The January 2013 NWITweetup, a technology-focused networking event with some of Northwest Indiana’s most active users of social media, saw a great turnout at the most recent tweetup that took place at Catch 22 in Merrillvile. The gathering featured a few dozen of Northwest Indiana’s most active social media personalities getting together with many inquiring minds to see what the networking event was all about.
One of the creators of the NWITweetup, Dave Woodson, used the January 2013 NWITweetup as a way to re-launch the networking event, as the once-monthly gathering began dwindling in popularity.
“This is a great way to take the on-line off-line. We all see people’s faces and avatars and logos on Twitter and Facebook, but this is a great way to go behind the banner and behind the brand.” He continued, “Whether you follow a brand or someone you may have never met, these events are a great way to connect with them and find out who is behind the brand.”
Woodson also wants to invite those who aren’t heavily using social media in Northwest Indiana to come out to the next event, as its a great way to connect with individuals.
“We call it a tweet-up because that is really what it was, just for Twitter users. But now we’ve made it into a Northwest Indiana Meetup. Even if you’re just on Facebook or just interested in connecting, come on out -- it’s for everybody.”
Steve Dalton, another active social media user in the region, sees a strong future in the Tweetup event. He likened the social media scene in Northwest Indiana to that of Indianapolis, where a tech startup boom is currently underway.
"I like the Tweetups because they present an opportunity to grow the tech world here in Northwest Indiana. We need a success story, a big technology story that creates momentum. Chicago has Groupon, Indy has ExactTarget and Angie's List and a few others," Dalton said. "But I think this you're seeing at this tweetup there is talent here, and I think this could be the start of a startup tech revoltion here in Northwest Indiana."
The crew at Catch 22 did a great job of serving the Tweetup crowd and included some free drinks and appetizers for the attendees. Andrea Evans, owner of Catch 22, loved the turnout of the event as the gathering gave a great opportunity to showcase the relatively new restaurant/bar in Merrillville.
“I had just gotten involved with people on Twitter and this is a centrally-located place, so when they came up with the idea, I thought it would be great to have it here,” Evans explained. “The turnout is great! Considering it is so cold, I was surprised to see so many people out here tonight, but it’s been great.”
"I had a great time at the latest NWITweetup and am excited that Dave Woodson and Nat Finn are back at it again in organizing these," said Chris Mahlmann, Publisher of Ideas in Motion Media. "Andrea and the team at Catch 22 were wonderful hosts, and it was great to connect with many folks who I hadn't met yet or haven't seen in a while."
Martin Oleksy, a co-host of The Ad Men radio show that recently launched on The Lakeshore 89.1 FM, decided to join the NWITweetup on Wednesday to introduce the regionally-focused group to the new show. "I am good at promoting every body but myself, so now I am trying to do that," he said. "We are here to try and introduce some more people to the show and meet some people we’ve communicated with already."
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