Categories
Career What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 12: Lessons from “The Martian” and other notes

I’m in Austin this week to deliver a talk at the Civo Navigate North America conference — so posting might be a little light this week. But here’s part 12 of the “Laid Off in 2024” series!

Lessons from The Martian

If you like sci-fi and are looking for inspiration as you make your way through the process of finding your next gig after being laid off, I recommend the audiobook version of The Martian, the book by Andy Weir that became the film of the same name starring Matt Damon.

While the film gave us STEM majors a memorable line that we’ll quote forever — “I’m gonna have to science the shit out of this” — the book tells a deeper story of perseverance, problem-solving, and perspicacity that is nothing short of inspiring.

I’m not exaggerating about the “inspiring” bit either. Whenever I’m working on a tough problem and I can’t figure out a solution, I put the audiobook version of The Martian on and put it on in the background. Listening to how stranded Mars astronaut Mark Watney assess the situation he’s in and uses his knowledge and the materials on hand to survive for 531 sols (those are Martian days, the equivalent of 546 days on Earth) has somehow helped me to:

  • Relearn enough JavaScript and learn enough React to build a little web application that assembled a report for a telecom cost-optimization review, which a major tech vendor sold as part of their suite of services.
  • Build the Python script that generates the weekly list of Tampa Bay tech, entrepreneur, and nerd events. It’s no simple assignment, as it must counter Meetup.com’s anti-scraping countermeasures.
  • Write Augmented Reality in Android with Google’s Face API, my first Android programming article for RayWenderlich.com (now Kodeco), despite not ever having built an Android app or used Google’s API for detecting and tracking facial features.
  • Pass my “audition” for Auth0 (now owned by Okta), where I had to write an application using tech I’d never used before (Auth0 and Spring Boot) and an article about that application.

If you find yourself feeling stuck, read The Martian or give the audiobook version a listen! As a treat, here’s the audiobook version, as uploaded to YouTube by a soul who doesn’t fear the copyright cops:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYGuGzmVleI

Peter Wheeler’s take on nondisparagement clauses

I know Peter Wheeler from my time at Auth0/Okta, where we met through initiatives where Auth0 would help out nonprofit organizations. He’s a sweet, solid guy, and he’s so willing to help out that if I had to assemble a crack team of a dozen people to save the world, he’d be one of the first people I’d call.

Peter gave me the idea to include something nice for the team that would have to deal with the company laptop when I shipped it back to them. That team also experienced, and they probably were feeling disheartened by the layoffs and having to process the laid-off people’s gear. I tell the whole story in an earlier post, The Box Came Back the Very Next Day.

In response to another post of mine, The Dreaded Non-Disparagement Clause, Peter posted a response on LinkedIn which bears repeating here:

The reality is – if you’ve got the time and energy to be talking about anything, it should be about what’s next and who you are. Not dramatically rehashing the past. Even in venting.

And with layoffs, who cares? There are thousands of colloquialisms and parables to answer any question that might be posed about your time and your relationship with the organization. “One door closes, another opens.” “Gave me time to pursue….” “Helped me see…”

My favorite, ever, and that I’ve adopted for myself when leaving roles and organizations – that came from someone I was hiring who was pursuing a title and duties drop –

“I exhausted the ways I could positively contribute”

That goes into so much, so easily, without saying anything. Lack of culture alignment. Role no longer what you signed up for. Team issues.

Feel compelled to be honest? “At this point in my career I’m looking for an organization and role that ‘positive statements’…” > “well I know what I don’t want to go through again”

Same thing. Different vibe you personally put off. And different risk in this case.

“Would you work there again?”
Is a very different question than
“Would you go back to working there?”

One is quantum unrestricted :)
Rambling. Bye

He also linked to this classic from the great jazz keyboardist Fats Waller that summarizes the definitive answer to the non-disparagement clause question: You Run Your Mouth, I’ll Run My Business…

Advice from the global financial crisis of 2008 (and Douglas Rushkoff)

Laid Off Still Life (2008, Joey de Villa, mixed media.)
This is the stuff I packed at the office after my first layoff.
Here’s the original article from October 7, 2008.

Way back in October 2008 (this blog goes back to August 2006), I was laid off for the first time. I made the announcement in a post called This Gun’s for Hire…

…and wrote my first-ever series of articles on being laid off, Terminated, starting with The Very First Things You Should Do When Laid Off:

In a follow-up article titled How I’ll Ride Out the Layoff and the Credit Crunch: Friends, I cited technology, media and pop culture writer Douglas Rushkoff, whose essay, Riding Out the Credit Collapse, had a suggestion for riding out the global financial crisis going on at the time. It’s equally applicable to the Great Layoff going on right now:

Whatever the case, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your interests is to make friends. The more we are willing to do for each other on our own terms and for compensation that doesn’t necessarily involve the until-recently-almighty dollar, the less vulnerable we are to the movements of markets that, quite frankly, have nothing to do with us.

If you’re sourcing your garlic from your neighbor over the hill instead of the Big Ag conglomerate over the ocean, then shifts in the exchange rate won’t matter much. If you’re using a local currency to pay your mechanic to adjust your brakes, or your chiropractor to adjust your back, then a global liquidity crisis won’t affect your ability to pay for either. If you move to a place because you’re looking for smart people instead of a smart real estate investment, you’re less likely to be suckered by high costs of a “hot” city or neighborhood, and more likely to find the kinds of people willing to serve as a social network, if for no other reason than they’re less busy servicing their mortgages.

I’ve internalized Rushkoff’s idea, which is why I do a lot of community-building stuff wherever I call home, whether it was in Toronto (this blog is effectively a record of all that work) or in my home for the last ten years, Tampa.

When you read Rushkoff’s fanciful idea of printing your own “local currency,” replace that phrase with “social currency.”

While you may want to work on your technical skills to land your next gig, you may also want to work on things like building a network of friends and acquaintances and building goodwill in tech circles. I’ve found that these are just as valuable as any algorithm, data structure, programming language, or framework that I’ve learned.

Also in this series…

Categories
Career What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 11: The dreaded non-disparagement clause

Censure, a mural by Dase.
Creative Commons work — tap to view the source.

ℹ️ Remember that I’m not a lawyer; I’m just someone with experience with signing post-employment contracts. None of this should be construed to be legal advice, and if you have any questions about employment law and your specific circumstances, you should consult a lawyer.

What’s a non-disparagement clause?

