Categories
Career What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 20: One of the upsides of being laid off (electronics and IoT)

Joey de Villa’s “IoT box” — a clear plastic storage container containing Pimoroni Badger 2040W, Elegoo UNO R3 Super Starter Kit, Rasberry Pi 3 Model B, Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, 2 Raspberry Pi 4 Model Bs, Elecrow 5" HDMI screen, Elegoo 37 sensor module kit, and Raspberry Pi Pico.

One of the upsides of being laid off is that you get a couple extra hours a day — and only a couple, because getting a new job is your new job — to pick up some things that have fallen by the wayside. For me, one of those things was playing around with electronics and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and I’d been waiting for a chance to pull out my “IoT box,” pictured above.

Clockwise from the top:

I also have a basic electrical/electronics kit:

Joey de Villa’s electronic kit, a plastic container containing soldering iron, digital multimeter, and various electronics tools.

I’ve used it for all sorts of little repairs, including the time I fixed a manufacturing defect in one of our emergency lights.

Fix-It Felix: "I can fix it!"

There are big payoffs to being able to tinker with and fix physical things: it helps build a “can do” mindset that will serve you well, especially during a long post-layoff job search during a time when the jobs market is tough. It’ll take you far in work, life, and play.

I’ll write more about my IoT/electronics projects as I complete them.

Recommended reading/viewing

Additional notes for “Beyond the Circuit: The Everlasting Role of Hardware Skills”

This article features follow-up notes for Computer Coach’s LinkedIn audio event, Beyond the Circuit: The Everlasting Role of Hardware Skills, which took place on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Would you be able to perform this simple household repair?

One of our emergency battery-powered lights had a relatively simple defect that could be fixed with a relatively simple repair. Luckily, I had my soldering iron handy…

ℹ️ Oddly enough, this happened two layoffs ago.

Also in this series…

Categories
Career What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 19: Why I’m relying on connections and referrals

There are two main reasons why I’m relying on connections and referrals to land my next job:

  1. With one notable exception*, every job I’ve ever had came via a connection or referral, and
  2. Applying “cold” means filling out asinine applications like the one pictured above — and hoping to get noticed among the hundreds of others filling out the same form.

At the very least, they could’ve posed the question in a cool way…

🚨 Content warning: Samuel L. Mother-effing Jackson!

The “years of experience” field for English is probably the result of the application form software or the person who set up the form. They probably wanted a fluent English speaker and entered “English” into the “required skills” section. The software simply asks for years of experience for any required skill.

It should be noted that if your primary language is English, filling out the “years of experience” field for it gives away your age.

✳️ That exception? Auth0, which was later acquired by Okta. I saw the job on LinkedIn and filled out the application form.

In case you haven’t read it, here’s how I landed that job.

Also in this series…

Categories
Current Events Meetups Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay tech, entrepreneur, and nerd events list (Week of Monday, March 18, 2024)

Here’s the “official unofficial” list of tech, entrepreneur, and nerd events for Tampa Bay and surrounding areas for Monday, March 18 through Sunday, March 24, 2024.

This week’s events

Monday, March 18

8:00 p.m., in-person: Defcon813’s Seminole Heights Social. This is the DC813 crew’s monthly social for those interested in all things cyber and techh. Hacking, certification or simply learning more techniques in this vast field of cybersecurity. This location is non-alcholic and kid friendly!

Event name and localeGroupTime
In person at Fords Garage St PeteYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:00AM – Monday, Mar. 18
Networking at Ford’s GarageTampa Bay Networking and Events11:00AM – Monday, Mar. 18
Downtown St Pete Business Professionals LunchTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:00AM – Monday, Mar. 18
Start the Week with more connections MONDAYS at Romi’s Tacos All Welcome!Young Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:30AM – Monday, Mar. 18
Networking at Romi’s TacosTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Monday, Mar. 18
Business Networking MeetingChristian Professionals Network Tampa Bay11:30AM – Monday, Mar. 18
In PERSON Networking Lunch East Brandon Reserve your seatProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Monday, Mar. 18
Monday Business Introductions at Romi’s Taco’sTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Monday, Mar. 18
St. Pete Networking Lunch! Fords Garage! Monday’sProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Monday, Mar. 18
How to Drive B2B Sales Growth with LinkedIn & Social SellingTampa Startup Founder 1011:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Orlandopreneur Monthly Happy HourOrlandopreneur5:30PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Introduction To The Exposure Triangle- Settings, Shooting Modes & Light MeteringBeginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Monday Feast & Game NightTampa Bay Tabletoppers6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Monthly N. Pinellas Humanist Social DinnerTampa Bay Coalition of Reason is disbanded6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Speakeasy Toastmasters #4698Toastmasters District 486:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Casual Pokemon League at Nerdy NeedsTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Rising Sun – with Daimyo Box!Sarasota Strategy Board Game League6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
MTG: Commander NightCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Monday Weekly Board Game Night! (Lazy Moon Colonial Location)Board Game Meetup: Board Game Boxcar6:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
North Port Toastmasters Meets Online!!Toastmasters District 486:30PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Three Bridges Brewing Trivia Night with the Smartphone Trivia Game ShowGame Night Meetup for Trivia in Tampa, Sarasota, Venice6:30PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Woodshop Tool Sign Off-Jointer, Planer, & Bandsaw (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Urban Exploration Photography Introduction – Methods, Techniques, Safety & MORE!Beginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Board Game Night at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Stirling Toastmasters Club #7461614Toastmasters District 487:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Members as far back as 2008 can access their photosSchool is closed- Light Study PRO – A Photography Workshop7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Virtual Event: Hiawassee Book ClubLibrary Book Clubs – OCLS7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
ONLINE: The Stoic Response to Grief, Part 2Orlando Stoics7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Online Event: Shut Up & Write!® Your Life Story (on Zoom)Shut Up & Write!® St. Petersburg7:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
DigiMondaysSunshine Games7:30PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Seminole Heights SocialDefcon8138:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
Weekly MeetupBeginning Web Development8:00PM – Monday, Mar. 18
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Tuesday, March 19

