PDX Web Innovators

It's been quite a year for the Portland tech scene. Web Innovators itself has gone from cozy gatherings around a table to much larger events. Last night we had more than 40 people together at CubeSpace to talk about 2008 and look ahead to what we need to do in 2009.

There was nobody better to lead the discussion than the Silicon Florist himself, Rick Turoczy, who has been a true cheerleader for the community the last year.

Rick gave an overview of 2008, which he has reproduced in a blog post, including his slides. Bram Pitoyo also streamed the event. Therefore, a video archive of the meeting is available.

Among the topics discussed:

• How do we get new people into the community?
• How do we the communities within the greater community to talk to each other?
• How do we get more money into Portland (VCs, revenue)?
• How can we create places for people to work together?

It may sound cliché, but last night was really the beginning of a conversation. I'd encourage everyone to continue it on Twitter, as comments on Rick's post, discussions here at pdxwi.com, and especially in person. Beer and Blog is tomorrow, CyborgCamp is Saturday. One of the community's greatest accomplishments in 2008 is that there is no shortage of opportunities to get together with like-minded folks.

See you soon.