Sooner or later, you’re going to sign a separation agreement with a soon-to-be former employer. In that separation agreement, you’ll likely find a non-disparagement clause. Even in the sea of legalese of the separation agreement, you’ll recognize it immediately, and it will look something like this:

Non-Disparagement. In compliance with all applicable laws and in exchange for the Severance, you agree and covenant not to defame or criticize the services, business, integrity, veracity, or personal or professional reputation of the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents of any of the foregoing in either a professional or personal manner, or induce others to do so.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this agreement shall preclude you from making truthful statements that are required by applicable law, regulation, or legal process.

In plain language, the clause says that in exchange for getting severance, you will not disparage your former employer. In legal terms, “to disparage” means “to criticize, belittle, discredit, dishonor, or lower in esteem.” You are promising to never say anything negative about your former company and possibly a lot of things associated with it, including the services or products it offers, the people who run it, and so on.

Think about it — they’re asking a lot. You’re signing away your right to say, write, or otherwise communicate things about your former employer such as:

  • The people at the C-level’s plans are completely wrong,
  • Their next product launch will fail
  • You think that their stock price is going to plummet
  • Their work environment is unpleasant, the managers micromanage, and they do surveillance on in-office employees and monitor remote employees’ keyboard and mouse activity to make sure that they’re actually working
  • They suck

Basically, you’re promising not to say anything that would harm your former employer’s business or reputation.

Here’s an important notice: the part about “never say anything negative” in a disparagement clause applies even if those negative things are true or just your opinion (“I’m just sayin’, dude”). You are promising to never communicate anything negative about your former company.

What about your free speech rights?

Many countries have some kind of free speech law. For example:

  • In the U.S., where I now live, there’s the First Amendment
  • In Canada, where I spent most of my life, there’s Section 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
  • In the U.K., Article 10 of the Human Rights Act covers free speech

However, those rights don’t apply to business contracts — otherwise, things like NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) wouldn’t work, and you’re waiving any such rights by signing an NDA or separation agreement.

What happens if you say something negative after agreeing to a non-disparagement clause?

If you sign a separation agreement with your former employer containing a non-disparagement clause and then say, write, or otherwise communicate something negative about your former employer, you will be in breach of contract. I am not a lawyer, but I can still authoritatively tell you that it’s bad news.

The career platform The Muse says that the consequences are usually financial. If your non-disparagement was in exchange your severance, your former employer may demand that severance back. They could also sue for damages, and lawyers can get pretty creative with calculating the financial value of the damage caused by your bad-mouthing.

Would they really go after you for disparagement?

As a consultant, I am qualified to give you the Standard Consulting Answer to that question: It depends.

ℹ️ Again, I remind you: I’m not a lawyer!

Of course, they’d have to find out that you were disparaging them first. Consider these scenarios:

Scenario 1: You and a friend are out for a walk. Your friend asks: “Hey, you worked at EvilCorp. What was it like?” You reply “It was Hell. Don’t work there. The people who run that dump have their heads up their asses, and the only reason they’re still around is a lack of competition and dumb luck.” Probably not a problem.

Scenario 2: Same as Scenario 1, but in a crowded Starbucks. Probably still not a problem.

Scenario 3: Same as Scenario 1, but in a crowded Starbucks right by your former employer’s office. Probably still not a problem, but getting iffy. There’s a chance that someone at your company will overhear you and will take action, or at least snitch to someone who’ll take action.

Scenario 4: You post “Don’t work there. The people who run that dump have their heads up their asses, and the only reason they’re still around is a lack of competition and dumb luck.” using an anonymous throw-away account on Reddit. Iffy. Reddit has a large user base, but the details in your post or your writing style might give you away.

Scenario 5: Same as Scenario 4, but on Blind. Iffy. Blind is anonymous, but its user base is relatively small. There’s a much greater likelihood that what you post or your writing style might give you away.

Scenario 6: Same as Scenario 4, but on Facebook. A little risky if it’s a “friends only” posting, bad if it’s public. This is especially true with companies that have a social media team.

Scenario 7: Same as Scenario 4, but on LinkedIn. Superbad. Lots of people at a company scan for any mention of their company’s name on LinkedIn: social media teams, public relations, marketing, executives, and of course, the legal team.

If they find out, what they do in response depends on all sorts of factors, including:

  • What’s the size of the company? A small one with fewer resources, a big one with a PR, Marketing, and Legal team, or something in between?
  • Are they too busy to be concerned about you, or are they vindictive and lawsuit-happy?
  • What did you say? How much damage did you do to their reputation?
  • Are you worth going after?

Are there exceptions to the non-disparagement clause?

There are, and they include things such as:

  • Reporting a crime committed by someone at your former employer
  • Reporting criminal activity by your former employer
  • Providing negative information about your former employer to law enforcement or a government agency conducting an investigation
  • Filing a workers’ compensation claim

I read somewhere that non-disparagement clauses were rendered invalid in the same way that non-compete laws were. How about that?

I read it somewhere too.

I keep telling you: I am not a lawyer. Go ask one.

What I can definitively tell you, in spite of NOT being a lawyer, is that non-disparagement clauses are still being included in separation agreements, which are contracts. I know, because there was one in the one I signed.

Is there any reason I wouldn’t want to sign a separation agreement with a non-disparagement clause?

I’ve never had such a reason myself, but I’ve seen cases where that might be the case:

  • The reasons listed in the section about exceptions (see above)
  • If you are taking your former employer to court for harassment, bullying, or a similar reason
  • If there is something that the world really, really, really needs to know about your former employer
  • If you’re a free speech absolutist and you can get by without the severance

I’ve spoken with some people who’ve come to me for advice about their non-disparagement agreements because the thought of never saying anything bad about their old company really ground their gears.

In response, I asked them if there were any situations where they’ve opted to shut up rather than speak the truth because it was worth it:

  • Have you ever not said something or refused to answer a question because it was told to you in confidence or protect someone’s privacy? Even if doing so made you look bad or got you into trouble?
  • Have you ever refrained from expressing your true opinion about something because it would make the situation worse?
  • In a discussion with a spouse or partner, are there topics you won’t touch or things you won’t say because bringing them up will just create a world of hurt — or divorce?

This is a call that you have to make for yourself.

So what did you do, Joey?

Here’s what I’ve done with separation agreements that contain non-disparagement clauses. Please keep in mind that I am not a lawyer, and even if I were, I’m not your lawyer, and this is not legal advice:

I signed them.

I’ve also avoided saying, writing, or doing anything negative about those companies. But keep in mind that none of those places were anywhere near bad enough for me to breach the agreement and bad-mouth them to the world.

Even though I’m in a good spot financially and have savings to see me through this kind of situation, I signed and took the severance because any issue I have with my former employer isn’t worth as much as having extra money to extend my financial runway. The current job market is tough, and I want to have the reserves to ride out a long job search.