10:00 a.m., online: Computer Coach presents Career Q&A on LinkedIn Live. Elevate your career to new heights with “Career Q&A: Ask a Coach,” a dynamic live LinkedIn session where you’ll receive real-time answers to your burning career questions while forging meaningful connections and gaining invaluable insights to drive your professional growth.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6:00 p.m., online: Computer Coach presents their Free Intro to Cyber Bootcamp. Are you curious about the world of cybersecurity? Ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career in tech? Join our free three-night introductory cyber class! Led by experienced instructors, this live, instructor-led, remote online course is the perfect starting point for individuals interested in exploring the field of cybersecurity.

6:00 p.m., online: Tampa Startup Founder 101 presents Meet the Florida Startup Ecosystem w/ Rokk3r & Startup Grind Miami. At this online and interactive event, they will gather representatives from different entrepreneurial organizations, including Rokk3r and Startup Grind Miami, and top local entrepreneurs, to outline the local resources and provide tips on how to build a startup in Miami and in Florida in general.

6:00 p.m., in-person at 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa (the Rapid7 office building): Tampa Bay SQL Server User Group is holding their monthly meeting. SELECT ‘you’ FROM People WHERE Attending = TRUE!

Event name and localeGroupTime
The Business Networking Midday Power Hour by Simply Referrals on Zoom!!Simply Referrals Tampa Business Networking12:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Yu-Gi-Oh Evening TournamentSunshine Games7:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Venice Area Toastmasters Club #5486Toastmasters District 487:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
NPI St. Pete Business Builders Chapter – Exchange Qualified Business ReferralsNetwork Professionals Inc. of South Pinellas (NPI)7:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Career Q&A: Ask a Coach with Suzanne RicciTech Success Network10:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Career Q&A: Ask a Coach with Suzanne RicciFront End Creatives10:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Career Q&A: Ask a Coach with Suzanne RicciTampa Cybersecurity Training10:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Career Q&A: Ask a Coach with Suzanne RicciCareer Success Academy10:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Jog & CalisthenicsOrlando Night Shift Third Shift Workers10:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Westchase Business Networking Lunch ~ All Welcome JOIN us and connect!Tampa / St Pete Business Connections11:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Tuesday Westchase Business Networking Lunch at Sea Glass TavernBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Westchase Professional Business Networking Lunch ~ All WelcomeYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Networking at SeaGlass Tavern~ All Welcome, join us!!!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:00AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Westchase Professionals Business Networking Lunch -Grand Hacienda 11955 SheldonProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Professional Business Networking Lunch Glory Day’s New TampaPasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome11:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
New Tampa Networking Lunch at Glory Day’s Grill New TampaWesley Chapel, Trinity, New Tampa, Business Professionals11:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Networking at Glory Days GrillTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
New Tampa RGA Chapter ~ Glory Days Meet your next referral partner!Professional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
The Business Alliance ClubThe Business Alliance11:45AM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
HEALTH FREE WEBINAR – Focus & Productivity HacksTampa Small Business Owners – EVERYONE WELCOME12:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Homeschool Board game daysTarpon Springs Pop Culture & Gaming Meetup12:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
B SASSY AT🎉OUR FIRST EVER ‘BOARD GAME DAY’🪃🎯⛳🎠🏇⛷️🤺SASSY1:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Launch Your Print-on-Demand Empire from Home with Minimal Investment!Digital Success Mentors – Tampa3:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
🟢 How To Turn Your Images Into Income – An Introduction To Stock Photography🔴Beginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete5:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Meet the Florida Startup Ecosystem w/ Rokk3r & Startup Grind Miami |Online EventTampa Startup Founder 1016:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
FREE Intro to Cyber BootcampTech Success Network6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Weekly Open Make NightTampa Hackerspace6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
