As we’ve said many times, Skype and instant messaging are wonderful ways to communicate, but there is no substitute for face-to-face communication and meeting new people. After all, why just read a book or blog post when you can meet the people writing them?

Networking opportunities and other social events are vital to the development of any technologist and/or thought leader. Which is why we have three days worth of events to bring everyone together. Make plans now to attend.

Tuesday, October 25

5:00 pm ET – Run Around the City

Meet in the lobby of the Marriott hotel on Fayetteville Street

A special event for all the runners, take part in a 2+ mile run around the City of Raleigh targeting local landmarks such as the state capital, museums, and many other attractions. Always very popular and informative for both out-of-area attendees as well as those from the area.

Point of Contact and to sign up: Email Jennifer Suber at [email protected]

6:00 pm ET – Welcome Social – Sponsored and made possible by Capital One

Lincoln Theater – 126 E. Cabarrus Street, Raleigh NC

Join us at the very cool Lincoln Theater as we welcome everyone to Raleigh and All Things Open 2016. This is a great way to meet fellow attendees and relax a little before the conference begins. And it would not be possible without the support of Capital One.

Admission is free for all All Things Open attendees. Free beverages will be provided as will entertainment. This year we’ll feature a live and very well known technology podcast being recorded on the main stage, in front of a live audience, as well as additional entertainment. A good and entertaining time is guaranteed for everyone.

More details are coming soon, so be on the lookout!

Point of Contact for questions: Jennifer Suber at [email protected]

Wednesday, October 26

5:45 pm ET – Thank You Social

Jimmy V’s and the Fayetteville Street patio – 420 Fayetteville Street

Free to all All Things Open attendees

Enjoy free drinks and some of the best networking on the planet, on us. We reserve the entire restaurant just for you. Jimmy Vs is conveniently located just a block away from the Convention Center and is in the heart of downtown. This is always well attended and a lot of fun.

Point of Contact: Jennifer Suber at [email protected]

6:00 pm ET – Largest Hardware/IoT Demo Night in the U.S. – Hosted by NCRIoT

2nd floor, Raleigh Convention Center

NCRIoT, the largest hardware/IoT meetup group in the U.S. will host its Annual Hardware/IoT Showcase and Demo Night. The event will follow All Things Open programming and is free to all ATO attendees. It will feature 50 regional, national and international exhibitors demonstrating the latest in hardware and IoT as well as multiple well known speakers.

Point of Contact: Tom Snyder at [email protected]

6:30 pm ET – TechGirlz Middle School Girls Workshop

Room 303, Raleigh Convention Center

TechGirlz will host an educational session where 5 teachers and 5 assistants teach approximately 25 middle school girls how to code. It will be fun, exciting, and incredibly rewarding.

Point of Contact: Deirdre Clarke at [email protected]

7:30 pm ET – Speaker/Sponsor Dinner

Sheraton Hotel Ballrooms – next door to Jimmy Vs

Exclusively for ATO Speakers and Sponsors

Each year we say “thank you” to our speakers and sponsors by hosting a dinner just for them. Why? Because without them we wouldn’t have an event. There is no better way to make new friends than to break bread together and engage in relaxed conversation.

Point of contact: Jennifer Suber at [email protected]

9:00 pm ET – 2016 After Party Concert featuring The DoubleClicks and MC FrontaLot – Courtesy of OpenNMS

Kings Barcade – 14 W Martin Street, Raleigh

OpenNMS will bring two great musical acts to Raleigh, exclusively for All Things Open attendees!
The Doubleclicks, Angela and Aubrey Webber, bring their positive and uplifting music all the way from Oregon. Combining humor, commentary, and plenty of geek references, you are guaranteed to be entertained, unless you have no soul. Don’t forget, you must have your conference badge to get in.

Point of Contact: Jessica Hustace at [email protected]

Thursday, October 27

5:45 pm ET – Send-Off Social @ Boxcar – Courtesy of PayPal

Boxcar – 330 W Davie Street, Raleigh

Thanks to PayPal we’ll end the 2016 conference with video games, snacks and beverages of your choice! The response to this event last year was so positive we thought we better do it again in 2016. For any first-time visitor to Raleigh, and for those unfamiliar with the Raleigh downtown area, Boxcar features more vintage video and arcade games than you can possible play, as well as a full menu of your favorite beverages. We’ll provide game and beverage tokens, you network, meet new people and have fun!!

Point of contact: Jennifer Suber at [email protected]

6:00 pm ET – NATS, Cloud Native Meetup

Room 305A , Raleigh Convention Center

In case you don’t get enough technology and networking on Wednesday and Thursday we’re pleased that Brian Flannery of Apcera will host a NATS, Cloud Native meetup. The meeting will feature Larry McQueary, Nirmal Mehta, and the one and only Kelsey Hightower. Kelsey will serve as featured speaker and will no doubt dazzle and impress. Beverages and light food will also be served!

Point of contact: Brian Flannery at [email protected]