In my particular case — and remember, everyone’s case is different — I would come off more as an angry Yelp reviewer than an avenging angel if I were to publicly bad-mouth a former employer. To do so would be a waste of my time and effort that could be directed towards better things.

Instead, I moved on with my life to the next success, singing this song along the way…

…except in the part where he yells out “DJ Khaled!” I yell out “Accordion Guy!” instead.

Also in this series…

Categories
Career

Laid off in 2024, part 10: Unearned consequences

Gaze upon the face of the enemy!
Tap to view at full size.

If you’ve been laid off — and especially if you’ve been laid off for the first time — you will blame yourself for being laid off. This post is just for you, and it can be summed up as this: you’re probably facing the consequences of someone else’s mistakes.

Case in point: Lars Wingefor — a great name for a minor villain in a James Bond film, by the bye — CEO of the games software publishing company Embracer, said in their recent Q3 earning call that the current waves of layoffs was “something that everyone needs to get through,” but also admitted that “it’s more driven by the overinvestment in the previous years because everyone just put all capital into gaming and perhaps a bit too much capital in a few instances.”

In short: As people who aren’t me or my cronies, you are the ones who must get through the consequences of my misspending.

Embracer’s string of acquisitions has previously been described in the game development press as a “Jenga Tower” in an article where its Chief Strategy Officer Phil Rogers says that the human cost of restructure is “significant” but “necessary.” Seeing as he was still there to be quoted in the article, it’s clear that he didn’t pay much of that cost.

The decision-makers at companies making these layoffs sound like Lord Farquaad from Shrek: “Some of you may die, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

“I’m not crying, you’re crying!!!”
Tap to view at full size.

As bad as the Embracer higher-ups are, they’re mere amateurs compared to Hypersocial’s CEO Braden Wallake, who posted a selfie of him on LinkedIn crying while announcing layoffs. As proof of his shamelessness, that post is still online.

At least the Embracer people had the integrity to simply admit what they were doing without masking it in crocodile tears.

So again: if you’re in a layoff-induced moment of despair, remember that you’re probably facing the consequences of someone else’s mistakes.

The question becomes: What are you going to do about it?

And I’m going to try and provide some answers in the next few articles.

Also in this series…

Categories
Current Events Meetups Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay tech, entrepreneur, and nerd events list (Week of Monday, February 19, 2024)

Here’s the “official unofficial” list of tech, entrepreneur, and nerd events for Tampa Bay and surrounding areas for Monday, February 19 through Sunday, February 25, 2024.

This week’s events

Monday, February 19

Event name and localeGroupTime
Inspired Consciousness – A secure MindsetBrandon Meditation for Wellness Meetup7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Hello Marriage Monday!Marriage Minutes Book Club with Author10:00AM – Monday, Feb. 19
In person at Fords Garage St PeteYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:00AM – Monday, Feb. 19
Networking at Ford’s GarageTampa Bay Networking and Events11:00AM – Monday, Feb. 19
Downtown St Pete Business Professionals LunchTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:00AM – Monday, Feb. 19
Networking at Romi’s TacosTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Monday, Feb. 19
Start the Week with more connections MONDAYS at Romi’s Tacos All Welcome!Young Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:30AM – Monday, Feb. 19
Business Networking MeetingChristian Professionals Network Tampa Bay11:30AM – Monday, Feb. 19
In PERSON Networking Lunch East Brandon Reserve your seatProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Monday, Feb. 19
Monday Business Introductions at Romi’s Taco’sTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Monday, Feb. 19
St. Pete Networking Lunch! Fords Garage! Monday’sProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Monday, Feb. 19
WOB Happy Hour + Burger Monday DealTampa Bay Foodies Club5:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Orlandopreneur Monthly Happy HourOrlandopreneur5:30PM – Monday, Feb. 19
FEBRUARY BINGO @ Wine and Wood in Hyde Park (RSVP REQUIRED)Tampa Bay Happy Hour Meetup5:45PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Monday Feast & Game NightTampa Bay Tabletoppers6:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Speakeasy Toastmasters #4698Toastmasters District 486:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Root w/Advanced SetupSarasota Strategy Board Game League6:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
MTG: Commander NightCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Monday Weekly Board Game Night! (Lazy Moon Colonial Location)Board Game Meetup: Board Game Boxcar6:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
North Port Toastmasters Meets Online!!Toastmasters District 486:30PM – Monday, Feb. 19
COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR: Time Mindset & Management | Get More Out of Your Time!Beast Mode Networking Orlando6:30PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Three Bridges Brewing Trivia Night with the Smartphone Trivia Game ShowGame Night Meetup for Trivia in Tampa, Sarasota, Venice6:30PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Podcast Listening Club: Europe TodayLibrary Book Clubs – OCLS6:30PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Are You Stuck In The Gear Acquisition Loop? Signs That You Need To Break Free!Beginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Moving Light Event Part 1The Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Board Game Night at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Stirling Toastmasters Club #7461614Toastmasters District 487:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Conquer Negative Emotions To Have a Happier Life!Tampa Self-Improvement Gaining Competence in People Skills7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Members as far back as 2008 can access their photosSchool is closed- Light Study PRO – A Photography Workshop7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
ONLINE: Marcus Aurelius and “The View from Above”Orlando Stoics7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Online Event: Shut Up & Write!® Your Life Story (on Zoom)Shut Up & Write!® St. Petersburg7:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
DigiMondaysSunshine Games7:30PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Seminole Heights SocialDefcon8138:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
Weekly MeetupBeginning Web Development8:00PM – Monday, Feb. 19
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Tuesday, February 20

On Tuesday morning at 10, join Computer Coach in an online session covering the 10 job search strategies that you should use! The “spray and pray” approach, where you submit applications to any and every employer as if you were throwing spaghetti against a wall isn’t the best way to search; join this session and learn how to make the most of your effort to land a job! Find out more and register here.

At 6:00 p.m., Computer Coach is providing a free online “Intro to Tech” bootcamp for those interested in starting a career in IT. aims to introduce you to the foundations of IT Support and the various tasks of an IT Support Professional. Find out more and register here.