TBSSUG Monthly MeetingTampa Bay SQL Server User Group (TBSSUG)6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
FREE Intro to Cyber BootcampCareer Success Academy6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Magic: The Gathering Night at FelicitousTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
📸 An Introduction To Portrait Shoots For Photographers – Techniques & Tips 📸Beginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
FREE Intro to Cyber BootcampFront End Creatives6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
FREE Intro to Cyber BootcampTampa Cybersecurity Training6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Disney Lorcana NightCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Meet & Greet at O’Keefe’s Family RestaurantFlorida Center for Creative Photography6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Weekly Tuesday Evening Online Zoom MeetingPinellas Writers Group6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Authors Anonymous – Writing GroupAuthors Anonymous – Writing Group6:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Ask Us Anything: WordPress Support Crowdsourcing MeetupWordPress Tampa Bay6:30PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
March Meetup Book ClubSaint Petersburg Book Club Meetup Group6:30PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
The Sarasota Creative WritersThe Sarasota Creative Writers Meetup Group6:30PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Tampa Bay Technology Center (TBTC) Monthly MeetingTampa Bay Coalition of Reason is disbanded7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Twenty Ways To Break The Ice W New Portrait Subjects & Clients – Methods & TipsBeginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
D&D Adventurers League at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Street Photography, “How I See It!” by Rafael PerdomoThe Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Trivia Night with Trivia NationTrivia Night at Irish 31 Seminole7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
St. Pete Beers ‘n Board Games Meetup for Young AdultsSt. Pete Beers ‘n Board Games for Young Adults7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Trivia Night – Moose Lodge 2117 Smartphone Trivia Game ShowGame Night Meetup for Trivia in Tampa, Sarasota, Venice7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Street Photography “How I See It” by Rafael A. PerdomoThe Art Of Photography – Sarasota / Venice7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Meet-and-Greet (March 19, 2024)Page’s Edge Book Club7:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Let’s play chess at 54th Ave Kava House!TB Chess – Tampa Bay – St. Petersburg Chess Meetup Group7:30PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
Online Event: Shut Up & Write on ZoomShut Up & Write!® Tampa7:45PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
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Wednesday, March 20

This particular Wednesday is packed with events, one of which is mine!

8:00 a.m., online: Data, Cloud and AI in Tampa present Living with Autonomous AI. This one’s about how “Robots with Autonomy” will likely play an important role in creating a sustainable future in areas such as maintaining our built environment, keeping a rapidly ageing population secure in their homes or keeping degraded land due to climate change productive.

2:00 p.m., online: Gen AI Tampa’s first meetup — Revolutionizing Predictive Models with Generative AI-Driven Feature. Extract new value from your predictive models with this expert panel, tailored to data executives. Join them for an insightful exploration of how Generative AI is reshaping feature engineering, automating the discovery of key variables, and elevating the performance of predictive models.

5:30 p.m., in-person at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, Tampa: Computer Coach presents A look at Diversity Equity & Inclusion in 2024! Join Computer Coach for a thought-provoking and insightful panel discussion as we delve into the dynamic landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2024. In a world that continues to evolve rapidly, our understanding and approach to fostering diversity, ensuring equity, and promoting inclusion are more crucial than ever.

6:30 p.m. in-person at Kforce, Tampa: Tampa Bay AI Meetup presents How to build AI applications with Python and LangChain. Learn how to build an AI application using Python and LangChain. You’ll see how LangChain can help you build more sophisticated AI applications that can use additional data sources, “remember” what you told it previously, and provide structured output that your application can use. We think this session will take your AI app development to a whole new level!

7:00 p.m., in-person: CitySec is an unaffiliated collection of informal meetups for like-minded security professionals. CitySec groups meet to discuss topics of interest in a non-work, non-vendor setting; preferably while drinking.

