Best Communities In Denver For Technology And Startup Networking
Updated August 2023
Denver is a small city by population, and the tech community in Denver definitely still has what we would call a "small-town vibe" to it, Boulder is even more tight-knit. Many candidates/job-seekers from out of town find it difficult to get a response from job submissions with just a resume -- our town is undeniably network-driven. Being network-driven, being connected to the right people in the tech community can really help out career and life goals. Being connected can also be the ace up the sleeve for startups who need to meet their stretch goals.
So, the question is what are the best communities in Denver for creating and/or strengthening your tech network?
We figured it would be helpful to list out a bunch of the best meetups, events, digital communities and more that can help anyone in Denver build out their tech network. As always, if you see anything that should be added to this list, please feel free to contact us and let us know!
1) Meetups
In a post Covid-world where connection is synonymous with wifi signals and Zoom meetings, Paired has set out to build a community of authentic, in-person social-professional connectedness for Colorado’s entrepreneurial, innovation and tech ecosystem. At Paired, they "honor human connection" as a fundamental need, and believe when we feel connected, we’re happier, healthier, and better versions of ourselves. Check out their programming here!
Come learn and/or share your experiences with NoSQL & Big Data technologies. No experience required.
New Tech is a community of 12,000 geeks who live and work in Colorado. They are the largest community-run group in the state and they host monthly events in Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Longmont. This community definitely has a great representation of both veteran and burgeoning tech talent. Their events are a great place to start!
This group was founded to create a vibrant network of entrepreneurs sharing experiences, connections, and knowledge. Come join the conversation, there are over 9,000 members today!
If you want to attend engaging UX events and promote collaboration in the Denver community, this group is for you! Over 3,000 members strong and hosting UX focused events on a monthly basis.
2) Slack Channels / Digital Communities
A very FUN community for building a better Web. You can bet that a large number of your Front Range tech colleagues are in this Slack community on a regular basis for announcements, advice, updates, and lots of laughs (probably in the form of great Gifs). This one is a must-do!
A Colorado-based conference happening this September, the annual Women in Tech conference provides a space for networking and multiple sources of collaboration with the goal of bringing female entrepreneurs and innovators who are committed to building successful companies together.
3) Other Events / Organizations
BuiltIn CO one of our favorite resources for news, events, and job postings. They are definitely heavy towards Denver and Boulder, but also represent all of Colorado. They aggregate many of the great events going on into a calendar, but also help organize their signature BuiltIn Brews event where one of the bigger startups will actually host a networking event in their office. Chat tech and have a beverage, what more could you ask for?
Colorado Startups has a bunch of great resources for anyone looking to get into or expand their startup game here in Colorado. They also have a great aggregated calendar of events right on the bottom of the home page. Check it out!
Colorado Technology Association (CTA)
Representing more than 375 members and a network of 18,000 leaders statewide, CTA is creating meaningful connections, establishing a diverse and inclusive talent pipeline, advocating for smart policy and fostering growth. They serve their members by offering a forum for relationship building, amplifying their voice and expertise and navigate the breadth and depth of information and resources that will help them to be successful, agile and innovative.
Coming back strong after two years of virtual sessions during the pandemic, DSW is back this year the week of September 18-22, 2023. DSW is built by the community for the community, and is a celebration of everything entrepreneurial in Denver. It is the largest free event of its kind, showcasing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Denver and beyond. Register soon for this year’s event!
National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT)
The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is a national non-profit organization that works to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing. NCWIT was founded in 2004 by Lucinda (Lucy) Sanders, Telle Whitney, and Dr. Robert (Bobby) Schnabel. NCWIT is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado at the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. Lucy Sanders, who was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame in 2007, is the current CEO.
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We hope this list of some of the best tech-networking communities in Denver helps you achieve your life and career goals. If you would like us to add anything else to this post, please reach out here, we would be happy to add them.
Here at BWBacon Group, we know and live what you are experiencing as an employer or job seeker in Denver, Boulder, Dallas, San Francisco, New York City or any of the other cities we work in. We believe great recruiting starts and ends with understanding people.
If you have any questions about living, working or playing any of the areas we serve, please contact us. We are happy to help. Seize the day, every day, that’s what we say!