This is an outdated archive, please see SoCal geography search for up-to-date listings!

Weekly updates to the main SoCal Networking Event Organizations. Please let me know if know of other organizations to add, or if you have any feedback on events.

Happy New Year everyone! Let's get your networkin' on for 2010.

UPDATED: previously I had stated these updates were not included in the full listing, but I overcame IE's limitations by moving to Chrome and so affected the updates.

Follow these links to find the updates, and follow further for the full listings.

5 new and 7 updates in SoCal Networking Event Organizations.

1 update to Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts.

No changes in SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations.

1 update and 1 new in Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

SoCal Networking Event Organizations

Name: Challenger Networking Group (CA)
Frequency/Location: First and third Tuesdays of the month, Zen Buffet, 21610 Victory Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA. 91367 "Parking: Free - Dress: Casual. No need to RSVP"
Frequency/Location: Second Tuesdays of the month, Brandman University, 16355 Laguna Canyon Road. Irvine, CA 92618 (corner of Alton Parkway and Laguna Canyon in the Irvine Spectrum area) "Lunch: $10(Cash or check). Parking: Free, Dress: Casual, Please RSVP to Pete so we order enough food."
Review: There's a different speaker at every meeting. The Orange County meeting is new for 2009. You pay as you walk in, meet the organizers, get a name tag, fill a plate from the buffet, and then find a seat, family style, with the other networkers. Commence eating and networking. They have a different speaker each week, usually announced a couple weeks prior, starting about 30mins in and speaking for perhaps 45mins. General (standing) networking occurs after that and can linger for a couple hours. While the majority of the people attending are job seekers, because of the speakers and high quality of the attendees, some are employed professionals. Dress is business casual. Recommended.
Updated 1/24/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: 140 Characters Conference (#140conf) Exploring the State of Now
Sites: 140conf.com, Friends of #140conf Facebook Page, #140conf Twitter tag, meetup.com/140conf, Oganizer: twitter.com/jeffpulver, jeffpulver.com
Self-description: "The original scope of #140conf was to explore “the effects of twitter on: Celebrity, “The Media”, Advertising and (maybe) Politics.” Over time the scope expanded to look at the effects of twitter on topics ranging from public safety to public diplomacy.

The first #140conf in New York City brought together people with many diverse backgrounds but the one thing which everyone had in common was twitter. The schedule for the event was unique and fast paced. It was my intention to provide a platform for as many people as possible to share their thoughts and engage in conversation with the attending delegates. You will find individual talks set to: 10 minutes; “Featured talks” 15 and 20 minutes and the various panel discussions are set for 15 and 20 minutes.

The take aways from this event will provide the attending delegates knowledge, perspectives and insights to the next wave of effects twitter and the real-time internet will have on business."
Frequency/Location: About monthly / Previous sites include Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tel Aviv, and in 2010 sites include Philly, Boston, London, Nairobi, Barcelona, DC, etc.
Cost: "Starting with #140conf NYC ‘10, the ticket prices will be more reflective of the cost to attend the theater and/or a music concert in New York City than a typical tech event ... this translates to a cost of $50 to $70 a day." VIP tickets and benefits are available also.
Review: Since my original review of the 12/14/09 LA #140conf, I've found out their regular events are much more involved: 2 full days of panels and speakers. The 12/14/09 LA Event was an evening only (and free) - it's only fitting I use my tweet:
Updated 1/24/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Executive Networking & Technology Group - ExecTec of LA
Review: Each dinner has a different topic and "everyone participates in a round table discussion." I've attended three of them now. While there was only three of us the first time, there were nearly twenty another. While Joel Ordesky, the organizer, introduces the topic and generally keeps things moving, the conversation was unstructured. It lasts for about 2 hrs. This isn't the standard meet-as-many-people-as-you-can networking event; it's about deep biz/tec conversations and making good connections. Dress is business casual.
Updated 1/24/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Social Media Club Los Angeles (SMCLA)
Review: I attended their event 'Dating & Relationships "The Game Has Changed"' mid January which was centered on a panel of 4 speakers. Unfortunately, there was an issue with the venue and they wouldn't turn down the ambient music, plus our area was cramped. The organizer was apologetic. There were about 40 attendees who stuck it out, but others left or never really entered. While difficult to hear, the panelists were interesting and afterwards they were very approachable. The evening began with general networking, then the panel, then more networking as people slowly left. I look forward to their next event. Dress was casual to business casual. Attendees were in their 30's and primarily in in media, advertising, marketing and related fields.
Updated 1/24/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Startups Uncensored
Frequency/Location: Monthly / Santa Monica Public Library (Auditorium), 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Review: I attended 1/19/10's "Building an Online Brand" with panelists Sean Moriarty, former CEO of TicketMaster, and Blake Irving, a former Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. Jason hosts the panel and leads them through the discussion and Q&A.; It's informative, honest and at times irreverent. The venue is excellent for this type of event and is packed. Expect to stand in line regardless of whether you RSVP'd prior - although make use of your time and network! After Q&A; attendees are invited back to the DocStoc offices (around the corner) for free food and drinks (hard and soft) and great networking. Attendees were in their 30's to 40's; when Jason asked for a show of hands of those who had started a company or planned too essentially every hand went out; Internet based businesses dominated. Recommended.
Updated 1/26/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Media Leaders
Review: I've now attended two Media Leaders events. Both were at dark, noisy venues (Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica, and the Other Room in Venice) - making it a bit tough to recognize people, read name tags and business cards. Parking in SM can be tough, but not as bad as in Venice. Despite that, they are successful! Each had upwards of 100 attendees. Attire was mostly casual dressy. The attendees were broadly in "media", friendly, interesting, and averaged about 30 years old. As you RSVP you get to see the names and select info (company, position, twitter, web page) that others opt to share. Media Leaders also has groups in select cities across the US.
Updated 1/27/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Experience Unlimited Job Clubs - part of California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Sites: www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Experience_Unlimited_Local_Information.htm, Simi Valley Chapter/Club
Self-description: "Are you a professional who is out of a job? Many motivated and highly qualified individuals who have unexpectedly found themselves out of work are networking through Experience Unlimited “job clubs” to find new employment opportunities. The Employment Development Department's (EDD) Experience Unlimited services are available at select locations throughout the State. A wide range of professional, technical, and managerial job seekers participate in these voluntary, networking groups to lend one another job hunting assistance and direction. There are no fees for either job seekers or employers.

