New Meetup Location Idea
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Allen-CenterNetworks
May 4, 2011, 6:17:09 PM5/4/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
This afternoon I spoke with Liz Elam - she runs the Link Coworking
space (link below). After looking at the photos and speaking with Liz
and considering the location (the space is on W Anderson Lane and
Burnet, I am starting to think this might be the best option. They
have an outdoor deck which we could use for the networking time after
the meetup, there are several bars and food spots within a few paces
walk and the space seems more open (ceilings are high, bright colors,
etc.). Link can hold about 50 seated which is the same as the other
two spaces.
I will try to work up a list of pros and cons for the 3 coworking
spaces (Tech Ranch, Cospace, Link) in the next day or so.
http://www.linkcoworking.com/drupal/
Let me know if you have any feedback regarding Link Coworking as a
space option.
space (link below). After looking at the photos and speaking with Liz
and considering the location (the space is on W Anderson Lane and
Burnet, I am starting to think this might be the best option. They
have an outdoor deck which we could use for the networking time after
the meetup, there are several bars and food spots within a few paces
walk and the space seems more open (ceilings are high, bright colors,
etc.). Link can hold about 50 seated which is the same as the other
two spaces.
I will try to work up a list of pros and cons for the 3 coworking
spaces (Tech Ranch, Cospace, Link) in the next day or so.
http://www.linkcoworking.com/drupal/
Let me know if you have any feedback regarding Link Coworking as a
space option.
Eric Strait
May 4, 2011, 11:44:40 PM5/4/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
The pictures and the location of area bars and food spots, make it seem very ideal. I really like the colors and appealing atmosphere it provides. I know that a few other Austin groups have meet there as well.
jacqueline hughes
May 5, 2011, 12:32:04 AM5/5/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
The space is beautiful. I would have suggested it (I did an event there last week), but I know she normally charges for the space. If she is waiving the fee, then it would definitely be a good option. There is another coworking place opening up South who would probably be really open to this too. It might be a good idea in the future to play around with North/South.
Allen-CenterNetworks
May 5, 2011, 12:59:20 AM5/5/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
Ok, here is me being honest :) All 3 spaces talked about charging for
use of the space (which I completely understand) although she "pushed"
the charge more than the other 2. She said it costs her $250 to clean
the space after an event like we are considering and she gave me some
other prices (I can't remember exactly) for renting the space. She did
say (as did the others) that she would work with us if the event
provides visibilty for Link (which it absolutely will). I almost think
we are better off paying for the space (perhaps with some barter) than
looking for completely free space at this point - this keeps us more
in control and doesn't make the event host feel out of place if the
event isn't providing what they want in terms of ROI. I do think once
we move to a bigger space (say the AT&T conference center) that it
will be a different discussion.
What I really like about her space is that it's a good location, has
the outside patio which might work for the social time/drinks and
there are several places within a few feet that we could also look at
using for social time/drinks.
My hope is that we can find at least 2 sponsors - one to cover any
charges for the space and one for the drinks - later on we may charge
an entry fee but that's quite a ways off. It's hard for me to imagine
we won't be able to find at least 2 sponsors.
On May 4, 11:32 pm, jacqueline hughes <jacqueline.a.hug...@gmail.com>
wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
use of the space (which I completely understand) although she "pushed"
the charge more than the other 2. She said it costs her $250 to clean
the space after an event like we are considering and she gave me some
other prices (I can't remember exactly) for renting the space. She did
say (as did the others) that she would work with us if the event
provides visibilty for Link (which it absolutely will). I almost think
we are better off paying for the space (perhaps with some barter) than
looking for completely free space at this point - this keeps us more
in control and doesn't make the event host feel out of place if the
event isn't providing what they want in terms of ROI. I do think once
we move to a bigger space (say the AT&T conference center) that it
will be a different discussion.
What I really like about her space is that it's a good location, has
the outside patio which might work for the social time/drinks and
there are several places within a few feet that we could also look at
using for social time/drinks.
My hope is that we can find at least 2 sponsors - one to cover any
charges for the space and one for the drinks - later on we may charge
an entry fee but that's quite a ways off. It's hard for me to imagine
we won't be able to find at least 2 sponsors.
On May 4, 11:32 pm, jacqueline hughes <jacqueline.a.hug...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> The space is beautiful. I would have suggested it (I did an event there last
> week), but I know she normally charges for the space. If she is waiving the
> fee, then it would definitely be a good option. There is another coworking
> place opening up South who would probably be really open to this too. It
> might be a good idea in the future to play around with North/South.
>
>
>
> On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 10:44 PM, Eric Strait <ericestr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > The pictures and the location of area bars and food spots, make it seem
> > very ideal. I really like the colors and appealing atmosphere it provides.
