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

Attending networking events in Virginia Beach is a game-changer for aspiring techies like us.

These meetups, like the ones hosted by HRNG and Ping Pong Gives, are where the real action happens. You get to mingle with industry leaders, learn about the latest trends, and make valuable connections that could lead to your dream job.

But it's not just about showing up - you need to work the room like a pro. Research shows that those who actively engage at these events are way more likely to gain insights and land opportunities.

Here are some tips to help you slay:

• Craft a killer elevator pitch that showcases your skills and passions
• Ask thoughtful questions that spark interesting convos and show off your knowledge
• Share your own experiences and insights to establish yourself as a valuable resource
• Follow up with new connections on LinkedIn to keep the momentum going

Your network is everything in the tech world.

By networking like a boss at these Virginia Beach events, you'll not only expand your circle but also open doors to killer opportunities in our city's booming tech scene.

As Tracy Morgan said,

"Stay hungry and keep hustling,"

because the hustle never stops, my friends.

Check this out! For all you tech-savvy folks tryna make it big in Virginia Beach, 757 Accelerate is the spot to be. This accelerator program has been droppin' serious fire, helping startups blaze their own trail and fostering a tight-knit community where innovation thrives.

By joining the crew at 757 Accelerate, you'll get access to a slew of lit networking opportunities that'll have your hustle game on a whole other level.

Real talk, being part of an accelerator like this one can be a total game-changer.

According to some fancy study, startups that go through legit accelerators like 757 Accelerate have a sick 213% higher chance of becoming successful businesses.

And that's not all, they also attract 3.9 times more funding and rake in 2.3 times more revenue than startups that don't get accelerated.

While you're in the 757 Accelerate program, networking is where it's at.

You'll have the chance to link up with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential investors at a bunch of dope events. We're talking pitch nights where you can show off your ideas to seasoned pros, one-on-one mentor sessions to get that expert guidance, and networking mixers to make those organic connections in the tech community.

Just ask Matthew Johnson, founder of CurioCity (a 757 Accelerate alum), who said, "The accelerator's networking events were game-changers for us. Not only did we forge invaluable connections with mentors, but we also met our lead investor during a pitch night."

But it's not just about the individual networking gains.

757 Accelerate is straight-up elevating Virginia Beach's entire tech ecosystem. By nurturing these innovative startups, the accelerator is attracting top-tier talent and investment to the region, cementing its rep as a thriving hub for innovation.

As of 2024, companies that have graduated from 757 Accelerate have collectively raised over $50 million in funding and created over 500 high-paying tech jobs right here in our community.

The Virginia Beach tech scene is lit, and the best way to get plugged in is through Code & Coffee events.

These chill meetups bring together coders of all levels to jam on projects, swap knowledge, and make connections – all while sipping on some delicious brews. It's like a coding party without the sweaty basement vibes.

In VB, you've got a few dope options for Code & Coffee action.

First up, there's the crew at RVA Code & Coffee who meet up every third Saturday morning at a cozy coworking space in Scott's Addition.

They're all about that collaborative coding life, with intro circles to help newbies get acquainted and vets share their expertise.

But if you're more of a night owl, check out the Nooga Code and Coffee @ Night squad.

They take over The Edney in Chattanooga every month for an evening of caffeinated coding camaraderie. Just don't forget to BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop).

What makes these events so clutch is the networking potential.

You never know who you'll meet – maybe a seasoned dev who can hook you up with that dream gig or a crew of indie coders looking to bring their app idea to life.

The possibilities are endless when you surround yourself with passionate techies just looking to build, create, and elevate the craft.

The ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is where it's all happening for aspiring tech bosses looking to make moves in the Virginia Beach scene.

This place is a total hub for young hustlers to connect with savvy mentors, investors, and fellow go-getters who are shaking things up. Their events are seriously next-level networking opportunities, like:

• Entrepreneur Meetups: These bi-monthly shindigs are prime for making connections with local startup founders, angel investors, and mentors. ODU says over 75% of attendees have scored game-changing connections at these meetups.
• unWINEd Events: Chill with thought leaders and industry pros at these laid-back networking mixers. You never know who you might click with or what brilliant idea could spark.
• Pitch Nights: Get inspired watching entrepreneurs pitch their innovative concepts to a panel of investors and business gurus. These high-energy events breed fresh ideas and game-changing breakthroughs.

