Starting a new Toronto IT User Group

I've recently started working with with a group of talented people (including Microsoft MVPs) to build a Toronto based user group focusing on Microsoft Servers. The idea came about during conversations I've had with staff and attendees at the TechNet Spring Tour 2004 in Toronto. The purpose of the user group is to bring together IT Professionals in the area to network, talk about the products and help each other.

A few years ago, I used to work as a server & tech support helpdesk guru for a couple of small companies in downtown Toronto. One of the major highlights of that experience was actually the after-hour activities: a bunch of techies informally meeting at coffee houses, fast food restaurants, swap meets and conventions to talk about hardware, technology, security, the industry. You name it. It was a great learning experience and the networking opportunities were amazing. I'd like to bring some of that to the user group.

The group is still in it's development stages. Our target is to hold our first meeting in the Fall and set up a new
website in the near future. I'd like to thank Microsoft TechNet Canada for being super supportive. The project is really starting to take off in a great way. :-)

If you would like to participate as a Community Leader or simply attend these meetings please send an email to dotnetmvp@hotmail.com. Or feel free to post in the feedback area of this weblog entry. I'll keep you all in the loop.