What is Experience Unlimited?

Provided at no fee, the program provides a place where job seekers can meet regularly with other career professionals to share job leads, provide support, and update their job search skills.
Resources include:

* Workshops on job search strategies, résumés, interview techniques, and networking
* Résumé evaluations and mock interviews
* Networking opportunities
* Access to on-line job listings
* On-line résumé postings through CalJOBSSM
* Special events and guest speakers
* Use of computers, printers, copiers, telephone, fax, and Internet

Who should become a member?

Any unemployed or underemployed person in a professional, managerial, or technical field.

Membership information

Experience Unlimited participation is self-directed. Members engage in job seeking activities under the general guidance of an EDD facilitator and actively seek job openings and interviews. During the search for work, members act as a networking and support group, providing advice and encouragement. All members begin by attending an orientation followed by a variety of workshops on such topics as job search training, résumé writing, and interview techniques."
Frequency/Location: Varies by club from daily to monthly. See link above for local club listings in SoCal: Anaheim, Canoga Park, Corona, Irvine, Lancaster, Pasadena, Simi Valley, Torrance, West Covina.
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 1/27/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: FundingPost
Sites: www.fundingpost.com, twitter.com/fundingpost, facebook.com/fundingpost, FundingPost Events
Self-description: "The FundingPost.com mission is simple:
To introduce Entrepreneurs to interested VCs and Angel Investors.

For over Nine Years FundingPost has worked to bring entrepreneurs together with leading investors worldwide. We believe that it is important to reach investors in every medium possible - both online and offline.

Through our successful Venture Capital Events, Venture Guide Publications and magazine, and our online Venture Exchange, FundingPost has had the opportunity to work with thousands of Angel and Venture Capital investors representing over $106.5 Billion. We make an introduction from an Investor to an entrepreneur through our online exchange Every Day!

We've seen Millions and Millions of Dollars raised as a direct result of our Online Exchange, our Magazine, and our Events.

We are the single largest venture exchange in the country. We work with more Real Accredited Angel Investors, VC Firms and entrepreneurs than anyone else. We have a dedicated team that works hard to make introductions every single day. "
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month/multiple cities across the US. "FundingPost has hosted 150+ sold-out venture events in 18 cities over the past 8 years."
Cost: Seems to vary from $30 to $125
Review: None
Added 1/24/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Choice Career Fairs
Sites: www.choicecareerfairs.com, www.choicecareerfairs.com/losangeles-jobs
Self-description: "You'll meet face to face with hiring decision-makers from some of the areas top employers. Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because they are there to hire.

Just walk in and start interviewing, it's that simple. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with multiple companies in one day at one location. Many of these companies have several openings and are eager to meet with you. You will no longer be just a piece of paper, you can get right in front of the decision makers attending this event.

Why attend a Career Fair?
Interview for hundreds of positions in one day!!!
Spend an hour and you may leave with a career.
Get your foot in the door.
Put a face with your resume.
Immediate response.
Eliminate the expense of mailing and faxing your resume.
A great way to network.
A relaxed interviewing atmosphere.
Let the companies fight for you.
Improve your chances of finding a job.
Select the job you want.
Select the company you want to talk with.
You can take control of your job search.
Mass market yourself.
No more small newspaper ads. "
Frequency/Location: Multiple times a month/multiple cities across the US
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 1/28/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Diverse Careers
Sites: www.diversecareers.com,
Self-description: "DIVERSE CAREERS, INC. is a job board website and career fair management company. Diverse Careers, Inc. is proud to promote and support Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. Our commitment is to support diversity within the community by becoming involved with community organizations, individuals, and corporate entities that support and value a diverse environment and culture.

