Idaho Technology Council (ITC): The ITC provides a valuable networking resource for industry executives, potential partners, academic leaders, investors, government and customers. They exist to connect, inform and promote the technology companies in Idaho and are dedicated to foster the growth of technology companies in the state, primarily in the areas of software, biotech, energy and iGEM. The ITC advocates for creating a strong, innovative technology ecosystem and a high quality, high paid workforce. To learn about the events they host or sponsor visit their calendar page.

Idaho TechConnect: Idaho TechConnect is a business catalyst - igniting entrepreneurs and companies as they bring innovative solutions to market. TechConnect offers a proven methodology and framework to help Idaho entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists achieve commercialization success. They actively support Kickstand networking events, as well as organize TechLaunch, an annual business pitch contest designed to educate and provide a stage for entrepreneurs and students to practice and hone their pitch in front of the business/investment community. TechConnect also operates Kickstand chapters in Moscow, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls. To learn more about the events they host or sponsor visit their events page.

Kickstand: Founded in 2000, Kickstand is a statewide entrepreneur support organization helping-their members’ network, learn and grow. Kickstand meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Watercooler in Boise’s Linen District at 14th & Idaho. Events to put on your calendar are the annual Startup Speed Dating and Idavation. More information on their events can be found on their calendar.

Girls in Tech: Girls in Tech is a social network enterprise focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of like-minded, professional, intelligent and influential women in technology. Girls in Tech meet every first Wednesday of the month at noon at the BSU Downtown Center on Main.

Tech Boise: Tech Boise spotlights the people and companies making a difference in Boise, Meridian, and the greater Treasure Valley. They currently hold monthly meetups at The WaterCooler and Nebula Shift, and cover a variety of topics from tech startups to STEM education to the valley's most innovative companies. Follow them on Twitter.

Tech Boise Boise Open Coffee Club (TBOCC): TBOCC occurs the last Friday of every month from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at Cole Marr Coffee House in Bodo. A group of motivated folks engaged in the startup and creative communities of Boise gather regularly, share ideas, build strong relationships and work closely with each other. Geeks, freaks, lawyers, students, investors, marketers, and even government types are welcome. If you’ve got a genuine desire to see Boise develop a better ecosystem for startups to thrive and a have positive attitude, consider yourself welcome. For more information visit their Facebook page or email Wink Jones.

Boise Code Camp: Boise Code Camp & TechFest is an annual event featuring two days of non-stop tech sessions on a variety of software, process and methodology related topics.

Treasure Valley User Groups

If you aren't attending a regular gathering of professionals focused on your area of interest, you are missing out! Try one of these Treasure Valley user groups.

Boise Web Technologies Meetup Group: Boise Web Technologies meetup group is a place where all web professionals in the Boise area can come together to learn, network, share, and of course eat. Programmers, designers, developers, social media gurus, SEO pros, business owners, and anyone else are welcome to attend. They are devoted to bridging the gap between technical gurus and employers who want to get the job done! Talks tend to center around open source and client-side technologies, but they are in no way limited to these topics. They meet on the 4th Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room in the U.S. Bank building. The food is sponsored by Bodybuilding.com and the venue is sponsored by Volt. For more information email Patrick Lee.

Boise .NET User Group (NETDug): NETDUG is local group of software developers who meet regularly to discuss Microsoft Technologies. Each month they have a featured speaker, product giveaways and community networking. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Microsoft Building downtown.

Boise Software Developers Group (BSDG): BSDG is a discussion environment for developers and IT professionals focusing on building real-world solutions using the various development platforms, but focusing mainly on the Microsoft.NET platform. Meets every 1st Thursday of the month at the Washington Group building at 720 Park Blvd. in Boise, Idaho. Visit their Google group.

Boise SQL Server Users Group: They are affiliated with the Professional Association for SQL Server, a world-wide SQL Server Users Group. They have meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of every month except December. They meet at the Microsoft Offices on the 4th floor of the Idaho Independent Bank Building, 401 W. Front Street, 4th Floor N. Fork Room, Boise. Their meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and usually last until about 7:30 p.m.

Boise Area VMware User Group (VMUG): The VMware User Group is an independent, global, customer-led organization, which maximizes members’ use of VMware and partner solutions through knowledge sharing, training, collaboration, and events. Visit them on their Facebook page or email Rodney Truslow.

Idaho PC Users Group: They are Idaho's oldest and only PC User Group open to all users of the personal computers. Founded in 1984, the IPCUG has been a resource to both new and advanced users of Personal Computers. The Idaho PC Users Group's General Meeting is held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Go to their calendar page for more information.

