It’s been a while, but you crazy folks in the Canberra have been hammering on for a Port80 of your own, so in conjunction with the  UX Australia conference the Australian Web Industry Association (AWIA) is going to be holding one of its famous Port80’s with Free Pizza and maybe Free Beer on Tuesday 25 August.

That’s right go mark it on the calendar right now.

So you have no excuse this time to get out and about and come down for a drink, or just pop around after work. I  have been told there is a large web community in Canberra, so I  expect to see all the Canberra AWIA members (and non members too) come on down and enjoy a beer and chat about all things web.  Also you don’t have to be going to  the conference to attend this FREE event.   Just don’t forget to RSVP, as we need to know the number for the venue.

Where: Tongue and Groove (Corner Bunda and Genge St) Map for outta towners (like me)
Time: 6pm
When: Tuesday 25 August 2009
Cost: FREE
RSVP: Go over to FaceBook and RSVP (need to know the numbers for the venue)

I’m told there is lots of room at the Tongue and Groove, and that  Tuesday night is 2-for-1 pizza night at the Tongue and Groove, which is really cool as that means more Pizza for you and me.

Donna Spencer, a Canberrian,  has mentioned that Canberra has some crazy liquor licensing laws.  Seems that the entire establishment including the restaurant area is under one license such that minors are not allowed.   Just remember that one.

I know I’m going to be there, I hope you can join me.

Did I mention that next week I’m jetting off to Canberra for the first time.  For some reason I have never been to Canberra before.   Hopefuly the weather will behave and not be too cold, I hate the cold weather.   As is the normal for me, I have no idea about the  places of interest and the like in Canberra, suppose I can just wing it.

You know when you go to a networking event that is low key with no pressure, just friendly welcoming people that are just their to get to know you – networking that is a casual social affair.  No  clique snobby groups.  The kind of event where you can see strategic partnerships and people finding new opportunities  happening all the time.   All this in fun relaxed environment with your fellow industry peers.

Well this is what the Australian Web Industry Association –  Port80 Meetups are like.    All that magic that seems to have stayed too long in the West is moving East.  Next week Miles Burke (AWIA Chair) and I are taking this Port80 magic on the road to Melbourne and Sydney for a stella two city roadshow.

Port80 Melbourne – 26 May

First we are rocking into Melbourne to promote the Port80 on Tuesday,  May 26th, to be joined by fellow AWIA committee member and newly incumbent Melbournite Harriet Wakelam.

Why not come down to the Softbelly Bar and join us for some nibbles, free entry and a cash bar:

Tuesday 26th May, from 7.00pm

The Lounge @ Softbelly Bar
367 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

Check out a Google Map for the event.

Port80 Sydney – 27 May

After Melbourne, Miles and I land in Sydney to be joined by Sydney local and fellow AWIA committee member, Marc Lehmann, for Port80 Sydney on May 27th.

Same deal, free nibbles, free entry and free drinks (thanks to our event sponsor, Saasu!) all this at the Saasu offices in the Sydney CBD.

So mark this one in your calendar now:

Wednesday 27th May, from 7.00pm

Saasu Offices
Level One, 111 Elizabeth St
Sydney NSW 2000

Check out a Google Map for the event.

Remember these Port80 events are all not have long boring speeches, it’s a casual social event. A chance for anyone in the Web Industry to get out of the office and come relax for few hours in a no pressure atmosphere.

So if you are in Sydney or Melbourne it would be really good to catch up with you all. But don’t just stop there, why not let your co-workers and colleagues know and get them to come along too more the merrier.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Melbourne or Sydney for a class or two.