THE MISSION of Diverse Careers, Inc. is to connect the best talented job seekers with great companies while supporting Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.

OUR JOB BOARD WEBSITE, www.diversecareers.com, attracts thousands of job seekers every month looking for new career opportunities. Employers may purchase individual job postings, unlimited job posting plans, featured employer spots, banner advertisements, and access to our resume database.

CAREERS FAIRS are held in Southern California and have been cited as one of the best recruiting events. Career fairs are currently held in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire. Diverse Careers, Inc. works with numerous Fortune 500 companies from various industries. Meet hundreds of diverse candidates face to face at any of our upcoming events."
Frequency/Location: About monthly / A few cities in Southern California (See list in description above)
Cost: "FREE TO JOB SEEKERS | NO PRE-REGISTRATION"
Review: None
Added 1/28/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Career BridgeBuilders (American Martyrs Parish)
Sites: careerbridgebuilders.orgEvents, linkedin.com/groups?gid=2010830
Self-description: "Our members are business leaders, executives and professionals who seek to exchange ideas, network and work with other high quality peers to create mutual prosperity. For potential employers, BridgeBuilders offers an opportunity to connect with talented, qualified and community-minded people who also share common Christian values.

BridgeBuilders hosts at least one event each month. Events include:

Networking Sessions - Our structured networking events are designed to provide an environment where employers and the local community come together to share their professional contacts and help each other through these challenging economic times.

Speaker series - Leaders in the business community are featured and cover topics ranging from financial trends, new technologies, business development, and job transition strategies.

Workshops – These workshops are designed to help job seekers meet the demands of a competitive job market by:

* Developing effective job search strategies
* Creating your personal 30 second commercial pitch
* Understanding how to negotiate and evaluate job offers
* Writing a resume that will get the attention of the hiring manager

Monday Morning Starters - We meet weekly to offer each other support, exchange ideas and create an action plan for the week ahead. This is for Job seekers only and starts immediately after the 8:00am mass."
Frequency/Location: "Monday Morning Starters" 8:45am / The Spirituality Center, 770 17th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Other events monthly as scheduled.
Cost: Free
Review: None
Added 1/28/10 by Todd Zebert

Name: Convergence Technology Council (CTC)
Sites: thectcnetwork.org, twitter.com/thectcnetwork, www.ustream.tv/channel/thectcnetwork
Review: I finally had a chance to a much-anticipated CTC Meeting. Attendees follow the sign for dinner, check in, get a name tag and any handouts. The food by Basu's Homestyle Indian Cuisine (this time?) was excellent and dinning family-style at long tables; during dinner is your best chance to network - introduce yourself. Each event has a topic and a couple presenters hosted by Robin Borough. Following each presenter was a short Q&A.; While it wraps by 8:30ish (they have to be out of the venue by 9pm), the networking continues in the parking lot, and sometimes heads to the Marmalade Cafe at the Calabasas Commons down the street. Robin wrapped the event with a business card raffle. The venue is excellent for presentations, with chairs, tables, projector, sound system and snacks (mixed nuts, M&M;'s and candy) on the tables! Their "Innovation 2.0" event on 1/28/10 pulled in approximately 75 attendees, while 20-50 are common. Dress was business casual to more formal with perhaps 1/3rd of the men with coats, and I saw at least 2 ties. Attendees averaged in their 40's and were predominantly men. Recommended. See also "Omnikron - Competing for Your Future - Robin Borough" (updated below)
Updated 1/28/10 by Todd Zebert

Networking & Social Media Job Search Webinars, Teleconferences and Podcasts

Name: Omnikron - Competing for Your Future - Robin Borough
Sites: www.your-career-now.com, omnikron.typepad.com/careers/links.html, twitter.com/robinborough
Updated 1/28/10 by Todd Zebert

SoCal Educational Networking & Job Search Organizations

Other & Indirect Job Networking Opportunities

• Professional Associations, Groups, Societies & Events.
• Online Professional "Social" Networking & Branding.
• Outplacement Firms.
• YOUR Previous Job - Alumni "groups".
• More Social Ideas - Network Everywhere.
  • Mashable (The Social Media Guide)'s Events Blog - These are mostly conferences and one-off events, nationally. Or get only those items as an RSS Feed via Yahoo Pipes.
  • InterNations - the Network for Expatriates and Global Minds. I've signed up, attended there year-end event, and make more than a few interesting people. Besides Community Ambassador sponsored events, members may post their own. Worth checking out.
• Volunteer - Network while doing "good".
• Other - keep your mind open.