Event name and localeGroupTime
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Yu-Gi-Oh Evening TournamentSunshine Games7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Venice Area Toastmasters Club #5486Toastmasters District 487:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
10 Job Search Strategies You Should be UsingTech Success Network10:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
10 Job Search Strategies You Should be UsingFront End Creatives10:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
10 Job Search Strategies You Should be UsingTampa Cybersecurity Training10:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Westchase Business Networking Lunch ~ All Welcome JOIN us and connect!Tampa / St Pete Business Connections11:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Tuesday Westchase Business Networking Lunch at Sea Glass TavernBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Westchase Professional Business Networking Lunch ~ All WelcomeYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Networking at SeaGlass Tavern~ All Welcome, join us!!!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:00AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Tampa Florida CIO ForumFlorida CIO Forums with vTECH io11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Westchase Professionals Business Networking Lunch -Grand Hacienda 11955 SheldonProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Professional Business Networking Lunch Glory Day’s New TampaPasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
New Tampa Networking Lunch at Glory Day’s Grill New TampaWesley Chapel, Trinity, New Tampa, Business Professionals11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Networking at Glory Days GrillTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Oldsmar/Westchase Networking Lunch -Beef O Brady’s~ Meet your next referralTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Networking at AppleBee’s St. PeteTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
New Tampa RGA Chapter ~ Glory Days Meet your next referral partner!Professional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
SWAT Networking Bradenton LuncheonSWAT Networking – Successful Women Aligning Together11:30AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
The Business Alliance ClubThe Business Alliance11:45AM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
The Business Networking Midday Power Hour by Simply Referrals on Zoom!!Simply Referrals Tampa Business Networking12:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Free Intro to Tech BootcampCareer Success Academy6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Weekly Open Make NightTampa Hackerspace6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
TBSSUG Monthly MeetingTampa Bay SQL Server User Group (TBSSUG)6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Free Intro to Tech BootcampTech Success Network6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Magic: The Gathering Night at FelicitousTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Free Intro to Tech BootcampFront End Creatives6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Free Intro to Tech BootcampTampa Cybersecurity Training6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Free Intro to Tech BootcampTech Success Network6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Disney Lorcana NightCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Authors Anonymous – Writing GroupAuthors Anonymous – Writing Group6:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
What’s in YOUR WP Toolbox? Building a Community Crafted 2024 WordPress ToolkitWordPress Tampa Bay6:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Loner Seekers Euchre – TampaLoner Seekers Euchre – Tampa6:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Bob Galen: An Agile Coaches Guide to Showing Your ValueTampa Bay Agile6:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
February Meetup Book ClubSaint Petersburg Book Club Meetup Group6:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Weekly Group Meetings – All Writers Welcome!Pinellas Writers Group6:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
The Sarasota Creative WritersThe Sarasota Creative Writers Meetup Group6:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
BINGO , $2 TACOS and MARGARITAS!!!Adventure Group of Central Florida6:45PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Free Intro to Tech BootcampCareer Success Academy7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Tampa Bay Technology Center (TBTC) Monthly MeetingTampa Bay Coalition of Reason – dissolved7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
D&D Adventurers League at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Dunedin Toastmasters – Guests Welcome! (Happy Hour to Follow)Dunedin Toastmasters 21667:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
[Hybrid] Rewire Your Team: Embracing Neurodiversity by DesignDOUX — Downtown Orlando UX Meetup7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Trivia Night with Trivia NationTrivia Night at Irish 31 Seminole7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
St. Pete Beers ‘n Board Games Meetup for Young AdultsSt. Pete Beers ‘n Board Games for Young Adults7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Trivia Night – Moose Lodge 2117 Smartphone Trivia Game ShowGame Night Meetup for Trivia in Tampa, Sarasota, Venice7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
AMA – Ask Me Anything Related to Photography, Computers and SoftwareFlorida Center for Creative Photography7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
None of This is True February 2024Literate Ladies of Orlando…Well Bred…Well Read7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
bringing an invention to lifeTampa Bay Coalition of Reason – dissolved7:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Let’s play chess at 54th Ave Kava House!TB Chess – Tampa Bay – St. Petersburg Chess Meetup Group7:30PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Business MeetingTampa Bay Thrivers7:45PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Online Event: Shut Up & Write on ZoomShut Up & Write!® Tampa7:45PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
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Wednesday, February 21

On Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., Tampa Bay Techies will be at the USF Bull Market. Stop by their table and learn about our organization and what they do, hear from Leadership Team members and event attendees, and join their diverse community of tech professionals, students, and enthusiasts! Find out more here.

At 6:30 p.m., Tampa Bay UX is holding an in-person session at Computer Coach on workshops, what they can deliver, and why they’re useful to UX/product. It will feature Johnny Saye, a workshop nerd whose company, Stale Chips, is an Innovation Agency catering to the DoD. Find out more and register here.

Also at 6:30, TechUP Group Tampa Bay is hosting a session that’s both in-person at AMRoC Fab Lab at University Square Mall and online where Rick Myers, TechUP Group’s co-founder and a practicing cybersecurity professional, will talk about the latest update on cyberthreats in 2024. Find out more and register here.