> > I know that a few other Austin groups have meet there as well.
>
> week), but I know she normally charges for the space. If she is waiving the
> fee, then it would definitely be a good option. There is another coworking
> place opening up South who would probably be really open to this too. It
> might be a good idea in the future to play around with North/South.
>
>
>
> On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 10:44 PM, Eric Strait <ericestr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > The pictures and the location of area bars and food spots, make it seem
> > very ideal. I really like the colors and appealing atmosphere it provides.
> > I know that a few other Austin groups have meet there as well.
>
> > On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 5:17 PM, Allen-CenterNetworks <allen...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >> This afternoon I spoke with Liz Elam - she runs the Link Coworking
> >> space (link below). After looking at the photos and speaking with Liz
> >> and considering the location (the space is on W Anderson Lane and
> >> Burnet, I am starting to think this might be the best option. They
> >> have an outdoor deck which we could use for the networking time after
> >> the meetup, there are several bars and food spots within a few paces
> >> walk and the space seems more open (ceilings are high, bright colors,
> >> etc.). Link can hold about 50 seated which is the same as the other
> >> two spaces.
>
> >> I will try to work up a list of pros and cons for the 3 coworking
> >> spaces (Tech Ranch, Cospace, Link) in the next day or so.
>
> >>http://www.linkcoworking.com/drupal/
>
> >> Let me know if you have any feedback regarding Link Coworking as a
> >> space option.- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> This afternoon I spoke with Liz Elam - she runs the Link Coworking
> >> space (link below). After looking at the photos and speaking with Liz
> >> and considering the location (the space is on W Anderson Lane and
> >> Burnet, I am starting to think this might be the best option. They
> >> have an outdoor deck which we could use for the networking time after
> >> the meetup, there are several bars and food spots within a few paces
> >> walk and the space seems more open (ceilings are high, bright colors,
> >> etc.). Link can hold about 50 seated which is the same as the other
> >> two spaces.
>
> >> I will try to work up a list of pros and cons for the 3 coworking
> >> spaces (Tech Ranch, Cospace, Link) in the next day or so.
>
> >>http://www.linkcoworking.com/drupal/
>
> >> Let me know if you have any feedback regarding Link Coworking as a
>
> - Show quoted text -
Eric Strait
May 5, 2011, 12:42:03 PM5/5/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I hope I am not out of place by saying... :) but I completely agree with you Allen about paying for the space. I did not think of it before, but we do not want to make our host feel like we are a bother and make we all begin to feel out of place. It does seem hard to believe that we can't find a sponsor to sponsor $250 and drinks. If not, we should have enough people that the cost we be manageable between us.
This is just my take.
Eric
jacqueline hughes
May 5, 2011, 1:03:34 PM5/5/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I agree with you guys somewhat. I used to manage a coworking space and in my opinion, they have a lot to gain out of something like this. If Link gets even one member out of this and they stick around for a year that is at a minimum, $2,400. I don't want to be cheap, but I also think it is important to remember what is in it for them. I think this group potentially brings their target demographics to their doorsteps. I completely understand the cleanup fees. I stayed many a nights cleaning up after events. My opinions.
Jacqueline
Eric Strait
May 5, 2011, 5:03:13 PM5/5/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Wow, how can you argue with someone who are been there and done that! If we could find a very nice place that would not charge us fees, it is worth trying it out. That is true that they do have a lot to gain from us bringing in potential clients! So Jacqueline, do you know of a place?
Eric
jacqueline hughes
May 5, 2011, 5:16:12 PM5/5/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I still think the coworking spaces are great, but just wanted to make sure everyone knew that they had gains on their end too.
I believe Cospace is doing well with their member #, so they should be charging for events.
Link Coworking has about 25 members and is looking to cap out at around 50 so they are still growing.
Tech Ranch is always looking to get more people involved (via memberships) and some office space, so they also could benefit.
Link is by far the prettiest space, but comes with the highest cost. We shouldn't be afraid to offer one of these places the ability to sponsor the event in return for a 2-5 minute pitch.
I am putting on another event with the Young Women's Roundtable on May 25th in some office space downtown that is supposedly really large. I will ask if they mind doing another type of event there if the space looks good.
Jacqueline
Paul O'Brien
May 5, 2011, 5:21:11 PM5/5/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I know Liz and have sent a couple events her way. No promises but she's been accommodating. Keep in mind, it has to make sense for her. Hosting an untested event of unclear size for startup entrepreneurs doesn't quite hit the mark. That opportunity will work with Conjunctured (twenty something scrappy founders) but Link, whether she intends it or not, caters to more established/experienced business owners. Cospace, incidentally, seems to fall somewhere in between the two.
