Organizer, Grand Rapids Makers (GRMakers)
Since August 2012
We Launched the idea for GRMakers @ BarCampGR 2012 and since November 2012 I have been hosting weekly meetings @ The Warehouse with the GRLUG socials from 8PM till whenever.
We are builders, programmers, crafters, machinists, designers, artists, writers, students, teachers, and even fans. Everyone is encouraged to join our group and bring their projects to the meetings.
GR Makers is an open community lab incorporating elements of a machine shop, a workshop, and a design studio. Located in an 8,500 square-foot space near downtown Grand Rapids our members work on projects that range from the industrial to the delicate arts. Together we are building a community focused on three key goals: enabling personal expression, providing education for all ages, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Organizer, Grand Rapids Startup Weekend
Since January 2011
I started helping with Grand Rapids Startup Weekend in 2011, assisting in logistics, organization and make sure everyone gets fed for this 3 day event.
Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures. It is the largest community of passionate entrepreneurs with over 400 past events in 100 countries around the world in 2011.
All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it’s a 54 hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback.
Organizer, Grand Rapids Linux User Group (GRLUG)
Since February 2007
I became interested in Linux in 2007 and started going to the GRLUG monthly meetings to learn Linux, I quickly realized that there was no way I was going to learn everything about linux and all of the different versions so I got to know the local people that know linux and work with them to get any version of Linux pre-loaded/tested on systems for my customers.
I have been hosting Weekly GRLUG meetings since 2011 and enjoy learning about the latest and greatest things.
GRLUG is a group of information technology professionals and enthusiasts supporting Open Source and Linux in the Grand Rapids area. Our mission is to provide, education, support, professional networking/socializing, and advocacy of the Linux technology.
Our Email Discussion List
While our other Internet resources fell into decay, our mailing list has always been active. Join the list to ask questions about Linux, receive meeting announcements, and to engage in discussions with your fellow Grand Rapids Linux users. You can also read the mailing list archives if you’d like to look into past discussions.
Our Upcoming and Past Meetings and Events
Even Linux users enjoy some meatspace interaction once in a while, so we currently have an informal meeting every Wednesday evening from 8PM – 10PM. The location moves around a bit, so make sure you check here for the latest information.
Our IRC Channel
There are almost always a few people hanging out in our #grlug IRC channel on the Freenode network. So fire up your favorite IRC client or click the link to use the web client whenever you get a hankerin’ for some cyberspace-based human interaction.
Organizer, GR Dev Day
Since January 2011
Started helping with GR Dev Day in 2011 when it was known as day of dot net. I help with logistics, organization and make sure everyone gets great food for the day.
GR DevDay is a one-day software development conference in Grand Rapids, MI. It is completely volunteer-run and organized by developers with other developers in mind. GR DevDay is proud to offer all this at a very low cost to professionals and completely free of charge to students.
GR DevDay grew out of the rapid growth and popularity of the GR Day of .NET conference organized by the West Michigan .NET User Group. These historical ties remain strong, but the scope of topics will reflect the diverse nature of modern software development. A wide range of technology topics will be explored and developers of all backgrounds are welcome.
Visit WebsiteBoard Member, Software GR
Since January 2011
Involved in planning and logistics for our yearly events.
Along with monthly meetings Software GR is the parent for the following yearly conferences The Great Lakes Software Excellence Conference (GLSEC) and BarCamp GR.
Founded by Atomic Object in the fall of 2003, SoftwareGR is a 501c6 non-profit trade association dedicated to improving the competitiveness of Michigan’s software development community. We are interested in all aspects of software, from design and development, to testing and user experience.
Visit WebsiteOrganizer, Grand Rapids Give Camp
Since September 2011
I started helping with Grand Rapids Give Camp in 2011.
I help with logistics, organization and make sure everyone gets fed for this 3 day event.
GiveCamp is a weekend-long event where technology professionals – from designers, developers and database administrators to marketers and web strategists – donate their time to provide solutions for non-profit organizations.
Visit WebsiteOrganizer, Great Lakes Software Excellence Conference (GLSEC)
Since January 2007
I’ve been a part of GLSEC since 2007. I help with planning, organization and sponsorships.
Visit WebsiteOrganizer, BarCamp Grand Rapids
Since July 2007
I started helping with BarCamp Grand Rapids in 2007. I help with logistics, organization, work with sponsors and make sure everyone gets fed for this 2 day event held at Calvin College. Check out our LinkedIn group and join us for a great un-conference.
BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from attendees, usually centered around design & technology topics.
Visit WebsiteOrganizer, GrrCON
Since September 2011
GrrCON is an information security and hacking conference being held in the Midwest. This conference was put together to provide the Midwest regional information security community with a venue to come together and share ideas, information, solutions, forge relationships, and most importantly engage with like minded people in a fun atmosphere.
Whether you are a Fortune 500 executive, security researcher, security industry professional, student, or a hacker of “flexible” morals you will find something for you at GrrCON.
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