Event name and localeGroupTime
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Grow Your Business with focused Referral NetworkingBNI Tampa -Referral based networking7:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
St Pete Networking Breakfast at the Hangar Meet St Pete’s Top Pro’s All WeclcomeYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!7:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Networking at The Hanger Restaurant & Flight Lounge!Tampa Bay Networking and Events7:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Downtown St Pete Professionals Networking BreakfastProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net7:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
NPI Profit Partners Chapter – Exchange Qualified Business ReferralsNetwork Professionals Inc. of South Pinellas (NPI)7:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Tampa Highrisers ToastmastersToastmasters District 487:45AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
1 Million Cups – Orlando Weekly Meetup1 Million Cups – Orlando8:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Tampa Bay Techies at the USF Bull MarketTampa Bay Techies9:00AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
1 Million Cup presentationTampa Bay Bitcoin9:00AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Career Transition & Job Seeker Networking & Support Meeting – In Person Meeting!Career Rebound – New Job or Career Search for Professionals9:00AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Cunningham ParkSuncoast Drone Club9:00AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Midjourney Prompt Help & Advanced FAQ with A.I. Creative Compass!Midjourney A.I. Art Meetup Group11:00AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
How SOCs can leverage AI to enhance cybersecurityOrlando Cybersecurity Meetup11:00AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
In Person Networking BRANDON! Just Love Coffee Cafe – Brandon FLProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:15AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Carrollwood Networking Lunch! Join us and win!Tampa Bay Networking Meetings and Mixers11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Networking at Glory Days Grill!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Brandon Networking Professionals Networking LunchTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Carrollwood Professional Networking Lunch Wednesday All Welcome JOIN usProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Brandon Business Professionals IN Person!!!!Tampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Brandon Business Professionals Just Love CoffeeYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Networking at Just Love Coffee!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
FREE WEBINAR – Profit Advancement (How To Boost Your Income)Tampa Small Business Owners – EVERYONE WELCOME1:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
FREE WEBINAR – Wisdom Wealth (Smart Approaches to Earning)Florida Small Business Owners1:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Online Event: Shut Up & Write!® Your Life Story (on Zoom)Shut Up & Write!® St. Petersburg1:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Unlock AI Secrets: Effortless Income GenerationDigital Success Mentors – Tampa2:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Inspiring Authors & Book Immersion MeetupLady Lake Memoir Writing Meetup Group2:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Scaling from Five Figures to Multi-Six FiguresNetwork After Work Tampa – Networking Events3:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Playing Games in the AlleyThe Tampa Chapter of the Society for the Exploration of Play5:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Wednesday Night GamingBrandon Boardgamers5:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Bay pines toastmaster’s hybrid meetingBay Pines Toastmasters5:15PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Felicitous Game Night w/Heritage Dim SumTampa Game Nights5:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Wednesday Board Game NightTampa Gaming Guild5:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Felicitous Game Night w/Heritage Dim SumTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!5:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Casual Commander WednesdaysSunshine Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Ybor City/Moving Light Event Part 2The Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Digital DeLand Monthly MeetingDigitalDeLand6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Board Game NightCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Dungeons & Dragons One Shot WednesdaysClermont Nerd Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Great Big Trivia Wednesdays @ Terra Ceia Bay Country Club Palmetto 6-8PMSouth Florida Poker, Music & Entertainment Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Hobby Night – Minis Painting Tips & Tricks at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Learn to Play Everdell at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Gaming Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
1st & 3rd Wednesdays – Backgammon Casual GamesSanford Backgammon Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Silent Book Club Meet & GreetPage Turner Society Orlando6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
CRITICAL THINKERS AT SUPER BUFFETSuncoast Critical Thinking Discussion Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Board Game Night at Deadwords BrewingBrews N Board Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Monthly Meeting: Focus on CritiquesProse Society Writers Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
TechUP Group – Tampa Bay Meetup – Cybersecurity PresentationTechUP Group – Tampa Bay6:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
UX Fundamentals: WorkshopsTampa Bay UX Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Virtual Feedback!We Write Here Black and Women of Color Writing Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Happy Hour for Young Entrepreneurs & Business LeadersYoung Entrepreneurs of America YEA Meetup Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
The Year of AI in Product: Are you ready? Let’s talk!ProductTank Orlando6:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Game Night!Drunk’n Meeples the Social Tabletop (Board) Gamers6:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Castaways Euchre ClubCastaways Euchre Club6:50PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
CigarCitySecDefcon8137:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
[Virtual] Tampa Bay Bitcoin Meetup: News, Markets, & CommunityTampa Bay Bitcoin7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
How To Use The Technique Of Odds To Improve Your Photography- Methods & ExamplesBeginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
MtG Modern Constructed at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Book Club: The Last Stand of Mary Good CrowGeekocracy!7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Carrollwood Toastmasters Meetings meet In-Person and OnlineToastmasters District 487:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
CigarCitySec MeetupCentral Florida CitySec7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
3D Printing Orientation: Models and SlicersTampa Hackerspace7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
🕸 Composable Web Architecture Night w/Astro 🚀, Laravel Livewire ⚡, & Drupal💧Orlando PHP Meetup | Orlando Devs7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Magic Pioneer EventSunshine Games7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Nerd Night: Board Games and Beer at Deadwords BrewingAdventures On Tap: TTRPGs and Board Games7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Lapvona Chapters 1-2 (Spring & Summer)No Tomes Allowed Book Club7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
New Beginnings & Old RivalriesCentral Florida AD&D (1st ed.) Grognards Guild7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Mastering Communication: A Key to Professional SuccessProfessionals Meetup For Networking And Social Skillsets7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Communication – Personal and Professional GrowthMake Contacts Meet People and Communicate7:00PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Cardfight Vanguard!! OverDress WeeklySunshine Games7:30PM – Wednesday, Feb. 21
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Thursday, February 22

On Thursday at noon, Computer Coach will have an online session called The Game is On! Jobseekers vs. the ATS. That’s ATS as in “applicant tracking system,” the automation software that acts like the “Sorting Hat” in Harry Potter. Learn how to jump through ATS hoops and improve the odds of landing an interview with trainer and creator of Launch Pad Job Club, Kathy Lansford-Powell! Find out more and register here.

At 6:00 p.m., the Tampa Bay AWS User Group will be at KForce with a session comparing/contrasting cloud security posture management (CSPM) solutions, including AWS native services, various open source solutions, as well as a commercial tool, Wiz. They’ll also talk about a “vulnerable by design” AWS account so that you can increase your security skills by starting with a very insecure environment and learning how to remediate security vulnerabilities. Find out more and register here.