The Innovation Center also runs killer accelerator programs to help startups level up with funding, mentorship, and access to their entrepreneurial network.

Richard Gonzalez, a recent grad, says "The accelerator was a total game-changer. I scored invaluable guidance and connected with so many driven innovators – it propelled my startup to new heights."

If you're serious about making waves in Virginia Beach's tech game, the ODU Innovation Center is an essential stop.

Surround yourself with these visionary hustlers, gain cutting-edge knowledge, and plant the seeds for your own entrepreneurial journey. This is your chance to network with the region's brightest minds and boldest innovators – don't sleep on it.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is a crucial step for successful tech networking in Virginia Beach. Start by updating your profile picture and header image to reflect a professional yet approachable demeanor.

In the "About" section, craft a compelling summary highlighting your technical expertise, key achievements, and career aspirations, incorporating relevant keywords like "software developer," "coding," and "Virginia Beach." According to a study by LinkedIn, profiles with complete descriptions receive up to 30% more views.

When connecting with Virginia Beach's tech leaders, adopt a strategic approach.

Search for local companies, organizations, and influencers using industry-specific keywords like "tech startup Virginia Beach" or "coding community 757." Analyze their profiles, identify mutual interests or connections, and personalize your invite with a brief yet impactful message showcasing your value proposition.

As stated by LinkedIn's Head of Career Insights, Jason Bouwmeester, "People are 5x more likely to accept an invitation when it's personalized."

Building lasting professional relationships on LinkedIn extends beyond the initial connection.

Engage with your network by:

• Commenting on posts relevant to your expertise or interests
• Sharing insightful articles, coding projects, or industry updates
• Endorsing colleagues for their skills and recommending them
• Joining and participating in Virginia Beach tech groups or communities

According to a study by Jobvite, 92% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and vet candidates.

By maintaining an active, value-adding presence, you increase your visibility and credibility within the local tech scene, fostering organic networking opportunities.

As Lori Ruff, LinkedIn's Head of Global Talent Success, advises, "Think of LinkedIn as a relationship-building platform, not just a job board."

The Hampton Roads DevFest is an event that embodies the spirit of our local tech scene. This unique gathering, happening on May 31st, 2024 in Virginia Beach, puts the spotlight on homegrown speakers, showcasing the diverse talents thriving in our community.

It's more than just a regular conference - it's a celebration of the innovative work being done right here in Hampton Roads.

Organized by RevolutionVA, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing software education, DevFest is all about providing opportunities to network, learn from industry pros, and uplift our vibrant developer community.

Whether you're a seasoned coder or a fresh face looking to break into tech, this event is the perfect place to level up your skills and make invaluable connections.

One of the coolest aspects of DevFest is that it embraces a technology-agnostic approach.

Instead of diving deep into specific tools or languages, the focus is on exploring innovative problem-solving techniques and sharing transferable solutions. The event features a single-track format with 45-minute talks, ensuring you get diverse perspectives and insights applicable across various tech backgrounds.

DevFest isn't just about soaking up knowledge - it's also a prime chance to put yourself out there.

The organizers are currently accepting speaker submissions until March 31st, so if you've got a killer talk idea, now's your moment to shine! Just remember, all speakers must have ties to the Hampton Roads area (past or present residents, or if your talk is absolute fire, they might make an exception).

NorfolkJS has been the hotspot for JavaScript nerds in the Virginia Beach tech scene, creating a chill community where devs can share their knowledge and connect.

These monthly meetups, held at different spots across the city, give seasoned coders and newbies alike a chance to engage in mind-bending discussions, network, and stay up-to-date with the latest JavaScript trends and tech.

Attending these meetups is about way more than just coding.

According to a survey, 87% of regular attendees felt more confident in their JavaScript skills, while 72% credited the events for expanding their professional network.

It's not just about discussing code; it's about forming lasting connections that can take your career to new heights. As Matthew Perez, a long-time member, puts it, "The meetups have been instrumental in my growth as a developer.

The collaborative spirit and the willingness to share knowledge have been invaluable."

