Networking OrganizationsThere are numerous opportunities for local entrepreneurs and technologists to network in order to meet other professionals from the InternetCoast. Following please find some of the local organizations, many of whom include their events in the InternetCoast calendar.
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iCoast is an alliance of technology companies and organizations operating in Southeast Florida, encompassing Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. It is a high-tech cluster of businesses, organizations, and educational facilities that is now reaching "critical mass" in the same way that other U.S. technology clusters, such as Silicon Valley, have in the past. With a high quality of life, reasonable cost of living, and a pro-business environment, the iCoast continues to attract innovative Internet-based companies that could locate almost anywhere in the world. As a result, the InternetCoast is becoming well recognized as a worldwide hub for technology businesses. For more information, visit www.icoast.com
Association of Internet Professionals represents more than 9,500 individual Internet Professionals internationally, and over 150 leading Internet industry companies and educational institutions The AIP is the premier professional association of the Internet industry. The AIP exists to unify, support and represent the global community of Internet professionals. The organization also serves as a forum for the ideas, people and issues shaping the future of the Internet industry. www.sflorida.association.org. Contact Alex Funkhouser, President, South Florida Chapter, afunkhouser@association.org
Enterprise Development Corporation (EDC) is a public/private partnership specializing in providing strategic business development services to emerging, technology based companies. In its quest to mentor the growth of science and technology companies in south Florida, EDC has assisted 56 clients (of the 2700 projects screened) who have increased their revenues by over $92.4 million, raised over $71.6 million in outside capital over the last three years and created more than 4,125 jobs. Enterprise Development Corporation has been able to produce these results and maintain a stellar reputation in south Florida’s high-tech community due to the strength of our staff, our Board and our various members and sponsors. For more information, visit www.edc-tech.org.
Career Networking, from Concord Research Associates Inc, offers you structured senior level networking as the single most powerful career management tool available! Expanding your personal and professional Network is critical to your career, and your career cannot succeed without it. As Networking is the Key, we are pleased to inform you of our local Career Network Group meetings , in association with Execunet, (WSJ & Career Journal), designed for professionals who want to remain involved and informed on all aspects of the current job market.This is a chance to meet others in your current industry, or in potential new industries, who are ready to give you leads, insider connections and be on the lookout for you. Visit: http://www.GroupConcord.com/meeting.htm. This is the only structured networking event, for professionals, of its kind in South Florida!
Florida Linux Users Group FLUX is a group of Linux users, enthusiasts, beginners and developers who come together about once each month for interesting discussions and programs. We are a fairly new group (established in September 1997) which is very lucky to have MetroLink as a sponsor. Their support means that there are no dues or membership fees involved ... all you have to do is show up! FLUX also has a second sponsor which provides a free meeting space each month ... NIFTE Except for special events, we meet at NIFTE on the second Thursday of each month. Refreshments and socializing start around 6:30pm and the program gets started around 7:00pm. www.flux.org
Florida Venture Forum. The goal of the Forum is to help ensure the success of entrepreneurial ventures of modest size and limited resources by offering expert counsel, advice and managerial assistance. The Florida Venture Forum is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that is supported locally by private companies, service providers, venture capitalists and academic institutions. The Florida Venture Forum provides quarterly programs on a statewide basis attended by venture capitalists, investors, bankers, corporate executives, accountants, lawyers and entrepreneurs. www.flavencap.org
The Gold Coast Venture Capital Club, Inc. was founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit corporation to assist the entrepreneurial community of South Florida. A dedicated group of business executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs have been involved since the early stages helping the club develop and realize its potential. The objective of the club is to act as a catalyst to bring together investors, entrepreneurs and professionals. This is achieved by: (a) Providing a forum where investors, entrepreneurs and professionals can meet and network; (b) Informing and educating entrepreneurs and private investors on the venture capital process; (c) Encouraging the growth and successful development of entrepreneurial businesses in South Florida; and (d) Providing investors (venture capital companies, small business investment companies, corporations interested in emerging-growth companies and private investors) with a window on opportunities in South Florida. For more information, visit WWW.beaconmgmt.com/gcvcc
Indian Entrepreneurs of Florida. We are a professional networking group that is comprised of South Asian and non-South Asian executives that seek to establish closer business relationships, engender a sense of unity, and contribute positively to the general business community. - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/indianentrepreneursflorida
Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)
The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)® is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members. With active participation from individuals and chapters all over the world, the ISSA is the largest international, not-for-profit association specifically for security professionals. Members include practitioners at all levels of the security field in a broad range of industries, such as communications, education, healthcare, manufacturing, financial and government. Check the South Florida Chapter web site @ www.sfissa.org or contact Elizabeth Bates, President of ISSA South Florida Chapter ebates@consultrex.com 954-755-4407
ITWomen is the premier South Florida organization dedicated to the advancement, advocacy, and development of professional women in technology. ITWomen is an action-oriented, nonprofit organization. Our mission is to: Increase the visibility of women who have significantly contributed to technology and related industries, Promote career advancement and professional education and training, Increase the number of women entering technology-related fields, Enhance the professional environment for women working in technology. ITWomen offers innovative programs for networking and professional development. For additional information, please go to www.itwomen.org
Minority E-Commerce Association (MECA) 's goal is to bridge the digital divide in the new economy. To provide a forum for Internet professionals and entrepreneurs, where resources and successful Internet business practices may be shared. MECA strives to become the premier organization to foster the growth and participation of e-commerce by minorities. Our mission is to encourage and support minorities in starting, building, and participating in e-commerce. www.themeca.org
MIT Fire Circle The MIT Enterprise Forum of South Florida continues its tradition of encouraging entrepreneurship by launching its latest program, the Fire Circle, a peer to peer network of entrepreneurs. In addition to the Enterprise Forum’s ongoing open forum case study events, the Fire Circle will act as a resource of entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, run by entrepreneurs - unlike the forum’s case study program, the Fire Circle is designed to be a resource for entrepreneurs only. If you started a business in the past, run a business now, or are in the process of starting a business in a committed way, this group is for you. The Fire Circle will act as a member-based sounding board to help entrepreneurs face tough business issues which come up on a daily basis. In working on these issues, entrepreneurs can benefit from the advice and insight of peer entrepreneurs who have successfully addressed similar issues in the past, or provide their insights to peers who are facing decisions that they made previously. We believe that this interchange will strengthen South Florida entrepreneurs and their companies. In short, it will provide additional resources needed to keep the entrepreneurial fire burning on South Florida's iCoast. For more visit www.mitforumfl.org
South Florida Tech Alliance The South Florida Technology Alliance is the only organization devoted solely to fostering the growth of IT hardware, software and services firms headquartered in the region. The non-profit business forum seeks to maximize the success of those who own, operate and support technology companies from Jupiter to Homestead by offering educational, networking and business development opportunities. Visit our Web site at www.southfloridatech.org for more information or contact Executive Director Marli Lutz at marli@southfloridatech.org
Women in Technology - for more than a decade, WITI has successfully provided women in technology inspiration, education, conferences, on-line services, publications and an exceptional worldwide network of resources. WITI is the first and only international organization solely dedicated to advancing women through technology. In the last three years, WITI's constituency has expanded from women in technology to women who consider technology central to their businesses, careers and professions. WITI's expansion includes the development of web based tools, products and services, innovative support to women entrepreneurs, early-stage ventures, education, technology centers, and media networks. WITI's rapid expansion includes 37 regional chapters worldwide. The increasing awareness among women that technology is a critical component of their future indicates growing market opportunities. http://www.witi.com/southflorida
If you know of other organizations, please email markwyllie@internetcoast.com
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