Event name and localeGroupTime
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Yu-Gi-Oh TournamentBalance Martial Arts and Gaming7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
The Business Networking Midday Power Hour by Simply Referrals on Zoom!!Simply Referrals Tampa Business Networking12:00PM – Tuesday, Feb. 20
Business Over Breakfast ~ Happy Hangar IN PERSON JOIN US!Wesley Chapel, Trinity, New Tampa, Business Professionals7:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Happy Hangar Early Bird Professionals NetworkingPasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome7:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Happy Hangar Early Bird Professionals NetworkingPasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome7:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Wesley Chapel/Lutz networking breakfastProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net7:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
LUTZ, FL – HAPPY HANGER CAFE THURSDAY NETWORKINGTampa Bay Networking and Events8:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
SYNC HS Senior & Youth Sports National ConferenceQueen City Photography Group9:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Workshop – How To Hire Virtual Assistants for As Low As $7/hrTampa Small Business Owners – EVERYONE WELCOME11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Clearwater Professional Networking LunchBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
The Founders Meeting where it all Began! JOIN us! Bring a guest and get a giftYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Pinellas County’s Largest Networking Lunch and your invited!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Clearwater/Central Pinellas Networking Lunch JOIN us and connect your businessTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Pinellas County’s Largest Networking Lunch and your invited!Tampa Bay Business Networking Happy Hour/Meetings/Meet Up11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Clearwater/Central Pinellas Networking Lunch JOIN us and connect your business!Tampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:00AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
OWASP Tampa Chapter 2024Q1 Lunch and LearnOWASP Tampa11:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Lutz / Wesley Chapel Professional Networking Lunch at Bahama Breeze!Professional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Wesley Chapel Professional Networking LunchWesley Chapel, Trinity, New Tampa, Business Professionals11:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Lutz / Wesley Chapel Professional Networking Lunch at Bahama Breeze!Pasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome11:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Breakroom Bar & Grill 11:28 Doors open at 11:00am IN PersonProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
NPI Power Lunch – Exchange Qualified Business ReferralsNetwork Professionals Inc. of South Pinellas (NPI)11:30AM – Thursday, Feb. 22
The Game is On! Jobseekers vs. the ATSTech Success Network12:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
How to update your resume NOW to get a NEW Job in 2024 in Project ManagementWesley Chapel PM and IT Connection12:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
The Game is On! Jobseekers vs. the ATSFront End Creatives12:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Sarasota Speakers Exchange ToastmastersToastmasters District 4812:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Telecom Park Toastmasters #6745Toastmasters District 4812:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
The Game is On! Jobseekers vs. the ATSTampa Cybersecurity Training12:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Network and Learn: How To Generate Leads With LinkedInTampa Social Media Enthusiasts1:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Commander Open Play Night at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!1:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
February Silent Book ClubEnglewood Silent Book club1:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
RPG: Pathfinder Society at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Role-Playing Games (RPG) Group2:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Game Day: Partnering with the Melrose Center Game Jam – FebruaryIndienomicon4:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Gulfport Scrabble and SocialGulfport Scrabblers and Social5:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Thursday Night GamingBrandon Boardgamers5:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Tomb of Annihilation (T2-APL8)Orlando Adventurer’s Guild5:30PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Woodshop Tool Sign Off-Jointer, Planer, & Bandsaw (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Google Local Service Ads DemystifiedTampa SEO & Internet Marketing Meetup with Steve Scott6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
AWS Security Posture Tool Deep Dive and ShootoutTampa Bay AWS User Group6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
2nd ed. AD&D Campaign.Brandon and Seffner area AD&D and OSR Group6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Infragard – February MeetUpTampa Bay InfraGard Meetup Group6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
✨🎮 UAT Game Development Virtual Open House – 📅 Feb 22nd @ 6 PM ESTOrlando Unity Developers Group6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Bitcoin – Self Custody vs. IntermediariesSarasota Bitcoin Meetup6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Pathfinder SocietyCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Central Florida Board Gaming at The CollectiveOrlando Board Gaming Weekly Meetup6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six – by Lisa UngerMystery and Thriller St Pete Book Club6:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Tampa Writers Alliance Poetry GroupTampa Writers Alliance6:30PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Relaxed Social for Young Entrepreneurs and Business LeadersYoung Entrepreneurs of America YEA Meetup Group6:30PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Pt. 2 of laser training- learning how to use Lightburn.Makerspaces Pinellas Meetup Group6:30PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
3D Printing GuildTampa Hackerspace7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
BABOK IIBA Tampa Bay Study GroupIIBA Tampa Bay7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Operations Automation Office HoursTampa Robotic Process Automation Group7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
One Piece ThursdaysSunshine Games7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
FABulous ThursdaysSunshine Games7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Fingerboard MeetupIndica Cafe Events7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Country Line @cowboys dance hallGen Geek7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Palm Harbor Toastmasters Club #8248Toastmasters District 487:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
BitdevsTampa Bay Bitcoin7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
WordPressTampa Bay Technology Center7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
How websites are made: an introduction to HTML for complete beginnersFlorida Software School7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
February ODevs at CREDOOrlando Developers Meetup7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
WordPress Monthly MeetupWordPress Clearwater FL7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Thursday chess at 54th Ave Kava House!TB Chess – Tampa Bay – St. Petersburg Chess Meetup Group7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Smartphone Trivia Game Show at Wilders PizzaGame Night Meetup for Trivia in Tampa, Sarasota, Venice7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Dungeons and Dragons with DonavanUnlucky Roll Cafe Board Game Meetup7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
November 9 – Colleen Hoover – Book ClubSomething Punny Ladies Book Club7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Live streaming production and talentLive streaming production and talent7:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Let’s Make A Short Film 3Lights… Camera… TAMPA. Filmmaking Alliance7:30PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
Weekly HacksHacktivate – Hackathon Meetup Group8:00PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
All Level Coed Pickup Soccer – sphereTampa Coed Soccer Club & Social8:30PM – Thursday, Feb. 22
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Friday, February 23

Event name and localeGroupTime
Improve your communication, listening, and leadership skillsWinter Park Toastmasters – Learn while having FUN!7:15AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Caffeine & Connections: Friday Fuel for Black ProfessionalsPinellas County Black Business Meetup Group8:00AM – Friday, Feb. 16
A.C.T. Acquire Connections Today Morning Business Networking All Welcome!Entrepreneurs & Business Owners of Sarasota & Bradenton8:45AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Tampa Young Professionals Virtual Networking Friday Morning All WElCOMEYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!8:45AM – Friday, Feb. 16
A.C.T. Acquire Connections Today Morning Virtual Business NetworkingNetwork & Social – Orlando Networking Events8:45AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Networking over breakfastTampa Bay Networking and Events9:00AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Business over Breakfast ClearwaterTampa Bay Networking Meetings and Mixers9:00AM – Friday, Feb. 16
FBI ~ Friday Business Introductions at Largo Family RestaurantProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net9:00AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Online Networking with Brandon Biz ProsBrandon Biz Pros9:00AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Toastmasters – Improve Speaking Skills & Build ConfidenceChristian Professionals Network Tampa Bay9:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Ms. Biz Connectz- business leaders brainstorm togetherMs. Biz Connectz- business leaders brainstorming together10:00AM – Friday, Feb. 16
International Networking at McAlisters Deli every FridayTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Friday International Business Introductions at McAlisters WestshoreProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Westshore Business Networking Lunch at McAlisters Deli Every Friday All WelcomeTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
International Professionals Networking MeetingTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Friday Business Introductions TampaTampa Bay Networking Meetings and Mixers11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
International Networking Westshore McAlisters DeliTampa Bay Business Networking Happy Hour/Meetings/Meet Up11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
International Professionals Networking MeetingTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
International Networking at McAlisters Deli every FridayBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
International Professionals Networking MeetingTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Friday, Feb. 16
Pokémon Tournament Battles for a Prize!Orlando Pokemon Tournament Meet up2:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
WEEKLY FRIDAY NIGHT GAMING AT GAMER’S COMMANDBrandon Boardgamers5:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Board Game Night!Clermont Nerd Games5:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon!Lake Mary Pokemon Meetup Group Lets Play5:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Friday Board Game NightTampa Gaming Guild5:30PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Taps & Drafts | Casual EDH/MtG Social NightNerd Night Out6:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
MTG: Commander FNMCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
GROWTH MINDSETSelf-Perfected Orlando6:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Taps & Drafts | EDH/MtG Night | Centro YborNerdbrew Events7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Modern FNMSunshine Games7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Friday Pokemon TournamentSunshine Games7:30PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Friday night game nightIndica Cafe Events9:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
FOURTH Friday WordPress Collaboration Meetup – February 2024West Orlando WordPress Meetup8:00AM – Friday, Feb. 23
Uncritical Dogs @ Boo’s Ice House & Dog BarSuncoast Critical Thinking Discussion Group5:30PM – Friday, Feb. 23
Anime Trivia Night with Nicko at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Gaming Group6:00PM – Friday, Feb. 23
Shut Up & Write!® GulfportShut Up & Write!® St. Petersburg6:30PM – Friday, Feb. 23
Arduino 103: Motors, Motors, MotorsTampa Hackerspace7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 23
MakerFX Makerspace 3D Printing GuildMakerFX Makerspace7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 23
3D Printing Hang Out3D Printing Orlando7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 23
ONLINE: Stoicism and Emotion (Finale!)Orlando Stoics7:00PM – Friday, Feb. 23
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Saturday, February 24

BayHacks 2024, Tampa Devs’ big hackathon takes place this Saturday and Sunday! Build a startup and an application over the weekend and compete to win cash prizes. Meet your fellow techies and entrepreneurs. Challenge yourself! Find out more and register here.