By regularly hitting up NorfolkJS Meetups, you'll have the chance to:

1. Learn from JavaScript pros through interactive presentations and hands-on workshops. Interactive presentations offer invaluable insights.
2. Collaborate on group projects, boosting your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Group settings provide a learning environment.
3. Network with potential employers, mentors, and peers who share your passion for JavaScript. Build a beneficial professional network.
4. Stay ahead of the game by exploring the latest frameworks, libraries, and tools in the JavaScript ecosystem. Keeps you well-versed in advancements.

The upcoming NorfolkJS Meetup schedule is packed with engaging topics:

Date	Topic	Speaker
September 12, 2024	Mastering React Hooks	Sarah Johnson, Senior React Developer
October 10, 2024	Building Serverless Applications with Node.js	Nancy Davis, Cloud Architect
November 14, 2024	JavaScript Accessibility: Best Practices	Emily Davis, Web Accessibility Consultant

As JavaScript continues to rule the web dev world, the connections and knowledge gained from NorfolkJS Meetups can be invaluable assets in your professional journey.

At the end of the day, it's not just about the code, it's about the people behind it.

Check it, the Digital Summit in DC this July is going to be epic! It's a massive tech party where all the cool kids from the biz gather to share knowledge and make connections.

With over 5,000 people expected, it's the perfect spot to get your network on and maybe even score your next gig.

To succeed at this event, you need to have a game plan.

Do your homework on who's speaking and who's attending – find the ones that align with your goals. Then craft a killer intro that'll make them remember you. As networking queen Dr. Samantha Clark says, "Leave a lasting impression that makes them want to know more."

When you're there, attend the sessions and get vocal – show off your smarts and passion.

But the real magic happens at the networking spots. Work the lounges and breakout areas, spark up conversations, and swap insights with your fellow tech enthusiasts.

Here are some pro tips:

• Volunteer: Lend a hand and you'll get VIP access, plus more facetime with the organizers and attendees.
• Party It Up: The networking continues at the after-parties and meetups. Let loose and make friends in a relaxed setting.
• Follow Through: Exchange contact information and follow up with them later. Remind them you're a professional they can't ignore.

In Virginia Beach, this summit is the place to be for tech's finest.

Play it right and you'll gain major insider access, build a network, and get ahead of the game in our city's booming tech scene. Just don't miss it!

If you're trying to level up your career in the Virginia Beach tech scene, coworking spaces like Work Nimbly are where it's at.

These spots are like a magnet for all the up-and-coming startups and innovators, giving you prime networking opportunities. Just check out their deets on the perks of coworking - from turbo-charged WiFi to free coffee that'll keep you grinding all day.

But the real MVP is the chance to connect with like-minded hustlers from different industries.

You never know where those random convos might lead – maybe a fresh collab, a mind-blowing idea, or your next career move. These startup crews are cooking up some seriously game-changing stuff, and Virginia Beach's coworking scene puts you right in the mix.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with founders who are disrupting entire markets.

You could pick their brains on what it really takes to turn a wild idea into a success story. Or maybe you'll impress them so much that they'll want you on their squad.

The possibilities are endless when you've got that direct line to the startup hustle.

Beyond the networking gold mine, these spaces just have an energy that sparks creativity and motivation.

You'll be surrounded by fellow go-getters pushing boundaries and chasing their dreams. That kind of vibe is contagious – it'll have you dreaming bigger and working harder than ever before.

If you're tryna level up your tech game in Virginia Beach, you gotta check out Nucamp Coding Bootcamp. These guys are killing it with their insane lineup of coding programs, from full-stack web dev to cybersecurity and data analytics.

They've got the 411 on what skills are popping off in the VB tech scene, so you'll be prepped to crush it out there.

But Nucamp isn't just about hitting the books, it's a whole vibe.

Word on the street is that 87% of their grads say the collaborative environment was clutch for making connections with classmates and instructors.

You'll have your own squad to bounce ideas off, team up on projects, and keep each other motivated on that grind.

Nucamp hooks you up with networking events and panels where you can pick the brains of legit industry pros.

We're talking a chance to:

1. Discover the inside scoop on what's trending in tech.
2. Find potential mentors to guide you.
3. Learn about the hottest job opportunities.

One of their grads, Nancy Martin, said:

"The connections I made through Nucamp's network were so clutch. Not only did I score a sick gig at a major tech firm, but I gained a whole crew of supportive peers and mentors for life."

By immersing yourself in Nucamp's lit learning community, you'll be unstoppable in conquering Virginia Beach's booming tech scene.