Last month, two tech related drinking events debuted in Columbus just one day apart. Startup Drinks had about 25 people show up. IT Martini however had over 200 people attend. By all accounts, both events were a success. Startup Drinks was promoted purly by blogging and word of mouth. I’m hoping that cSUDs dos (as it’s now dubbed, e.g. Columbus Startup Drinks) will have more folks given more awareness and the fact that I announced it to the people at Startup Weekend Columbus. IT Martini however, seemed to have more corporate support, and was pushed by TechColumbus and perhaps corporate sponsors. There is room for both Startup Drinks and IT Martini in Columbus. I am however a bit disappointed that IT Martini sees fit to charge $25 to attend its event. You have some sponsors. Aren’t they helping pay freight? Why not let folks meet for free. I asked the question of the IT Martini folks, and they responded:

To answer Alvin’s question above: there are two simple reasons why IT Martini Hour isn’t free to the public. First off, there are costs that need to be covered! Secondly, the event is about more than a ‘good time’, it’s about IT Professional development. Keeping the general public at bay provides an IT Martini Hour experience that’s focused exclusively on IT Professionals. And keep in mind, we work hard with our IT Community Partners to make the event low cost, and free, for as many IT Professionals as possible.

Fair enough. But I think I’ll pass on IT Martini as long as it continues to charge. Rather, I’ll go to Startup Drinks.

Columbus? I think we have liftoff!

The first Startup Drinks Columbus event kicked off last night at the Surly Girl Saloon thanks to the efforts of Brian Jones, of Jones Insight, and Ashley Routson, a/k/a the Columbus Beer Wench.

The event was a total success! Driving there, I expected only 5 to 10 people due to the torrential rains. But we had about 25-30 people show up. I met a lot of cool and interesting people that are interested in startups and technology. And they live right here in Columbus. The turnout demonstrates that there is indeed a startup community here. People just have to find one another!

Oh, and Ashley brought along a game of Apples to Apples. I played it for the first time last night. Definitely a fun game to play with a large group. And a nice low tech diversion for the high tech crowd.

This Wednesday, June 25, I’ll be at the Surly Girl Saloon for the inaugural Startup Drinks Columbus. Other organizers and participants of next month’s Startup Weekend Columbus should be there as well.

The first round of appetizers will be provided by Jones Insight. If you’re going, please RSVP here. The event is free, but the event organizer is asking you to RSVP so that he knows how many people to expect.