Event name and localeGroupTime
Pokémon Tournament Battles for a Prize!Orlando Pokemon Tournament Meet up2:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon!Lake Mary Pokemon Meetup Group Lets Play5:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Wake Up and Think Clearly Saturday morning share and discuss.Central Florida Philosophy Meetup7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Early Bird OcalaToastmasters Division G8:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Saturday Chess at Wholefoods in Midtown, TampaChess Republic9:30AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Winning The Week – 1st MeetWinning The Week12:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
FREE Fab Lab OrientationSuncoast Makers1:30PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Y Read: Book Read AloudLibrary Book Clubs – OCLS1:30PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Social climbing of Mount ChesseverestClimbers of Mount Chesseverest2:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Meta Minds MeetupMeta Minds Meetup Philosophy science and human experience4:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Community Hang-out NightNerdbrew Events6:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Yu-Gi-Oh Evening TournamentSunshine Games7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Yu-Gi-Oh TournamentBalance Martial Arts and Gaming7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Tampa Nerd Online Hang-out & Game Night!Nerd Night Out7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Orlando Code Camp 2024Google Developer Group Central Florida7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Steel TIG Welding Safety and Basic Usage (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace9:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Centennial OHV Trail Work Party (Tread Lightly / Can Am) -OCALA NFOcala National Forest Alliance9:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Mobbly Bayou PreserveSuncoast Drone Club9:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Fun Fly Race #2Tampa Bay Drone Club9:30AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
BayHacks 2024 HackathonTampa Devs10:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Wood Shop Lathe 101 (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace10:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
🌐 SAT 2/24 at 10 AM ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CRITIQUE PROGRAMThe Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter10:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Midjourney Basics: Intro & FAQ with A.I. Creative Compass!Midjourney A.I. Art Meetup Group11:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Bravo Group Campaign ContinuesOviedo Middle Aged Gamers (OMAG)11:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 24
METROCON x Critical Hit Games Cosplay & Game DayCritical Hit Games12:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Adventures in Eberron, a D&D Campaign with J at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Role-Playing Games (RPG) Group12:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Wood Shop Router Table 101 (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace1:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Street Photography @ Ybor (Free)Tampa Bay Photo Walks1:30PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Empowering Women in Business: Strategies for Success Tea PartyOrlando Women Entrepreneurs Meetup Group2:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Where did February Go Game NightNew Port Richey Casual Games and Fun Socializing Group!4:30PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Dice Throne TournamentUnlucky Roll Cafe Board Game Meetup5:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Hollow Tree @ Eckerd CollegeThe Tampa Bay Movie Fans Meetup Group6:45PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Monthly Meet the MOC-ersPort Charlotte Adult Fans of Lego Meetup Group7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
2024 St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival w/ the Black Honkeys BandGen Geek7:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
Iron Flame Rebecca Yarros 1st discussion chapters 1-10Alice’s Fantasy Book Club ONLINE ONLY8:00PM – Saturday, Feb. 24
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Sunday, February 25

Event name and localeGroupTime
Pokémon Tournament Battles for a Prize!Orlando Pokemon Tournament Meet up2:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon!Lake Mary Pokemon Meetup Group Lets Play5:00PM – Friday, Feb. 16
Lets Play Pokemon! GOLets Play Pokemon Go Red Team7:00AM – Saturday, Feb. 17
Warhammer 40KClermont Nerd Games11:00AM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Thaliondor Practice Day!Thaliondor: Fantasy and Medieval Combat11:00AM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Sunday Chess at Wholefoods in Midtown, TampaChess Republic2:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
D&D Adventurers League at Critical Hit GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!2:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
D&D Adventurers LeagueCritical Hit Games2:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Sunday Pokemon LeagueSunshine Games4:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Sunday Game DayDrunk’n Meeples West Pasco (Boardgames)4:30PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Lankhmar: City of AdventureBrandon and Seffner area AD&D and OSR Group5:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Soulful Sundays – Why do we blame others?Brandon Meditation for Wellness Meetup6:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Open Game NightUnlucky Roll Cafe Board Game Meetup6:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
A Duck Presents NB Movie NightNerd Night Out7:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
Hidden Gems Night, Presented by A Duck!Nerdbrew Events7:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 18
🌐 SUN 2/25 at 10 AM ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CRITIQUE PROGRAMThe Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter10:00AM – Sunday, Feb. 25
CRITICAL THINKERS SUNDAY BRUNCH AT ROSEMARY & THYMESuncoast Critical Thinking Discussion Group10:00AM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Board Games at Big Storm in OdessaBeyond Catan, A Group of Board Game Geeks12:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Venice Strategy Board GamersBoard Games and Card Games in Sarasota & Bradenton12:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Learn to Play Dice Throne at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Gaming Group12:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Writer’s Meet-Up: Let’s Hang Out and WriteProse Society Writers Group12:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Monthly Gaming at the DELAND Library!Board Gamers of West Volusia12:30PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
CNC Router-Engraved-MillingMakerspaces Pinellas Meetup Group12:50PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Woodshop Safety (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace1:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
4TH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH BOARDGAMING AT NERDY NEEDSBrandon Boardgamers1:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Entrepreneur Classes PreviewNew Entrepreneurship Connections1:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Entrepreneur’s Insight: Mastering SuccessDigital Success Mentors – Tampa2:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Keys From the Golden Vault (tier 2, lvl 10 preferred)Orlando Adventurer’s Guild2:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Alphabet Soup 2024 | Finding Letters in the World Around UsFlorida Center for Creative Photography5:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Let’s Learn to Turn Pens!Tampa Hackerspace6:00PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
Find Your Funny ToastmastersToastmasters Division E6:30PM – Sunday, Feb. 25
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Banner ad: CIVO, the cloud native service provider. Blazing fast Kubernetes cluster launch times in under 90s. Simplify development and reduce infrastructure costs. From just $5 a month, with $250 free credit to get started.
Civo doesn’t just throw amazing conferences here in Tampa Bay,
they’re also a great, developer-friendly cloud-native service provider!
Find out more.