Boise Linux User Group: The Boise Linux User Group was founded by the Idaho PC User Group as a special interest group. They are Idaho's oldest Linux User group meeting continuously for 8 years. While the group is primarily focused on Ubuntu Linux users and its derivatives, they also support Fedora, openSUSE, Slackware, and Puppy Linux users. They meet once a month on the 1st Thursday at 6:30 p.m., in the Gates Meeting Room at the Boise Public Library! on Capitol Blvd. For more information, to make suggestions for the meetings, volunteer to present at their meetings, or to be placed on our email distribution list, you can email Clint Tinsley.

Adobe Developers of Idaho: Learn the latest tools and techniques using Adobe development tools. Find other developers that are using Flex, Adobe Air, Cold Fusion along with other programming languages to create Rich Internet Applications. Beginners and advanced developers are welcome! For more information email Ben Whitaker.

JavaScript Users Group: Some Javascript developers in Boise shootin' the breeze 1st Tuesdays of each month in downtown Boise. Follow them on Twitter or email Cody Lindley or call 208-859-1175.

Southern Idaho Society for Software Quality Assurance (SISQA): SISQA is a non-profit, voluntary membership organization based in Boise. Their purpose is to encourage and foster the exchange and development of Software Quality Assurance concepts, principles and practices.

Interactive Artists and Animators Group of Idaho (IAAGI): The culture of animators, game developers and technical artists in Idaho is taking leaps forward. For years, these types have been scattered throughout garages, bedrooms and small independent shops with virtually no way to share, teach and network. Through IAAGI, Krux Creative will be working to bring those days to an end. For more information email Stuart Walsh or call 208-631-0687

Startup Weekend Idaho: Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds. Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts.

Social Media Club Boise: The Social Media Club Boise host conversations that explore key issues facing our community as technologies transform the way we connect, communicate, collaborate and relate to each other. Social Media Club enables you to explore your personal and professional passions by helping you connect with a community of your peers based on both geography and areas of interest. They exist to ensure that the world of Social Media does not become an echo chamber of self-reinforcing thoughts, but is instead fueled by diversity of opinion and perspective. For more information on their events they host visit their Facebook page.

TechHelp Solutions: TechHelp manufacturing specialists provide technical and professional assistance, training and information to Idaho manufacturers, processors and inventors to help them strengthen their global competitiveness. They offer advanced manufacturing services that help Idaho companies drive bottom line savings and top line growth. They hold events and training year-round. For more information on events go to their calendar.

BSU, Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The Idaho SBDC is a university-based organization offering confidential no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to help small businesses and entrepreneurs start and grow. The Idaho SBDC offers a continual schedule of affordable workshops, conferences, and special events; each designed to teach practical, hands-on small business management skills. Topics include marketing, cash flow, financial statements, business valuation, sales, bookkeeping, accounting, strategic planning and much more. For current event schedule go to their events page.

BSU, Technology and Entrepreneurial Center (TECenter): Located on Boise State University's West Campus in Nampa, the TECenter offers start-up and early stage technology company entrepreneurs the expertise, networks and tools they need to succeed. They offer a number of trainings and networking events. For a current schedule go to their events page.

Idaho Treasure Valley SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business: SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE offers one-day workshops that cover the major factors that are essential to establish or grow a small business. For a current workshop schedule go to their workshop page.

MicroEnterprise Training & Assistance (META): A nonprofit provider of direct and supportive small business assistance to new Americans, women, minorities, and other low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs in southwest and south central Idaho. META specializes in providing direct microloans, one-on-one consulting, and business plan training classes. These and other resources give META clients the tools to prosper and contribute to the economic vitality in the communities in which they live. Trainings are offered on a regular basis. Visit their events calendar for more information.

Idaho’s Coalition for Innovation (The Core): The CORE is a technology, health care, and education enterprise zone in Meridian that will add new emphasis to Idaho’s Project 60 economic development initiative. Here the City of Meridian, Idaho State University and partners are preparing a technically proficient workforce for the region’s fastest-growing industries. For more information on the CORE contact them.

Entrepreneur Think-Tank Co-Operative (Meridian ETC): An Entrepreneur success development center where members participate in the ownership, operation & profits of the co-op. Profits accrue through rents, membership fees, special training and events and, in the future, a retail space that will feature local products. Focused on building the small business community through creative, co-operative collaboration. Not just tech-specific.

The Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Boise Section: IEEE is the world's largest professional association for the advancement of technology. The Boise section and its technical society chapters have numerous technical, professional development, and social/networking events throughout the year. IEEE membership is encouraged but not required to participate in most of these events. Information about upcoming events can be found on the section and chapter web sites. The local chapters include:

•Boise Computer Society

•Electron Device Society Boise Chapter

•Boise Joint Chapter of the Power Engineering & Industry Applications Societies

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