Philly Tech Week 2016
By Melanie Chongolola-Nestor
April 25, 2016
Hello, Melanie here. Are you as excited for Philly Tech Week 2016 as I am? Last year was my first, and it was a great introduction to the Philadelphia Tech community. I’ve learned so much since then; enough to no longer be a noob, but still a ways before I can confidently say I understand all of things tech (is that even humanly possible?). Fortunately Philly Tech Week is here to help all of us learn a bit more about this constantly evolving industry.
The following are a few for events that I would love to attend. I won’t be able to attend all of the events because a lot of are at the same time. So until the technology to be two places at once is invented, I hope this list inspires you to check them out. And when the technology to be two places at once is invented, I really hope there is a preview at Philly Tech Week 😉
Diversity.
As technology makes the world smaller, respectfully recognizing all of its cultures is an important way to keep yourself informed and involved in the tech world.
Through a Prism: Why Diversity Matters in Design & Tech – 4/28/2016
Tracy Levesque, 1 of 2 super bosses at YIKES, will be a member of the panel; and will be discussing things like attracting and retaining diverse talent, and the positive impacts of having a diverse staff.
TechniCulture – 4/29/2016
A presentation from the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance about how cultural organizations can use more technology and innovation in reaching their goals.
Success Hacks: Paving Your Own Way in Tech – 5/5/2016
The PTW event YIKES is happy to sponsor and co-organize for the 3rd year in a row! This year, we will hear from presenters on what it means to be successful in the tech world and their personal story of how they got where they are today.
Art
Because, ART.
OUT OF FRAME – week long
A curated online exhibition showcasing work defined as Disruptive Tech.www.out-of-frame.net
For the Kids
With technology being a part of everyday life, give the kids in your life some early experience in working with technology, not just playing with it.
Intro to Video Production – 4/30/2016
A chance for kids in the 6th-8th grades to learn everything about TV production and being in front or behind the camera in.
Coded by Kids Community Tech Week Events – opening weekend event
An all access weekend event in rec. centers throughout the city that will provide an introduction in Coding 101. This event is all ages.
Education
Give yourself a leg up and learn some new things and skills.
Innovation in the Cannabis Industry: Technology, Medical, & Investment – 4/30/2016
Regardless of your stance on the use of marijuana, there are great business and technology opportunities that the marijuana market creates. Being in the know about it doesn’t make someone a stoner, missing out on opportunities does.
Transforming Tomorrow Today: How Emerging Technologies and Trends are Reshaping Greater Philadelphia – 5/3/2016
A discussion about how technology can change trends with sustainability, climate change, transportation and even the free market.
Getting More Done with Less – 5/3/2016
Because efficiency and resourcefulness are qualities everyone wants in an employee, friend or partner.
Dev Intro Workshops – 5/4/2016
The title is pretty self-explanatory.
#techInColor presents Success Hacks: Paving Your Own Way in Tech – 5/5/2016
Success is not a defined path with numerical steps. Learn how you can create you own successful path in the tech world. This is the third year that YIKES has co-organized and sponsored this #techincolor event!
PACT Startup Fundraising workshop – 5/6/2016
There is a lot of money out there for people who are looking to start their own business, launch their app or share their invention with the world. This session will help you find the various sources.
Career Growth
Connecting the Dots: Matching your skills to a career in tech – 5/3/2016
For people who are trying to begin a career in tech, or take their tech jobs to the next level; this session is for you
Tell Your Story: Crafting an Authentic Elevator Pitch That Works – 5/3/2016
This session will teach you how to turn your achievements and life experience into opportunities for advancement.
Local Philadelphian Interest
Startups & Spaces: Tech’s Impact on Philly’s Real Estate Market – 5/3/2016
As a homeowner in Philadelphia, it’s important to me to know where the real estate market is going and why. This event will provide more perspective into how the tech industry affects Philly real estate.
Just Plain Fun
Opportunities to socialize and network with other Techies.
PTW16 Kickoff festival – 4/29/2016
Live performances, games and being outdoors on a spring night in Philly.