Event name and localeGroupTime
Grow Your Business with focused Referral NetworkingBNI Tampa -Referral based networking7:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
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, Mar. 20
Networking at The Hanger Restaurant & Flight Lounge!Tampa Bay Networking and Events7:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Tampa Highrisers ToastmastersToastmasters District 487:45AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Living with Autonomous AIData, Cloud and AI in Tampa8:00AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
1 Million Cups – Orlando Weekly Meetup1 Million Cups – Orlando8:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
FCCP Morning Photowalk to Eagle Lake Park, Largo, FLFlorida Center for Creative Photography8:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Career Transition & Job Seeker Networking & Support Meeting – In Person Meeting!Career Rebound – New Job or Career Search for Professionals9:00AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Craig Park in Tarpon SpringsSuncoast Drone Club9:00AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Midjourney Prompt Help & Advanced FAQ with A.I. Creative Compass!Midjourney A.I. Art Meetup Group11:00AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
6 smart ways to spot login attacksManageEngine’s Cybersecurity Meetups11:00AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
In Person Networking BRANDON! Just Love Coffee Cafe – Brandon FLProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:15AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Sun City Center Professional Business Networking Lunch ~ All WelcomeBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Carrollwood Networking Lunch! Join us and win!Tampa Bay Networking Meetings and Mixers11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Networking at Glory Days Grill!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Brandon Networking Professionals Networking LunchTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Carrollwood Professional Networking Lunch Wednesday All Welcome JOIN usProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Brandon Business Professionals Just Love CoffeeYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Brandon Business Professionals IN Person!!!!Tampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Networking at Just Love Coffee!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
NPI North St. Pete Networkers Chapter – Exchange Qualified Business ReferralsNetwork Professionals Inc. of South Pinellas (NPI)11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Business Networking LunchBradenton/Sarasota Networking Meetings and Mixers11:30AM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
How to Optimize Fundraising Efforts through Strategic Marketing TechniquesTampa Startup Founder 1011:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Online Event: Shut Up & Write!® Your Life Story (on Zoom)Shut Up & Write!® St. Petersburg1:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Revolutionizing Predictive Models with Generative AI-Driven FeatureGen AI Tampa2:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Inspiring Authors & Book Immersion MeetupLady Lake Memoir Writing Meetup Group2:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Playing Games in the AlleyThe Tampa Chapter of the Society for the Exploration of Play5:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Wednesday Night GamingBrandon Boardgamers5:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Bay pines toastmaster’s hybrid meetingBay Pines Toastmasters5:15PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
A look at Diversity Equity & Inclusion in 2024!Career Success Academy5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Felicitous Game Night w/Heritage Dim SumTampa Game Nights5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Wednesday Board Game NightTampa Gaming Guild5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Felicitous Game Night w/Heritage Dim SumTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
A look at Diversity Equity & Inclusion in 2024!Tampa Cybersecurity Training5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
A look at Diversity Equity & Inclusion in 2024!Front End Creatives5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
A look at Diversity Equity & Inclusion in 2024!Tech Success Network5:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Introduction To Composition For Photographers! Techniques To Improve Your ImagesBeginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Casual Commander WednesdaysSunshine Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Digital DeLand Monthly MeetingDigitalDeLand6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Board Game NightCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Great Big Trivia Wednesdays @ Terra Ceia Bay Country Club Palmetto 6-8PMSouth Florida Poker, Music & Entertainment Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Dungeons & Dragons One Shot WednesdaysClermont Nerd Games6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Learn to Play Moon River at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Gaming Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
1st & 3rd Wednesdays – Backgammon Casual GamesSanford Backgammon Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Monthly Meeting: Focus on CritiquesProse Society Writers Group6:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
TBUX Quarterly SocialTampa Bay UX Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
How to build AI applications with Python and LangChainTampa Bay Artificial Intelligence Meetup6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Virtual Feedback!We Write Here Black and Women of Color Writing Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Happy Hour for Young Entrepreneurs & Business LeadersYoung Entrepreneurs of America YEA Meetup Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Jewelry laser makingMakerspaces Pinellas Meetup Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Game Night!Drunk’n Meeples the Social Tabletop (Board) Gamers6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Skybox Rooftop BarWesley Chapel Fabulous 40s and 50s Food and Fun Meetup Group6:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Woodshop Safety (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
CigarCitySecDefcon8137:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
[Virtual] Tampa Bay Bitcoin Meetup: News, Markets, & CommunityTampa Bay Bitcoin7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
MtG Modern Constructed at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Carrollwood Toastmasters Meetings meet In-Person and OnlineToastmasters District 487:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
CigarCitySec MeetupCentral Florida CitySec7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Sales Webinar – Learn The Most Effective Closing TechniqueTampa Small Business Owners – EVERYONE WELCOME7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Agile Speakeasy: An Open ConversationAgile Orlando7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Nerd Night: Board Games and Beer at Deadwords BrewingAdventures On Tap: TTRPGs and Board Games7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
New Beginnings & Old RivalriesCentral Florida AD&D (1st ed.) Grognards Guild7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Mastering Communication: A Key to Professional SuccessProfessionals Meetup For Networking And Social Skillsets7:00PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Cardfight Vanguard!! OverDress WeeklySunshine Games7:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Carollwood Professionals Networking Lunch!Tampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30PM – Wednesday, Mar. 20
Castaways Euchre ClubCastaways Euchre Club6:50PM – Wednesday, Mar. 27
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Thursday, March 21

6:00 p.m., online: Tampa Bay Data Engineering Group presents TBDEG – Exploring the Apache Iceberg Ecosystem with Alex Merced! This month, Alex Merced will present “Exploring the Apache Iceberg Ecosystem” – A pivotal component in the evolution of open lakehouse architectures. He’ll cover querying tools, cataloging vendors, unique use cases, and open source projects.

