Proposed Location

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Allen-CenterNetworks

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Apr 14, 2011, 5:32:30 PM4/14/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
Hi - One of the locations we discussed for the ATM is the Cospace
location. Since we know we can have that location for about $100/
event, I am wondering if we should just say that we start at Cospace
while we investigate spaces to move to as the meetup grows. This way
we can get the event going sooner rather than later as well.

To me (a newbie) the space seems very central from all points and has
free parking. The space can hold about 45-50 people which should be a
good number to start with. Selling out the event would be great!

Any thoughts here? Pros/Cons?

Thanks,
Allen

Paul O'Brien

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Apr 14, 2011, 8:22:06 PM4/14/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com, Allen-CenterNetworks
Neither pros nor cons; I'm a regular there as a member so here's insight to how I get the sense the venue works for events

Audiences are forced to be receptive as the room is so well designed to accommodate a presentation BUT it's hard to get an audience excited in the format it provides - it's suited to a discussion; not sure why that's the case, close quarters, tables, etc.  The glass room (kitchen) offers and opportunity for people to break off from the presentation to chat, while continuing to watch (good and bad).  Drinks/bar is a challenge or provides an opportunity - depending on your expectation - we've tried to have a table in the hall (for lack of a better word) between the main room and the bathroom but that doesn't work too well as it gets crowded in that small space while forcing those looking for a drink to order on top of presentations.  That said, the glass room offers a great venue to host those that want to drink and order without distracting the main room. As some of you experienced, the entrance leaves many feeling awkward when they arrive, not something that can't be managed; just know that it my experience, I'd recommend someone in the entry way to welcome people.

Bottom line, it absolutely works and it is conveniently located.  Does it offer the right format?

Paul
--
Paul O'Brien @seobrien

Allen-CenterNetworks

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Apr 15, 2011, 1:12:10 AM4/15/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
I think you make a good point Paul - it's not the auditorium/theater
we talked about. We definitely need a check-in area - could that be
done with a table outside?

On Apr 14, 7:22 pm, "Paul O'Brien" <p...@seobrien.com> wrote:
> Neither pros nor cons; I'm a regular there as a member so here's insight to
> how I get the sense the venue works for events
>
> Audiences are forced to be receptive as the room is so well designed to
> accommodate a presentation BUT it's hard to get an audience excited in the
> format it provides - it's suited to a discussion; not sure why that's the
> case, close quarters, tables, etc.  The glass room (kitchen) offers and
> opportunity for people to break off from the presentation to chat, while
> continuing to watch (good and bad).  Drinks/bar is a challenge or provides
> an opportunity - depending on your expectation - we've tried to have a table
> in the hall (for lack of a better word) between the main room and the
> bathroom but that doesn't work too well as it gets crowded in that small
> space while forcing those looking for a drink to order on top of
> presentations.  That said, the glass room offers a great venue to host those
> that want to drink and order without distracting the main room. As some of
> you experienced, the entrance leaves many feeling awkward when they arrive,
> not something that can't be managed; just know that it my experience, I'd
> recommend someone in the entry way to welcome people.
>
> Bottom line, it absolutely works and it is conveniently located.  Does it
> offer the right format?
>
> Paul
>
> On Thu, Apr 14, 2011 at 4:32 PM, Allen-CenterNetworks <allen...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> > Hi - One of the locations we discussed for the ATM is the Cospace
> > location. Since we know we can have that location for about $100/
> > event, I am wondering if we should just say that we start at Cospace
> > while we investigate spaces to move to as the meetup grows. This way
> > we can get the event going sooner rather than later as well.
>
> > To me (a newbie) the space seems very central from all points and has
> > free parking. The space can hold about 45-50 people which should be a
> > good number to start with. Selling out the event would be great!
>
> > Any thoughts here? Pros/Cons?
>
> > Thanks,
> > Allen
>
> --
> Paul O'Brien @seobrien <http://twitter.com/seobrien>http://seobrien.com

Bertina Lee

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Apr 15, 2011, 1:25:58 AM4/15/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
What about the UT Pickle building north near 183?

What are some of the other locations that we discussed? I remember
bars downtown, dave and busters, and the Microsoft building. Am I
missing any others?

I'm also waiting to hear back from my friend if Facebook would allow
us to use their office. I should find out by next week.

-Bertina

Allen-CenterNetworks

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Apr 15, 2011, 9:50:00 AM4/15/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
I think we also talked about TechRanch, IBM and Microsoft offices.

