Monday, September 15, 2008

A Week-End of “Blur”

Another great week-end in Cleveland. All the activities in this City make me proud to call Cleveland home, but let’s provide everyone a recap of what happened and what cool venues the “Tech Czar” was honored to attend.

·         Thursday Night was the launch of the Tech Center @ Leader and Digital Cocktails with a cool mix of tech CEO’s, technologists and real estate guru’s. I guess of this mixing leads to real estate development that is tech centric.  And the Tech Center @ Leader, along with the Tech Hotel, are prime examples of how the not so subtle change in Cleveland’s economy from manufacturing to technology is creating new models for buildings to change the method by which they attract and service tech companies. The Tech Center is a really cool place to be. Great group of people, probably a total of 60 people lot of fun.  

·         After the Digital Cocktails event headed over to Corner Alley on E. Fourth with Rachel, Andy Halko and Eric Purcell both of Insivia. Tech Emperor, I understand, was hurting the next morning from some sort of “squirrel attack.”

·         Playhouse Square Foundation had their annual tenant party out on Star Plaza on Friday Evening. Star studded affair with Tiffany Myroniak of Cleveland Magazine, Tom Furnas of IdeaStream, Art Falco of Playhouse Square Foundation and Tom Einhouse of PSF Management attending as well. Felt like Hollywood for a second or two.

·         Also on Friday evening, FIT Technologies had a little birthday soiree for our beloved VP/Co-Founder Michelle Tomallo at Scorcher’s on East 12th Street. Good times, man, good times.  A lot of talking smack, bets on the big college games during the week-end, and fried food eating contests. I love this company. Won a big bet with our CEO – she owes me $50.

·         After all of this frivolity on Friday, Rachel and I stole away to Light Bistro in Ohio City. I have to say the portions were just perfect – had some good flatbread with provolone, sun dried tomatoes and pesto. Also had something akin to a fried cheese dumpling and some grilled shrimp.

·         Saturday enjoyed the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame smash Michigan. And what in the hell happened to Ohio State at USC? USC looks vicious, man.

·         I have to say the Pandemonium Event at Cleveland Public Theater was awesome! Great show by Judith Ross and crew over at SPT. Food was great, really cool people walking through the theaters, sharp entertainment. Rachel looked great. Saw a lot of good people I know including Jim Rokakis who was the Host this year for Pandemonium. Will not find a nicer guy in politics. Caught a cold is really the only bad note. But I will survive. Proud to be on the Host Committee for the Pandemonium Event. Going next year.

·         Sunday I nursed my cold.

Okay, so let’s have a good week Cleveland. I do hope to see you around enjoying this beautiful City.

Posted by Tech Czar at 17:56:01 | Permalink | No Comments »

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

While I was gone…

I know, I know seems like forever since I lasted posted on Tech Czar Notes. Saying I was busy would be just a poor, poor excuse. And certainly, my lack of written verse should not suggest that there is nothing going on in the Cleveland tech world. Far from it, my friends. So here is a quick run-down on some notable people, place and things. You know – nouns, good nouns. (Presented here for your entertainment – but in no particular order.)

·         This year’s TechSync event was very notable especially for the introduction of Craig Newmark – Founder of Craig’s List. Craig was a very shy and humble “technologist.” I enjoyed his remarks about staying true to what your customers are saying to you. (And who knew that he actually works at Craig’s List at the Customer Service Desk!) All in all just a wonderful event. Kudos to Cathy Horton and Nikki DiFilippo for getting my ass out on a Saturday night (generally my “jammies night” – I love PJ’s) to hear what Craig had to say. Great stuff.

·         Velocity/2008 was a jamming affair at the IdeaCenter. Great turnout from the young and emerging professionals in the City. Always great to see interest in technology from Gen X and Y. I enjoyed a ton of great conversations. And I have to say it, man, King Hill of DigiKnow gave the keynote and it kicked ASS. (That’s all caps, baby.) I have always been proud to say that King is a friend, but I totally dig his message and the voice in which he sends the missive. And a good word to Dan Young of DXY Solutions. He had a vision of what Velocity/2008 was to be and it came true.

