Portland startups, open source, and tech news, jobs, and events #pdx
While it used to be common knowledge around these parts, Portland Lunch 2.0 seems to have become a bit of an enigma. I can tell, because every time I start talking about it, folks are like “How do we even do a Portland Lunch 2.0?” Fair question. Let’s see if we can clear some of this up. For both attendees and hosts.
[Editor: Like PB and J, so long as you like your peanut butter on one sandwich one week and then like to have your jelly on another sandwich the next week.]
As you get ready for OSCON 2008 the week after next, don’t forget Lunch 2.0 at souk on Wednesday next week.
If you’re planning on attending OSCON—and have accidentally shown up a week early or just happen to live in Portland—and have some time on Wednesday, why not get out and see the Rose City a little. Just head over the Burnside Bridge and into Old Town, the Lunch 2.0 hotspot. As with previous Lunch 2.0s in Old Town, if you decide to drive, have a good time looking for parking.
If you think you can make it, head over to Upcoming and please RSVP. Julie from souk needs as accurate a count as possible, so no one will go home hungry. Also, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, please leave a comment on the Upcoming event; I’ve failed to remember that too many times when planning these things (sorry).
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your perspective, both Rick and I will be out of town for work that day. I know, how rude of work to intrude on our Lunch 2.0 plans.
Never fear, Dawn Foster has graciously agreed to MC the proceedings. So, if you were hoping to hear me ramble on about “what is Lunch 2.0”, sorry. Next time.
Speaking of next times, if your company wants to know more about hosting the pageantry that is PDX Lunch 2.0, please drop a line in comments. I’m always looking for prospective hosts to keep the lunch train rolling.
Photo courtesy Thomas Hawk used under Creative Commons.
Update: As Rick has kindly pointed out, I have lost my mind and confused myself about what week it is. My only excuse is I’ve been sick as a dog all week and have lost track of time. Sorry.
Rick has kindly agreed to let me do Lunch 2.0 stuff here on the Florist. This makes a lot of sense, since this is the place to get the lowdown on technology companies and the tech scene here in Portland and nearby.
Oh, and the people who go to these lunches actually read and comment here, big plus.
So, my first post-acquisition content is the recap of Monday’s Lunch 2.0v4, held at Wieden+Kennedy, and a reminder that the next iteration is coming up soon at souk.
W+K Recap
This Lunch 2.0 was a little different than usual, which ruffled a few feathers, at least initially. Everyone has since hugged and sung Kumbaya.
Gaia Brown, the mastermind behind the W+K format, put together an ice-breaker activity that paired attendees with W+K people. From what I observed, people took the advance packets in varying degrees of seriousness, but the conversation flowed freely, regardless.
The lunch was held in the atrium at W+K in the Pearl, and I’d guess the attendance was probably more than 100, but less than 200. Yeah, I’m not a very good estimator. The raffle of swag went over well; gift baskets from several W+K clients were given away, and the final prize was several tickets to Inverge.
After chatting as pairs for a bit and listening to the raffle, people got up and milled around and talked, others played Rockband.
Next up, souk
As Rick previously mentioned, the next Lunch 2.0 will be held at souk in Old Town on July 16, so pretty soon. RVSP on Upcoming if you plan to make it, and yes, we’re returning to the old format, with no work and no packets, just free grub and good company.
Old Town has been very good to Lunch 2.0, thanks to eROI and Vidoop and now souk. I guess this begs the question, are you a real company if you’re in Old Town and haven’t hosted a Lunch 2.0?
Your thoughts?
After four Lunch 2.0s here in Portland, I’m pretty happy with the progress. The event is dominated by Tweeters, which (sadly) is the primary means of promotion, yet another reason why I wanted to move here to the Florist.
So, fellow Florists, what do you think of Lunch 2.0 so far? Sound off in comments and stay tuned for more Lunch 2.0 action here on the Florist.
Continuing its line of successful—and relatively bug-free—releases, Portland Lunch 2.0 launched its latest incarnation, last Wednesday, at Vidoop in Old Town. So I guess this one was a “security” release. Or maybe Lunch 2.0 now supports OpenID. Or something.
In any case, a well attended Portland Lunch 2.0 promises one thing for sure: lots o’ blog posts and other fodder. So, here’s your round-up.
Did I miss your post on the Portland Lunch 2.0 that was? Please comment. I’d be more than happy to link it up.
Photo Credit: Aaron Hockley. Used under Creative Commons license.