6:30 p.m., in-person at Cigar Citry Brewery, Tampa: Tampa Bay Agile’s Lean Beer for All Things Agile. You’re not required to drink beer, but you will be asked to participate in a discussion of all things Agile and Lean!

Event name and localeGroupTime
Commander Open Play Night at Armada GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!1:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
RPG: Pathfinder Society at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Role-Playing Games (RPG) Group2:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Gulfport Scrabble and SocialGulfport Scrabblers and Social5:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Thursday Night GamingBrandon Boardgamers5:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Tomb of Annihilation (T2-APL8)Orlando Adventurer’s Guild5:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
New Members Meet & GreetPower BI Data Geeks Support Group6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Introduction To Street Photography – Techniques & Methods That Will Work For YouBeginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
2nd ed. AD&D Campaign.Brandon and Seffner area AD&D and OSR Group6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Pathfinder SocietyCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Central Florida Board Gaming at The CollectiveOrlando Board Gaming Weekly Meetup6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
BABOK IIBA Tampa Bay Study GroupIIBA Tampa Bay7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Operations Automation Office HoursTampa Robotic Process Automation Group7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
One Piece ThursdaysSunshine Games7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
FABulous ThursdaysSunshine Games7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Palm Harbor Toastmasters Club #8248Toastmasters District 487:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Yu-Gi-Oh TournamentBalance Martial Arts and Gaming7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Thursday chess at 54th Ave Kava House!TB Chess – Tampa Bay – St. Petersburg Chess Meetup Group7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Smartphone Trivia Game Show at Wilders PizzaGame Night Meetup for Trivia in Tampa, Sarasota, Venice7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Dungeons and Dragons with DonavanUnlucky Roll Cafe Board Game Meetup7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Live streaming production and talentLive streaming production and talent7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
The Business Networking Midday Power Hour by Simply Referrals on Zoom!!Simply Referrals Tampa Business Networking12:00PM – Tuesday, Mar. 19
TBTLA Valspar Golf Volunteer OpportunityTECHnically Volunteers of Tampa Bay7:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Business Over Breakfast ~ Happy Hangar IN PERSON JOIN US!Wesley Chapel, Trinity, New Tampa, Business Professionals7:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Happy Hangar Early Bird Professionals NetworkingPasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome7:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Happy Hangar Early Bird Professionals NetworkingPasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome7:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
LUTZ, FL – HAPPY HANGER CAFE THURSDAY NETWORKINGTampa Bay Networking and Events8:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Women’s Business Networking Mixer: Building Relationships for SuccessLand O’ Lakes Business Women9:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Mastering Cloud SIEM: Strategies for Effective Threat Detection and ResponseOrlando Cybersecurity Meetup10:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Clearwater Professional Networking LunchBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
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, Mar. 21
Pinellas County’s Largest Networking Lunch and your invited!Tampa Bay Networking and Events11:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Clearwater/Central Pinellas Networking Lunch JOIN us and connect your businessTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Pinellas County’s Largest Networking Lunch and your invited!Tampa Bay Business Networking Happy Hour/Meetings/Meet Up11:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Clearwater/Central Pinellas Networking Lunch JOIN us and connect your business!Tampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:00AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Lutz / Wesley Chapel Professional Networking Lunch at Bahama Breeze!Professional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Wesley Chapel Professional Networking LunchWesley Chapel, Trinity, New Tampa, Business Professionals11:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Lutz / Wesley Chapel Professional Networking Lunch at Bahama Breeze!Pasco County Young Entrepreneurs/Business Owners All Welcome11:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Breakroom Bar & Grill 11:28 Doors open at 11:00am IN PersonProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
NPI Power Lunch – Exchange Qualified Business ReferralsNetwork Professionals Inc. of South Pinellas (NPI)11:30AM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Sarasota Speakers Exchange ToastmastersToastmasters District 4812:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Telecom Park Toastmasters #6745Toastmasters District 4812:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Apex Systems – Code Faster, Smarter, Better: Productivity with GitHub CopilotIIBA Tampa Bay1:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Living with Autonomous AIData, Cloud and AI in Tampa3:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
DUG Tampa March Power Meetup: Dynamics and Power Platform Wave 1 Update OverviewDUG Power Platform & Dynamics 365 – Tampa5:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
TBDEG – Exploring the Apache Iceberg Ecosystem with Alex Merced!Tampa Bay Data Engineering Group6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Data Analytics – Tampa Bay – MARCH MEETUPData Analytics – Tampa Bay6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Tampa SEO and Internet Marketing Meetup with Steve ScottTampa SEO & Internet Marketing Meetup with Steve Scott6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Sean Conklin – Shopify vs. WooCommerceWest Orlando WordPress Meetup6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Adult Game Night at Conworlds EmporiumTarpon Springs Pop Culture & Gaming Meetup6:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Dinner at Cali► Tampa Bay Young Professionals Group6:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Lean Beer for All Things Agile (Tampa)Tampa Bay Agile6:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
TBDSG: Your Presentation Title HERE!Tampa Bay Data Science Group6:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Pt. 3 Learning how to use Lightburn softwareMakerspaces Pinellas Meetup Group6:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Join FaithTech Orlando’s March Meet up!Orlando Christian Technologists and Entrepreneurs6:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Chess night!Lakeland Chess Meetup Group6:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
3D Printer Orientation: Printing at Tampa Hackerspace (THS Members only)Tampa Hackerspace7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
What is Money?Tampa Bay Bitcoin7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Blood on the Clocktower – Bad Moon RisingBeyond Catan, A Group of Board Game Geeks7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Let’s set a shooting time and date and crew assignments.Lights… Camera… TAMPA. Filmmaking Alliance7:30PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
Weekly HacksHacktivate – Hackathon Meetup Group8:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 21
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Friday, March 22