·         Digital Cocktails 2.0 was a happening gig. Nice to see about 80 people join us at APG’s new office space at the Tyler Elevator Building. Tyler Elevator is just one of the coolest buildings in Cleveland. I remember my time as the “Tech Czar” at the City and walking through threw this building and thinking, “No way.” I have to give props to King Hill again – he had a vision of what could happen at Tyler Elevator. Now two years later you have DigiKnow, Analiza, PCHelps, APG, Sparkbase and Village Wireless as tenants in Tyler Elevator. When someone tells you it can’t happen in Cleveland, let them know they are full of crap and that, indeed, can happen in Cleveland.

·         I had the honor of being a presenter at the NEOSA Tech Awards. This is the second year for these awards and is beginning to have the feel of Cleveland’s tech industry’s “Academy Awards.” Good times.

·         Rachel and I also headed over to Anatomy one night to participate in Ingenuity’s launch party. We drank martinis all night and enjoyed great conversations with the whole crew…though, I wish I could get Andy and Eric over at Insivia to stop stalking me.

·         Working with my best friend John Heaney on a new radio show program – Rapid-Fire Radio (www.rapid-fireradio.com). The show is almost ready and will be on WHK 1420AM every Sunday night.  I will let you know more details as we get closer to launch.

·         Things at FIT Technologies are occurring at the speed of blur. The two founders of FIT – Micki Tubbs and Michelle Tomallo are finalists for the regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. They are also going to be on the cover of a local business magazine. And the place is just a cool place to work. I have forgotten what a suit feels like. Check us out @ www.fittechnologies.net.

Just a brief overview of my life the last few weeks. Keep in touch and I promise to be blogging a lot more in the future. Peace out.

Posted by Tech Czar at 02:04:39 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Digital Cocktails V2.0 - Tyler Elevator

It is with great excitement that I announcing the next Digital Cocktails – the coolest networking venture for the Cleveland Tech and Creative Services scene! The event is but a few short days away. Come join us, Cleveland!

Digital Cocktails is the name given to a night of networking and socializing amongst the members of Cleveland’s tech community. Digital Cocktails is open to technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and other business professionals interested in the technology arena. The aim is to have one at least every quarter so everyone can keep their finger on the pulse of this dynamic industry!

This version of Digital Cocktails will be held on May 15th from 6pm to 9pm at the new corporate offices of APG Office Furnishings in one of the coolest buildings in Cleveland – Tyler Elevator. Tyler Elevator has turned into a fantastic tech hub for Cleveland as it is now the home of DigiKnow, APG, Sparkbase, Analiza and Wireless Village. APG will provide complimentary appetizers and drinks.

If you have any questions or are interested in hosting a Digital Cocktails event, get in touch! Please RSVP to Sean Regan – information is below. And as always you are always welcome to connect with me – Michael C. DeAloia @ 216.583.5049 or at mdealoia@fittechnologies.net. Many thanks to APG for stepping up and providing a great venue and is sure to be fantastic food and beverages for all us. I hope you can join us for what will be a great event.

RSVP – Sean Regan, APG Office Furnishings
216.357.2032
sregan@apgof.com
www.apgof.com
3615 Superior Avenue – Seventh Floor
Building 44

Posted by Tech Czar at 19:55:26 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, February 18, 2008

Digital Cocktails V1.0 - Wonder Bar

It is with great excitement that I am announcing a new venture for the Cleveland Tech scene - Digital Cocktails! Digital Cocktails is the name given to a night of networking and socializing amongst the members of Cleveland’s tech community.  Digital Cocktails is open to technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and other business professionals interested in the technology arena. The aim is to have one at least every quarter so everyone can keep their finger on the pulse of this dynamic industry!

The inaugural Digital Cocktails event will be February 21st, 6-9PM at Wonder Bar on East 4th Street in the heart of Cleveland.  Wonder Bar will provide complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.  Happy Hour is from 5-7 if you want to come early to take advantage of the drink specials! 

If you have any questions or are interested in hosting a Digital Cocktails event, get in touch! Please RSVP to Valerie Johnson - information is below. And as always, you are always welcome to connect with me - Michael C. DeAloia @ 216.583.5049 or at mdealoia@fittechnologies.net. Many thanks to Wonder Bar for stepping up and providing a great venue and fantastic food for all of us to enjoy. I hope you can join us for what will be a great event.

Valerie S. Johnson
valerie@wonderbarcleveland.com
Marketing & Events Manager
Wonder Bar
www.wonderbarcleveland.com
Office Phone: 216-298-4050

Posted by Tech Czar at 15:25:46 | Permalink | Comments (1) »