-minded techies.

Plus, with Tulsa being one of Biden's designated Tech Hubs, the networking opportunities are about to get even crazier.

So, if you're ready to take your networking game to the next level while making a difference in your community, Code for Tulsa is the move.

And don't sleep on checking out these tips from Nucamp on landing a sweet tech gig in Tulsa – you'll be glad you did.