On Apr 15, 12:25 am, Bertina Lee <bertina...@gmail.com> wrote:
> What about the UT Pickle building north near 183?
>
> What are some of the other locations that we discussed?  I remember
> bars downtown, dave and busters, and the Microsoft building.  Am I
> missing any others?
>
> I'm also waiting to hear back from my friend if Facebook would allow
> us to use their office.  I should find out by next week.
>
> -Bertina
>
> >> p: 415-683-7630 or seobrien.com- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Bertina Lee

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Apr 15, 2011, 1:45:28 PM4/15/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com, Allen-CenterNetworks
Allen,

Do you know if anyone is looking into the other options - TechRanch, IBM, and Microsoft offices?  

Thanks.

Allen-CenterNetworks

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Apr 16, 2011, 9:59:49 AM4/16/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
I am thinking if I don't hear anything back from the group about
taking the lead to contact one of the locations by say Tuesday midday,
I will go ahead and try to contact them.

On Apr 15, 12:45 pm, Bertina Lee <bertina...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Allen,
>
> Do you know if anyone is looking into the other options - TechRanch, IBM,
> and Microsoft offices?
>
> Thanks.
>
> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

Bertina Lee

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Apr 16, 2011, 1:05:55 PM4/16/11
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Article on techcrunch - behind the scenes at ny tech meetup.

http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/16/new-york-tech-meetup-tctv/#

jacqueline hughes

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Apr 17, 2011, 2:46:25 PM4/17/11
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I'm sure TechRanch would be happy to let us use their offices. I'm happy to reach out to them if we need to. Is there a date planned yet? Another option would be the Spider House ballroom. They have their own bar set up. I believe that it is anywhere from free to reserve up to $75. 

Cheers,
Jacqueline

michael torkildsen

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Apr 18, 2011, 11:48:40 AM4/18/11
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I like the SpiderHouse Ballroom idea. It's cheap and I hope big.

Techranch can get pretty small with just a modest crowd.


From: Allen-CenterNetworks <alle...@gmail.com>
To: Austin Tech Meetup <austin-te...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat, April 16, 2011 8:59:49 AM
Subject: Re: Proposed Location

Valerie Cason

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Apr 18, 2011, 11:49:59 AM4/18/11
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Ditto to SpiderHouse. Very welcoming spot and creative atmosphere.
--
Valerie Cason
ZeneScene
Co-Founder/Communications

Allen-CenterNetworks

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Apr 19, 2011, 12:07:28 AM4/19/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
Is this the place Valerie/Michael?
http://www.spiderhousecafe.com/contact/doren-dippel.html

Seems pretty central - how's parking. I will take a look over there on
Wednesday.



On Apr 18, 10:49 am, Valerie Cason <vale...@zenescene.com> wrote:
> Ditto to SpiderHouse. Very welcoming spot and creative atmosphere.
>
> On Mon, Apr 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM, michael torkildsen <m.torkild...@yahoo.com
>
>
>
>
>
> > wrote:
> > I like the SpiderHouse Ballroom idea. It's cheap and I hope big.
>
> > Techranch can get pretty small with just a modest crowd.
>
> >  ------------------------------
> > *From:* Allen-CenterNetworks <allen...@gmail.com>
> > *To:* Austin Tech Meetup <austin-te...@googlegroups.com>
> > *Sent:* Sat, April 16, 2011 8:59:49 AM
> > *Subject:* Re: Proposed Location
> *ZeneScene*
> Co-Founder/Communications
> 318.453.3201www.austin.zenescene.com- Hide quoted text -

jacqueline hughes

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Apr 19, 2011, 12:25:40 AM4/19/11
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It is indeed the space. Parking is only so-so, but all the things I go to there seem to work out fine. I end up there about once a week for an event. You can negotiate for free based on the day you are looking at. 

Allen-CenterNetworks

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Apr 24, 2011, 9:21:14 PM4/24/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
Hi Everyone - I apologize for the delay in responding but I have been
under the weather the past few days and had to use all my energy on
the business. I plan to contact Tech Ranch and SpiderHouse tomorrow
and will post an update after I've spoken with both.

A couple of my friends were here last weekend - I was discussing our
ideas with them and both thought that it might be better to start with
a smaller location to make sure we "sell out" and to create a more
intimate atmosphere to start with. I am not sure if ya'all agree
although I do agree with the sell-out idea.

Thanks,
Allen

On Apr 18, 11:25 pm, jacqueline hughes <jacqueline.a.hug...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> It is indeed the space. Parking is only so-so, but all the things I go to
> there seem to work out fine. I end up there about once a week for an event.
> You can negotiate for free based on the day you are looking at.
>
> On Mon, Apr 18, 2011 at 11:07 PM, Allen-CenterNetworks
> <allen...@gmail.com>wrote:
> > > 318.453.3201www.austin.zenescene.com-Hide quoted text -

michael torkildsen

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Apr 24, 2011, 9:30:41 PM4/24/11
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Tech Ranch can actually be pretty small.
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