Girl Geeks unite in Wellington

Girl Geeks unite in Wellington

by Amyliz Kerr

Geek: - 1. "a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)"

Geeked: 1. to excite emotionally

Calling all self-professed geeks of Wellington!!

Introducing Girl Geek dinners - a technology forum especially for women. Girl geek dinners are an opportunity for like-minded 'girls' to talk about technology over good food and wine and learn from some of the best girl-geeks in Wellington.

Originally started in London they are quickly becoming popular all over the world. Attendees are usually geeks by profession such as software engineers, computer scientists, database experts, engineers and the like but anyone is welcome to attend as it's primary objective is socialise and network.

Wellington's first girl geek dinner was held on the 12th of March 2008 and proved to be a huge success. Held at the Long Xiang restaurant on Dixon St, more than 50 Girl Geeks gathered to hear guest speakers "lightening talks" about a variety of passions from customer usability and comic book design to Agile methodology and busting sales myths.

Brenda Wallace from Catalyst is credited with pioneering the Wellington event and is surprised at the response the first dinner has received. "All of the tickets were sold out in only 3 days, showing the demand in Wellington for such an event". Don't worry guys you too can attend girl geek dinners if you are invited by an attending female.

Major sponsors of the event include Google, Catalyst, Abbey Systems and Summer of Code NZ who have all climbed on board the concept and are committed to making technology accessible and interesting to women of all ages.

Everyone who attended last weeks event left with swag bags sporting a variety of goodies further reinforcing the popularity of this event from local business. "Girl Geek Dinners Wellington, is dedicated to making technology accessible and fun for all" says Brenda. "It's amazing the energy that comes out of these dinners".

Girl Geek dinners are held quarterly with the next event to be held in August. For more details on attending, becoming a sponsor or guest speaker for this event please visit http://wellington.girlgeekdinners.co.nz

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