Electric Philly – 4/30/2016
Electronic dance music made from video games. I love Daft Punk and Donkey Kong. Bring it!
The Rad Awards – 5/3/2016
A night to celebrate Philadelphia’s innovative and inspiring women.
Hive76’s Retro Gaming Night – 5/3/2016
Like I said I love Donkey Kong. I also love Crash Bandicoot, Sonic the Hedgehog and Wario. I hope I have a chance to play all of my favorite old school games.
#PTW16 Cinco De Mayo Block Party – 5/5/2016
This party will be about more than just tequila. Think tequila and tech and networking.
Philly Tech Week Signature Event – 5/6/2016
Last year’s event at Comcast was a great time. This year’s event will be at the Naval Yard, which is a beautiful venue.
Techies Who Brunch – 5/7/2016
Even if you feel all networked out by the end of the week, the food at Cuba Libre is delicious. Grab your business cards, put on a nice smile and enjoy some tapas.
My Top 5 Tech Meetups in Philadelphia
By Jodie Riccelli
July 27, 2015
My top 5 tech Meetups in Philadelphia for networking and learning (in no particular order):
1. #techinColor
Two years ago a group of like minded individuals got together to discuss promoting diversity in the tech community. What evolved from that meeting was an Official Philly Tech Week networking event attended by more that 100 people. During that first year, a brain mapping exercise was done to see what attendees would like to get out of #techinColor overall. The results led us to this past years Philly Tech Week speed networking event. Speed networking turned out to be incredibly beneficial to the attendees and the mentors.
2. Girl Develop It
If you are a female (or male) looking to learn about tech in any capacity, you have to check out Girl Develop It. Girl Develop It can be found in many cities throughout the country. Their website states is perfectly, “Girl Develop It is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide affordable and judgment-free opportunities for women interested in learning web and software development. Through in-person classes and community support, Girl Develop It helps women of diverse backgrounds achieve their technology goals and build confidence in their careers and their every day lives.”
3. WordPress Philly
The Philadelphia WordPress Meetup Group is a group of WordPress enthusiasts in and around the Philadelphia area. I have had the pleasure of working with the organizers of this Meetup for WordCamp Philly. I can tell you that this is a devoted group of individuals who aim to provide education content in an exciting and mindful way.
4. Philly Burbs WordPress Meetup
I haven’t had the chance to venture out to burbs for a Meetup yet but other folks at YIKES have. The organizers of this group are some of the kindest and smartest folks I have encountered. Sessions cover everything from “Creating a Beer Fest Site with WordPress” to Web Accessibility.
5. Tech in Motion
The Tech in Motion group was a sponsor for a recent #techinColor event. They provide great Meetups to foster relationships within the tech community. Session include topics like “Reality, Musicality and Beyond: Drinks & Demos.”
I know there are so many more out there. I am anxious to spend the next half of this year discovering new Meetups in the Philadelphia area and meeting more people in our amazing tech community. I would love to hear about some of your favorite meetups or networking events. Feel free to leave a message in the comments below!
#techInColor wrap up
By Mia Levesque
April 29, 2015
This year during Philly Tech Week, YIKES was proud to sponsor and help organize #techInColor for the second year in a row. This year’s event was held at First Round Capital on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Over 100 people attended, and the outcome was more than expected. Each mentor had 6 – 10 minute sessions with attendees throughout the course of the evening. Our mentor list included folks in web development, science, startups, and more. Additionally, we had small group sessions with group leaders who shared their expertise in various fields. Thank you to all the group leaders and mentors. Stay tuned for more #techInColor events happening this year, and be sure to join our MeetUp!
Mentors
- Josh Angotti – Ask me anything about: Product management.
- Jeffrey Becker – Ask me anything about: .NET development, agile software development, and how to level up as a jr. developer.
- Ann Burton – Ask me anything about: Interviewing, resumes, and career development.
- Ingrid Geronimo – Ask me anything about: Requirements gathering, testing & quality assurance, and how to build your technical confidence.
- Shanice Graham – Ask me anything about: Digital Marketing Strategy, Online Marketing, and Analytics.