Let's think through the initial event a bit more and get it back in front of her. How's and where it being marketed? Getting more eyes on Link that what our personal invites alone can get gives her unpaid promotion - in the paper? On TV? In someone's newsletter or our respective blogs? What are the first round of startups and do they appeal to small business owners? Are they more established than seed? Do they suit her general audience,. Heck, from where do we all come - Is Link fairly centrally located for us such that we'd like to consider it home (or us downtown Austin where we all prefer to be)? i.e. We're all within 10 minutes of Link and while we've considered downtown Austin, we really see the need for such events in our neighborhood.
Paul--
Paul O'Brien @seobrien
Let's think through the initial event a bit more and get it back in front of her. How's and where it being marketed? Getting more eyes on Link that what our personal invites alone can get gives her unpaid promotion - in the paper? On TV? In someone's newsletter or our respective blogs? What are the first round of startups and do they appeal to small business owners? Are they more established than seed? Do they suit her general audience,. Heck, from where do we all come - Is Link fairly centrally located for us such that we'd like to consider it home (or us downtown Austin where we all prefer to be)? i.e. We're all within 10 minutes of Link and while we've considered downtown Austin, we really see the need for such events in our neighborhood.
Paul
Paul O'Brien @seobrien
Allen-CenterNetworks
May 5, 2011, 5:55:39 PM5/5/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
I will try to reply to all of the earlier messages here...
-- Jacqueline, I very much agree that wherever the event is held will
get a lot of visibility and that is worth something. I would expect to
pay no more than actual cost and would expect the space to "earn" from
the visibility they receive.
-- Paul, it doesn't matter if we send over a list of the first
startups to present since each month it will change. And I thought we
already agreed on the format for the event. As for promotion, I will
certainly do everything I can to get the word out and will push to get
more local press involved as well. I can't guarantee that but I can
certainly guarantee a monthly pre-event post and post-event recap on
my CenterNetworks blog at a minimum. From what I can tell from
audiences at the other big tech meetups around the country, a good
percentage of the audience is a good fit for coworking spaces.
It's important to remember that wherever we pick is for the initial
set of months with the goal to "outgrow" the space.
> Paul O'Brien @seobrien <http://twitter.com/seobrien>http://seobrien.com
>
> f: facebook.com/seobrien.consulting
> p: 415-683-7630 or seobrien.com- Hide quoted text -
-- Jacqueline, I very much agree that wherever the event is held will
get a lot of visibility and that is worth something. I would expect to
pay no more than actual cost and would expect the space to "earn" from
the visibility they receive.
-- Paul, it doesn't matter if we send over a list of the first
startups to present since each month it will change. And I thought we
already agreed on the format for the event. As for promotion, I will
certainly do everything I can to get the word out and will push to get
more local press involved as well. I can't guarantee that but I can
certainly guarantee a monthly pre-event post and post-event recap on
my CenterNetworks blog at a minimum. From what I can tell from
audiences at the other big tech meetups around the country, a good
percentage of the audience is a good fit for coworking spaces.
It's important to remember that wherever we pick is for the initial
set of months with the goal to "outgrow" the space.
>
> f: facebook.com/seobrien.consulting
> p: 415-683-7630 or seobrien.com- Hide quoted text -
Eric Strait
Jun 16, 2011, 6:42:01 PM6/16/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Has there been any new developments? Is there anything that I can do?
Eric
Allen-CenterNetworks
Jun 16, 2011, 7:12:35 PM6/16/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
Hi Eric - last message I think Jacqueline was going to speak with
Joshua regarding dates and possible cross-promotion.
One important note - I think I need to take the next two months off
from planning this meetup. I am working to scale up my startup as we
grow to the next level and am dealing with a minor health issue which
the doctor has asked me to keep off my feet (which is hard to do - I
see why tablets have a great future now). I would look to pick up the
planning again on September 1 which would mean a first meetup in
October. I do still plan to get the word out and get any additional
feedback.
If anyone wants to take over the planning, please go for it -- I'd be
happy to do a brain dump call if someone does decide to take over the
planning.
I still think Link or Microsoft are probably the best locations to
start from.
I've put off this email as long as possible hoping that the health
issue would be gone already but since you emailed today, it seemed
like a perfect time.
Thanks,
Allen
On Jun 16, 5:42 pm, Eric Strait <ericestr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Has there been any new developments? Is there anything that I can do?
>
> Eric
>
> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
Joshua regarding dates and possible cross-promotion.
