Ross Notes

I met Nick O’Neill at last weeks DC Blogger Meetup, where he mentioned in passing that he was organizing the first Tech Cocktail DC. I was mildly curious, but didn’t think too much more about it until I did some research into the past TC events (all in Chicago) and then noted that the RSVP list has jumped past 50 in mere hours.

This appears to be a big deal.

The official event announcement describes it as:

>The event which looks to better connect the local technology and entrepreneurial community will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2007 from 6:30 to 9pm at MCCXXII, a premier DC venue. The event is FREE but you must be 21 or over to attend and must be on the RSVP list for the event to get in.

Nick and Tech Cocktail Chicago co-organizer Frank Gruber were kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

**What makes Tech Cocktail distinct from other local tech entrepreneur gatherings like nextDC and Capital Cabal?**

**Nick**: In contrast to nextDC which is targeted at strictly young professionals, this event is open to all people involved in the tech industry no matter how much experience they have. Capital Cabal tends to host a diverse set of events based around a variety of activities. TechCocktail brings a diverse crowd but is always hosted at local restaurants and lounges. The diverse range of people attending are what make TechCocktail unique.

**I specifically mean Capital Cabal’s monthly New Media and “Dot Com” networking event — It sounds like a similar gathering. What’s the difference?**

**Frank**: To be honest with you Ross, I have never heard of the New Media and “Dot Com” networking event that you mentioned so it would be impossible for me to answer your specific question but what I can tell you is that TECH cocktail is about bringing people together to have some fun. I don’t ever think of TECH cocktail as a networking event but rather an event to celebrate the local technology and entrepreneurial community and maybe meet some new friends along the way as we follow a “make friends and do business” philosophy rather than a business card pushing networking event. Ultimately, we strive to help under served technology communities to amplify the signal of the the local tech beat. I would also check out this wrap-up from our last event in Chicago

**What sort of turnout do you expect for the first meeting?**

**Nick**: We are initially limiting registration to 150 people and may possibly expand the number if demand increases.

**In your post about the event, you describe TechCocktail as an event for “under-served technology communities”. Could you go into more detail about why DC is under-served and how TechCocktail will improve the situation?**

**Nick**: When TechCocktail was started, one of the primary focuses was on new ventures as well as investors. Currently there are a wide range of start-ups in DC but many are unaware of who they are. We want TechCocktail to be an opportunity for these entrepreneurs to showcase their products as well as an opportunity to possibly meet potential investors.

**Who is sponsoring the event?**

**Frank**: We have not yet released the final sponsorship list. When we do we will let you know.

**Is this the first TechCocktail outside of Chicago?**

**Nick**: Yes this is the first TechCocktail outside of Chicago. There have been four hosted in Chicago with the forth occurring a little over a week ago. There has been a great response in Chicago and we are hoping to bring the same energy to DC.

**How have the Chicago events benefited that city?**

**Frank**: TECH cocktail has benefited the city of Chicago by helping to connect the tech community. As a result of the event we have seen new startups have formed, companies have connected with vc’s/entrepreneurs and companies have connect and hired new employees they met at the event. In addition, TECH cocktail has also had an impact on both the local and national event level as other have been inspired by TECH cocktail to form such community meet-ups like SF Beta in San Francisco, Chicago Beta in Chicago and Twiistup in LA.

For additional background on TECH cocktail you may want to check out this video.

**How often will the group meet?**

**Nick**: We would like to host an event once every quarter.

**How and where are you promoting TechCocktail DC?**

**Nick**: We are promoting the event primarily via blogs and word of mouth and the TechCocktail website.

*Learn about Tech Cocktail at their main site and sign up for next months event here.*