Event name and localeGroupTime
Improve your communication, listening, and leadership skillsWinter Park Toastmasters – Learn while having FUN!7:15AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Caffeine & Connections: Friday Fuel for Black ProfessionalsPinellas County Black Business Meetup Group8:00AM – Friday, Mar. 15
A.C.T. Acquire Connections Today Morning Business Networking All Welcome!Entrepreneurs & Business Owners of Sarasota & Bradenton8:45AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Tampa Young Professionals Virtual Networking Friday Morning All WElCOMEYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!8:45AM – Friday, Mar. 15
A.C.T. Acquire Connections Today Morning Virtual Business NetworkingNetwork & Social – Orlando Networking Events8:45AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Networking over breakfastTampa Bay Networking and Events9:00AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Business over Breakfast ClearwaterTampa Bay Networking Meetings and Mixers9:00AM – Friday, Mar. 15
FBI ~ Friday Business Introductions at Largo Family RestaurantProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net9:00AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Online Networking with Brandon Biz ProsBrandon Biz Pros9:00AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Toastmasters – Improve Speaking Skills & Build ConfidenceChristian Professionals Network Tampa Bay9:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Ms. Biz Connectz- business leaders brainstorm togetherMs. Biz Connectz- business leaders brainstorming together10:00AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Networking at McAlisters Deli every FridayTampa Bay Business Networking Meetings & Mixers11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Friday International Business Introductions at McAlisters WestshoreProfessional Business Networking with RGAnetwork.net11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Westshore Business Networking Lunch at McAlisters Deli Every Friday All WelcomeTampa Bay Networking and Events11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Professionals Networking MeetingTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
Friday Business Introductions TampaTampa Bay Networking Meetings and Mixers11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Networking at McAlisters Deli every FridayBusiness Professionals of Pinellas, Pasco & Hillsborough11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Networking at McAlisters Deli every FridayYoung Professionals Networking JOIN in and Connect!11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Networking Westshore McAlisters DeliTampa Bay Business Networking Happy Hour/Meetings/Meet Up11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Professionals Networking MeetingTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
International Professionals Networking MeetingTampa / St Pete Business Connections11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 15
WEEKLY FRIDAY NIGHT GAMING AT GAMER’S COMMANDBrandon Boardgamers5:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Board Game Night!Clermont Nerd Games5:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Friday Board Game NightTampa Gaming Guild5:30PM – Friday, Mar. 15
🟦 Introduction To Focal Length & Lenses In Photography + Recommendations & TipsBeginner Hobby and Amateur Photographers Of Tampa St Pete6:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Taps & Drafts | Casual EDH/MtG Social NightNerd Night Out6:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Commander NightMagic the Gathering Tampa/Brandon/St Pete6:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
MTG: Commander FNMCritical Hit Games6:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
GROWTH MINDSETSelf-Perfected Orlando6:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Taps & Drafts | EDH/MtG Night | Centro YborNerdbrew Events7:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Modern FNMSunshine Games7:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Friday Pokemon TournamentSunshine Games7:30PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Solana Hackathon WorkGroupSolana Tampa8:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
Friday night game nightIndica Cafe Events9:00PM – Friday, Mar. 15
FOURTH Friday WordPress Collaboration Meetup – March 2024West Orlando WordPress Meetup8:00AM – Friday, Mar. 22
March 2024 VIRTUAL Homebrew Hillsborough: HCC ICCEHomebrew Hillsborough8:30AM – Friday, Mar. 22
Power Women ExpoTampa Business Club/Networking After Hours9:00AM – Friday, Mar. 22
S Orlando/Dr Phillips: Join us for fun connection growth & networking too!Powerful Women Networking11:30AM – Friday, Mar. 22
The Rest of What AI Can DoCLEARWATER eMarketing Groups12:00PM – Friday, Mar. 22
TBUX Virtual: Portfolio Share & ReviewTampa Bay UX Group12:00PM – Friday, Mar. 22
ONLINE Board Game Fridays!Meeple Movers Gaming Group5:30PM – Friday, Mar. 22
Dune – Friday March 22!Sarasota Strategy Board Game League6:00PM – Friday, Mar. 22
Shut Up & Write!® GulfportShut Up & Write!® St. Petersburg6:30PM – Friday, Mar. 22
St. Pete Arthouse Cinema Club-“The Peasants”St. Pete Arthouse Cinema Club6:45PM – Friday, Mar. 22
MakerFX Makerspace 3D Printing GuildMakerFX Makerspace7:00PM – Friday, Mar. 22
3D Printing Hang Out3D Printing Orlando7:00PM – Friday, Mar. 22
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Saturday, March 23