- Ian Leibovici – Ask me anything about: Digital marketing strategy, UX/UI Design, Information architecture and Design Processes.
- Tracy Levesque – Ask me anything about: WordPress, web design and development, B Corps, Green Building and running a triple bottom line business.
- Amelia Longo – Ask me anything about: Being a non-technical person in tech, authentic networking, targeted outreach for diverse audiences, or gender and the workplace.
- Brian Lyttle – Ask me anything about: Python and .NET, working remotely, consulting, or working with large companies.
- Erin (Cricket) Reichenberger – Ask Me Anything About: Microbiome, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and programming.
- Michael Riley – Ask me anything about: Growing a successful business/startup.
- Zoe Rooney – Ask me anything about: Building websites, WordPress, Shopify, or running a small web development business.
- Tiffanie Stanard – Ask me anything about: Owning multiple companies, technology skills for various industries, product marketing campaigns, branding yourself and your company, developing corporate partnerships, becoming an expert in your field.
- Colby Tecklin – Ask me anything about: Videophones, video communication, general networking, communication tools, and customer service.
- Corinne Warnshuis – Ask me anything about: Getting involved in the community and/or Leveling up your skills
- Carlos Zuniga – Ask me anything about: WordPress Development, PHP Development, Internet Security.
Group Discussion Leaders
- Sarah Gray – My Expertise: Hunting for software development jobs, community resources, open source software development with Python and and web development with Rails.
- TJ Nicolaides – My Expertise: Front end development / Javascript / teaching programming / CakePHP
- Michelle Rogers – My Expertise: Healthcare informatics – the intersection of health, people and information.
- Kevin Taylor – My Expertise: Project management, group collaboration, and workplace learning and performance improvement.
- Ani Vemprala – My Expertise: Launching a startup in Philly, building a tech/engineering team, interviewing at startups, your data & analytics challenges.
- Elise Wei – My Expertise: Changing careers into software dev, SaaS, hiring, managing a team, being a new parent, getting involved in the community.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Zero-Waste Event made possible by:
Event catered by:
Drinks provided by:
Join YIKES during Philly Tech Week
By Jodie Riccelli
February 28, 2014
Tech Mix It Up: A Diversity Networking Affair
Monday, April 7, 2014 – 5pm to 8pm
Philly Tech Week 2014 presented by AT&T is a week-long celebration of technology and innovation taking place April 4–12, 2014. This year, a group of like-minded individuals, joined together to host a networking affair to celebrate diversity within the tech community.
This event brings together tech people from diverse backgrounds including race, ethnicity, members of the LGBTQ communities and people with disabilities. We invite you to help us make a more creative and innovative tech community by joining the conversation.
There will be food, drink, music, games, prizes and a chance to network with some of the best and brightest diverse people the Philly Tech Scene has to offer.
Let’s crack the brogrammer code!
Our goal is to engage a network of individuals who are willing to support the mission of diversity in the tech community. Through events such as this we hope to encourage businesses, individuals, volunteers, and the community to get involved and support our mission.
*ASL interpreters provided
Premiere Sponsors:
Platinum Sponsors:
The WordPress Foundation wordpressfoundation.org
Automattic automattic.com
Chovanes Law LLC
Gold Sponsors
–O’Donnell & Naccarato
Food and Drink Sponsors
– Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen
– Khyber Pass Pub
– Philly Fair Trade Roasters
– Mugshots Cafe
– Spodee
– Philadelphia Brewing Company
– Betts Gourmet Cheese Spread
Prize Sponsors
– Uber
– Bishops Collar
– Mirror Image Media
– WP Engine
*Zero waste event made possible by Bennett Compost
We’ve partnered with Uber to offer all new users a free ride, up to $20, using the promotional code TECHINCOLOR.We also want to thank many of the media outlets who are supporting this event:
Philadelphia Weekly – 10 Can’t Miss Happenings at Philly Tech Week
Philly 360 – 11 Must-Hit Events For Philly Tech Week – April 4 -12
CBS Philly – Guide To Philly Tech Week
Philadelphia Generocity – Our Social Impact Guide to Philly Tech Week 2014