Blog: In And Around DC

Social Networking, Privacy, and Independent Performing Art This Week in Washington, DC

After a long holiday weekend filled with the requisite barbecues and fireworks parties, it's time to get back into the swing of things at work. Why not ease into the work week by indulging your hobbies after hours by attending some local tech events? It might even help you avoid the pesky evening thunderstorms that seem to hit just as your leaving the the office.

Here's a look at what's happening in the world of tech in Washington, DC this week. A full listing of tech events is over at DC Tech Events. 

Tuesday, July 8

Noon to 1:00 pm

Lunch 2.0: Lunch with other technologists to talk about - what else - technology. It's a great way to escape the office for a midday reprieve with people that get what you do. 

Wednesday, July 9

6:00 pm

Come Out for a Tech Meetup Before the Long Weekend

Fourth of July is fast approaching, but before you kick off the long weekend by heading out to your favorite firework viewing spot, come on out to a tech meetup or two. Here are a few events we're hoping to make it to, and as usual, you can check out all the tech meetups taking place in Washington, DC, here. 

Tuesday, July 17:30 - 11:30 pm

HacDC: This group meets weekly to play with technology and see what else they can do with it. If you're an inventor and tinkerer at heart, don't miss this meetup.

Wednesday, July 26:00 - 8:30 pm

A New Organizing Institute Happy Hour: After a day of training activists on ways to rally supporters and use technology in their work, the group is heading out for drinks. The happy hour is open to everyone, so stop by to hear about the  strategies they're discussing.  

7:00 pm

Join Us for the June Drupal Meetup

The June DC Drupal meetup is happening tonight at 7:15 pm at Stetsons. If you're a Drupal developer, user, or newbie, come out to share what you've been working on and to listen to what other people are doing with Drupal. Last month we had 40+ people come out. We're hoping to draw just as big and enthusiastic of a crowd tonight.

Get Your Geek On

The official start of summer is right around the corner (in five days to be precise), but the DC tech scene isn't slowing down yet. Here are the events we're planning to check out this week. You can see a full listing of what's happening in the local tech scene here.

Tonight
7:15 to 9:00 pm
DC Drupal Meetup: The monthly networking meetup for Drupal developers, users, and newbies is tonight. Come out to share what you've been working on or what you need and listen to what others are doing with the software.

Thursday
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Internet Advocacy Roundtable: This month's roundtable is tackling the crucial question, how do you find out where your audience hangs out online? Head over to the roundtable to hear what a few experts recommend.

6:30 - 8:00 pm
DC Media Makers at NPR: If you work with or dabble in new media, you won't want to miss this event where media makers gather to demo tools and share the tricks they've picked up along the way.

7:00 pm
Refresh DC: Should you use Flash or shun it completely? Come out to this meetup to hear one argument of how Flash can be used to enhance users' experience on your site.

Friday
5:00 pm to nightfall
Jazz in the Garden: Grab a bottle of wine and head over to the National Sculpture Garden to listen to a free live jazz show featuring music from Brazil. The show lasts until sunset. 

See you out somewhere this week!

Help Us Break In the New Table

Development Seed is having an office expansion party this Thursday, June 12th, and we'd like to invite folks from around the city over for a night of pizza, beer, and foosball. It will be great to hear what everyone is up to over some friendly competition. 

Kick off is at 7:05 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm.

Our office is at 1534 U Street, NW, Suite 2. We’re right above a store called Sweet Magnolia and have bright pink steps. The red buzzer outside of the building is ours - just give it a ring and we'll buzz you up.

By Metro
We’re on the green line, just a few blocks from the U Street / Cardoza / African American Civil War Memorial stop. Take the 13th street exit, walk straight out past Quiznos and Starbucks, and walk three blocks up U street.

We’re also near the Dupont Circle metro stop on the red line. Take New Hampshire Avenue and walk northeast for five blocks. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the circle.

By Bus
The S1, S2, and S4 buses stop very near the office, right at 16th and U streets. The 52, 53, 54 bus lines also stop nearby, at 14th and U streets. To get directions on the best bus route for you, go to www.wmata.com and use the trip planner.

Here's a map:

View Larger Map

Avoid the Heat by Attending an Indoor Tech Events This Week

The summer's first heat wave is upon us, and it's...uncomfortable. This week before you head back to your stuffy apartment after work, stop by a cool bar for a cold beverage and to talk tech with other DCers. Here are a few events taking place this week. For a full list, check out DC Tech Events.

Tuesday
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Second Tuesdays “Dot Com” Networking Salon and Cocktail Party: This networking happy hour is a great opportunity to meet people working in all areas of the tech/communications world. 

Friday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Blog Potomac: If you blog to promote your organization or its work, then this all day event is right up your alley. Bloggers will be gathering in Falls Church, VA to discuss the best practices in social media marketing and advanced topics in this realm. 

Friday
7:00 pm
Artomatic: This massive local art exhibit closes on Sunday it's going out with a bang. Head over at 7:00 pm to see a slideshow of secret Post Secret postcards presented by Frank Warren and stay for some great live music from local bands like Pup Tent. You can see all events here. 

Be sure to add the next DC Drupal Meetup to your calendar! It will be taking place next Monday, June 16, at 7:15 at Stetsons. More details to come!