Event name and localeGroupTime
Yu-Gi-Oh TournamentBalance Martial Arts and Gaming7:00PM – Thursday, Mar. 14
Wake Up and Think Clearly Saturday morning share and discuss.Central Florida Philosophy Meetup7:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Early Bird OcalaToastmasters Division G8:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Saturday Chess at Wholefoods in Midtown, TampaChess Republic9:30AM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens SaturdaysTarpon Springs Pop Culture & Gaming Meetup11:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Saturday DNDSt Pete and Pinellas Tabletop RPG Group12:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
FREE Fab Lab OrientationSuncoast Makers1:30PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Y Read: Book Read AloudLibrary Book Clubs – OCLS1:30PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Social climbing of Mount ChesseverestClimbers of Mount Chesseverest2:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Community Hang-out NightNerdbrew Events6:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
Yu-Gi-Oh Evening TournamentSunshine Games7:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 16
March Study GroupTampa Bay Techies9:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
FCCP – Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, 4 Part Class – Part 1Florida Center for Creative Photography9:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Tadhack 2024 (Day 1)Hacktivate – Hackathon Meetup Group9:30AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Wood Shop Lathe 101 (Members Only)Tampa Hackerspace10:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Workday – Make a Better Space!Tampa Hackerspace10:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Craft SaturdaysWe Write Here Black and Women of Color Writing Group10:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Renaissance Festival In Dade City March 23rd 2024The Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter10:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Midjourney Basics: Intro & FAQ with A.I. Creative Compass!Midjourney A.I. Art Meetup Group11:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Hackathon – Feel free to arrive laterOrlando DevOps11:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Alpha Strike Bragging Rights TournamentCritical Hit Games11:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Bravo Group Campaign ContinuesOviedo Middle Aged Gamers (OMAG)11:00AM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Intro to SewingMakerspaces Pinellas Meetup Group12:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Online | VIRTUAL Mastermind Experience: Connecting, Creating & CollaboratingWomen’s Prosperity Network | Fort Lauderdale Chapter12:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Faceless YouTubeTampa Amazon Seller Meetup Group1:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Minigolf at Popstroke – Wesley ChapelGeekocracy!1:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Babcock Ranch Board Games – March 2024Babcock Ranch Board Games1:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Radiant Citadel Adventures (Tier 1)Orlando Adventurer’s Guild2:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Endpoint Protection Using Zero TrustInformation Technology Orlando Group3:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Middle March Game NightNew Port Richey Casual Games and Fun Socializing Group!5:30PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Saturday Nighrt Pericle Run: “Cam-Pain 1” post tutorial adventureOrlando Pericle Gathering Darkness RPG Meetup Group7:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
Group Outing- Brews, Tabletop, Pinball and More! @Hourglass Brewery 21+Gaming.net8:00PM – Saturday, Mar. 23
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Sunday, March 24