One important note - I think I need to take the next two months off
from planning this meetup. I am working to scale up my startup as we
grow to the next level and am dealing with a minor health issue which
the doctor has asked me to keep off my feet (which is hard to do - I
see why tablets have a great future now). I would look to pick up the
planning again on September 1 which would mean a first meetup in
October. I do still plan to get the word out and get any additional
feedback.
If anyone wants to take over the planning, please go for it -- I'd be
happy to do a brain dump call if someone does decide to take over the
planning.
I still think Link or Microsoft are probably the best locations to
start from.
I've put off this email as long as possible hoping that the health
issue would be gone already but since you emailed today, it seemed
like a perfect time.
Thanks,
Allen
On Jun 16, 5:42 pm, Eric Strait <ericestr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Has there been any new developments? Is there anything that I can do?
>
> Eric
>
Eric Strait
Jun 17, 2011, 4:43:57 AM6/17/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Allen, I am very sorry to hear about your health issue. I know growing your startup and competing with a health issue is not a great combination and I wish you the best and a quick recovery.
Jacqueline, do you have an update? Where you speaking with Joshua Baer of Capital Factory?
Eric
Message has been deleted
StartupDelight
Jul 6, 2011, 4:08:28 PM7/6/11
to Austin Tech Meetup
Is anyone out there besides Allen?
On Jun 17, 3:43 am, Eric Strait <ericestr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Allen, I am very sorry to hear about your health issue. I know growing your
> startup and competing with a health issue is not a great combination and I
> wish you the best and a quick recovery.
>
> Jacqueline, do you have an update? Where you speaking with Joshua Baer of
> Capital Factory?
>
> Eric
>
> ...
>
> read more »
On Jun 17, 3:43 am, Eric Strait <ericestr...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Allen, I am very sorry to hear about your health issue. I know growing your
> startup and competing with a health issue is not a great combination and I
> wish you the best and a quick recovery.
>
> Jacqueline, do you have an update? Where you speaking with Joshua Baer of
> Capital Factory?
>
> Eric
>
>
> read more »
jacqueline hughes
Jul 7, 2011, 5:21:47 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I am still here, but I have my hands full with Austin Startup Week which I just announced today. I think Josh may be planning an event the night after Demo, but I am not 100% sure yet. If not I think there should be a happy hour proceeding, but not another pitch event.
I hope you are doing better, Allen.
Eric Strait
Jul 7, 2011, 5:36:18 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Good luck with Austin Startup Weekend. Are you organizing or a startup presenting? Btw, thanks for responding.
On Jul 7, 2011 4:22 PM, "jacqueline hughes" <jacquelin...@gmail.com> wrote:
jacqueline hughes
Jul 7, 2011, 5:39:36 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I'm organizing. It'll be September 6-10th around Demo day. http://startupweekaustin.com
Damon Clinkscales
Jul 7, 2011, 5:46:46 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Startup Week, not a Startup Weekend. :)
/damon
Eric Strait
Jul 7, 2011, 5:54:43 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Awesome, and good luck with that.
Allen
Jul 7, 2011, 6:08:30 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
What's Startup Week all about? Happy to help get the word out and participate anyway I can both on CN and CC.
Also, we should all remember there are lots of startups here in town :)
jacqueline hughes
Jul 7, 2011, 6:16:14 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for the offer Allen. I'm not going to do a PR push until I get an event calendar up. I'll shoot you over an email sometime next week.
Austin Startup Week is modeled after http://boulderstartupweek.com which I attended in May. You can see a list of the events they had at http://plancast.com/boulderstartupweek. We're going to have some people in town already for Capitol Factory Demo Day. I'd like to keep them here as long as possible. I'd also like to invite people who are considering moving to see what we have going on in Austin. And of course, bring people together to celebrate our existing community.
Eric Strait
Jul 7, 2011, 6:36:44 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
That is awesome. Are you the founder of it? I will be happy to help in anyway I can. My startup http://startupdelight.com can sell and feature the Austin Startup Weekend t-shirts for you via or startup daily deal site. If you do not have them made already, we can make them for you and prob beat all other prices. Not my intention at first but thouht I'd offer :)
On Jul 7, 2011 5:16 PM, "jacqueline hughes" <jacquelin...@gmail.com> wrote:
jacqueline hughes
Jul 7, 2011, 6:42:42 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
I guess I am the "founder", but it really is the communities event. I'm just wrangling everyone together.
I don't want to take up this thread with my event. If anyone wants to chat further feel free to email me at jacquelin...@gmail.com.
Thanks for all the support!
Jacqueline
Eric Strait
Jul 7, 2011, 6:59:31 PM7/7/11
to austin-te...@googlegroups.com
Sure thing.
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