About this list

How do I put this list together? It’s largely automated. I have a collection of Python scripts in a Jupyter Notebook that scrapes Meetup and Eventbrite for events in categories that I consider to be “tech,” “entrepreneur,” and “nerd.” The result is a checklist that I review. I make judgment calls and uncheck any items that I don’t think fit on this list.

In addition to events that my scripts find, I also manually add events when their organizers contact me with their details.

What goes into this list? I prefer to cast a wide net, so the list includes events that would be of interest to techies, nerds, and entrepreneurs. It includes (but isn’t limited to) events that fall under any of these categories:

  • Programming, DevOps, systems administration, and testing
  • Tech project management / agile processes
  • Video, board, and role-playing games
  • Book, philosophy, and discussion clubs
  • Tech, business, and entrepreneur networking events
  • Toastmasters and other events related to improving your presentation and public speaking skills, because nerds really need to up their presentation game
  • Sci-fi, fantasy, and other genre fandoms
  • Self-improvement, especially of the sort that appeals to techies
  • Anything I deem geeky
Categories
Career What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 9: The box came back, the very next day…

Remember the company laptop that I packed in a box and sent back to my former employer yesterday? Like some monkey’s paw curse or the cat from children’s song The Cat Came Back, that same box was just delivered… back to my place!

I shipped this from PyCon US back to the place where Auth0 swag goes after conferences.

This is far from my first FedEx rodeo. I’ve shipped lots of stuff in return boxes and crates, and I’m used to the procedure: find the return label, put it in the protective clear plastic sleeve, stick the sleeve onto the package, and you’re done! (See the photo above for an actual real-life example of the many, many packages I have successfully shipped.)

I took a quick look at the shipping label and confirmed my suspicions: the return label had my home address, not my former employer’s head office address! I didn’t even look at the address on the return label and just attached it on “autopilot” — probably because I just wanted to move on to my next gig.

Luckily, I have a duplicate label from the time I returned my original company computer (a 2018-era Intel PowerBook) in exchange for its replacement (a 2022-era M1 Max PowerBook). I can easily stick that label on and make a quick run to the nearby FedEx place.

But why do only that?

Inside every mistake is an opportunity

Forget the debate over whether the Chinese characters for “crisis” actually include the character for “opportunity…”

…I have a philosophy that every mistake contains an opportunity. Inspired by an idea from my former coworker Peter Wheeler, I got a Lunar New Year “red envelopes” — hong bao in Mandarin, lai see in Cantonese, and yes, I keep a stash of them for special occasions — put four quarters in it, along with a handwritten message.

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Here’s the text of the message:

Hello, BT person!

I hope all’s well at the mothership. This is a quick note to say thanks for dealing with the box and its contents. It’s a weird time for us all, and I wanted you to know that you are appreciated!

I’ve included a Lunar New Year “red envelope” to say thanks for all you do. There’s a dollar inside for good luck — don’t spend it until next Lunar New Year, or you’ll break the good luck charm!

Your friend and former Oktanaut,
Joey de Villa

The BT department, who manage the company’s business tech and have to handle the intake of hundreds of these returned computers, were also downsized. I had a chance to make someone’s day a little better, so why not?

Of course, this meant opening the box, adding the hong bao and note…

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…and then re-sealing it, but I think it’s worth it.

I’ve sealed the box again, and as I write this, I’m about to head back to the FedEx place to ship it a second time. Wish me luck!

Bonus video

In case you’re not familiar with the son The Cat Came Back, here’s a classic film that Canadian schoolchildren from my generation grew up with that features the song:

Also in this series…

Categories
Career What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 8: Step one — get a box…

Step one: get a box!

There comes a time in a laid-off remote worker’s life when they have to return the (remotely disabled) company laptop and other company-owned accoutrements, and for me, that time was today.

A FedEx padded return box arrived at my front door yesterday, for which I had a rather packed schedule. Today’s a little more mellow, so I didn’t pack the box until just a few minutes before I wrote this at 3:00 p.m..

I removed only enough padding foam so that the laptop, power supply, and my badge could fit:

Goodbye, rarely-used passcard. I’ve only used it three times — for offsite meetings in London and Chicago, and then to unload some goodies from Oktane at the head office.

Wasn’t it a 2022 or 2023 thing for laid-off people to write a “goodbye company and coworkers” post on LinkedIn, complete with a photo of their badge? This photo may be a cliché, but it’s my cliché, damn it:

All right, that’s everything. Time to close up the box and take it to the nearest authorized FedEx pickup point…

…but not before seeing if the foam rectangle I removed makes a decent cubist lei. It does not, but at least it matches my shirt!

So long, company laptop, and thanks for all the cycles!

Also in this series…

Categories
Artificial Intelligence Conferences What I’m Up To

I’m speaking at Civo Navigate North America in Austin next week!

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In exactly one week, I’m going to giving my presentation, You’re Not Too Late to the AI Party at the Civo Navigate North America conference in Austin, Texas!

The talk, which is in a prime time slot — day one (Tuesday, February 20) just after the opening keynote (10:30 a.m.) — is for people who’ve been too busy with their actual work to get into AI and have been feeling increasing amounts of FOMO.

I’ve been spending my suddenly copious amounts of free time polishing this presentation and accompanying demos to a bright sheen. Here’s a sample from my current set of slides:

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In the talk, I’ll cover four reasons why it’s not too late to get into AI, as well as possible ways you can get started.

I’ll also talk about:

  • AI’s overnight success was 70 years in the making
  • Are you a centaur or a minotaur, and which one is better?
  • AI options if you can code, and options if you can’t
  • AI techbros and “chaos muppets,” and the effect they have on the industry
  • AI ethics and how badly we need it

This talk won’t be all hand-wavey and descriptions, but will also feature demos of actual working code that you can also download, including:

  • ELIZA, the original 1964 chatbot, but written in present-day Python.
  • A basic neural network demo that shows how you implement them — perhaps the one that recognizes handwritten numbers, perhaps something a little more interesting!
  • “Sweater or no?” — a large language model-powered application that tells you what to wear based on your location, the weather, and the event you’re attending.

Most importantly, the talk will be fun!

I’ll be in Austin for most of next week. If you can attend Civo Navigate, I’d love to see you there! I’ll also be free and out and about in Austin that Thursday (Feb 22) for most of the day — if you’d like to meet up, let me know!