Event name and localeGroupTime
Warhammer 40KClermont Nerd Games11:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Board Games at Big Storm in OdessaBeyond Catan, A Group of Board Game Geeks12:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Sunday Chess at Wholefoods in Midtown, TampaChess Republic2:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
D&D Adventurers League at Critical Hit GamesTampa Bay Gaming: RPG’s, Board Games & more!2:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
D&D Adventurers LeagueCritical Hit Games2:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Sunday Game DayDrunk’n Meeples West Pasco (Boardgames)3:30PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Sunday Pokemon LeagueSunshine Games4:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Lankhmar: City of AdventureBrandon and Seffner area AD&D and OSR Group5:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Open Game NightUnlucky Roll Cafe Board Game Meetup6:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
A Duck Presents NB Movie NightNerd Night Out7:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Hidden Gems Night, Presented by A Duck!Nerdbrew Events7:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 17
Plant City Adventure part 1: Sunday morning hike► Tampa Bay Young Professionals Group8:30AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Tadhack 2024 (Day 2)Hacktivate – Hackathon Meetup Group9:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
RE Olds ParkSuncoast Drone Club9:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
CRITICAL THINKERS SUNDAY Meetup at Maureen’s homeSuncoast Critical Thinking Discussion Group9:30AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
🌐 SUN 3/24 at 10 AM ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY CRITIQUE PROGRAMThe Art Of Photography – Tampa/St. Pete Chapter10:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Viking Weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance FestivalGeekocracy!10:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Quest Day!! (Spring Equinox)Thaliondor: Fantasy and Medieval Combat11:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
BrunchChan’s Book Club of Tampa Bay11:00AM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Large format printingMakerspaces Pinellas Meetup Group12:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Pizza and Board Games on Bee RidgeBoard Games and Card Games in Sarasota & Bradenton12:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
RPG: Twilight 2000 – a Post WWIII Survival RPG at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Role-Playing Games (RPG) Group12:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Art Day with Sonya at Meeple Movers Board Game CafeMeeple Movers Gaming Group12:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Writer’s Meet-Up: Let’s Hang Out and WriteProse Society Writers Group12:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Monthly Gaming at the DELAND Library!Board Gamers of West Volusia12:30PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Wall Springs ParkGen Geek1:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
4TH SUNDAY OF THE MONTH BOARDGAMING AT NERDY NEEDSBrandon Boardgamers1:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Entrepreneur Classes PreviewNew Entrepreneurship Connections1:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Alphabet Soup 2024 | Finding Letters in the World Around UsFlorida Center for Creative Photography5:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Let’s Learn to Turn Pens!Tampa Hackerspace6:00PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
Find Your Funny ToastmastersToastmasters Division E6:30PM – Sunday, Mar. 24
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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
Current Events Tampa Bay

Help Tampa tech reporter Sarah Perez rebuild!

TL;DR: TechCrunch Consumer News Editor and Tampa Bay Techie Sarah Perez escaped her burning house with her daughter and dog last night — but they lost everything in the fire. There’s a GoFundMe to raise money for her — please donate!

I’ve known Sarah since that fateful BarCamp Tampa Bay in 2011 when met Anitra, which led me to move here to “The Other Bay Area.”

If you read TechCrunch, you’ve more than likely read Sarah’s work. If you think that I write a lot, wait until you see her output — she’s a mean writing machine, and with the combination of her work and her handle — SarahInTampa — she’s helping put Tampa Bay on the technology map.

If you’re a techie in Tampa Bay, and especially if you’re in a startup that she profiled and gave some much-needed exposure, please donate to her GoFundMe!

Categories
What I’m Up To

My desktop, at the moment

Tap to view at full size.

I was sorting out some of the stuff in my office near the desk when I saw the scene pictured above and thought to myself, “this would tell an interesting story.”

Going counterclockwise from near the top left, the items are:

The keyboard and Storyteller Tactics were prizes I won in the “Tracy’s Treasure Chest” raffle at last Friday’s Spring Tech Fest, a.k.a. Tracy Ingram’s 50th birthday party.

The raffle was unusual in that a winning ticket wasn’t for a specific prize. Instead, a winning ticket would allow you to enter a prize room containing over a hundred items, where you could choose what you won. You could buy multiple tickets, and you could win multiple times.

Proceeds from the raffle are going to girls’ STEM education in local high schools, so Anitra and I bought ten tickets and won three times (she got a Kemove K68 keyboard). I think we did all right!

Categories
What I’m Up To

Laid off in 2024, part 18: Timing is everything

They could’ve asked this two months ago,
but NOOOO…

Also in this series…

Categories
Hardware

Additional notes for “Beyond the Circuit: The Everlasting Role of Hardware Skills”

Here are some follow-up notes for Computer Coach’s LinkedIn audio event, Beyond the Circuit: The Everlasting Role of Hardware Skills, which took place on Friday, March 8, 2024.

LED throwies

This is one of the simplest projects you can make, and you can learn how to make them at Instructables.com.

Sites for learning electronics

Starting Electronics is an excellent site for getting into electronics. It has tutorials, projects, and articles on electronics, embedded systems, microcontrollers, Arduino, Raspberry PI, tools, and related topics.

Reddit has a couple of good subreddits for people who want to get into electronics:

Books for learning electronics

Make: Electronics, 3rd Edition is a great guide for getting started. Here’s the link to buy the PDF edition, and here’s the link to buy the print version.

Where to get electronics and electronics kits

Beginner-friendly electronics kits

“Internet of Things” computers and devices

Online electronic components shopping for the more hardcore

Building your own PC