DC Tech Meetup is the public stage that celebrates DC’s best and most promising innovators and companies, and the people who build the ecosystem around them.

Since 2011, DCTM has put this city’s founders, investors, and builders in one room — 96+ editions and counting. In 2027 the next chapter brings main events that are free and open to attend, and an annual culmination where the year’s strongest companies earn the stage. We’re forming an advisory board to help shape it.

The 2027 plan. Help formalize and guide the strategy for the next chapter.

Pipeline. Point strong companies and speakers our way from your own communities.

Introductions. Connect us with leaders, companies, venues, and potential sponsors.

No fundraising. Advisors are not asked to raise money or commit to any fundraising target. If you know a company that would want to support DCTM, an introduction is welcome.

Themes. Weigh in on the themes for the 2027 editions.

People with real DCTM history — you’ve attended, demoed, sponsored, spoken, or helped behind the scenes. A network you’re willing to open: companies, speakers, venues, funders. Reach into a part of the ecosystem DCTM doesn’t touch today.

Four seats are held for expertise in events and production, policy and government, capital, and PR and marketing. The rest are general. One seat is reserved for a local university student.

Six planned 90-minute meetings a year, about every other month. At least one is in person in downtown Washington, DC; the rest are by video. Attend at least 4 of the 6, including one in person.

A short questionnaire once a quarter, about 10 minutes. Make introductions where you can, and keep internal planning discussions confidential.

The founding board serves an initial term in November and December 2026, with one in-person kickoff. Membership can then convert to a full one-year term starting January 1, 2027, when the attendance ask begins.

Listed publicly as a DC Tech Meetup Advisor. Opportunities to speak about your community from the DCTM stage. A newsletter feature for you and your organization. Reserved seats at every edition and at the annual culmination. An early look at the demo pipeline, before companies take the stage. Introductions across the DCTM network, and the option to host a private clinic or workshop for your community. A more visible leadership role, if you want one. No cost to serve.

The board recommends and the DC Tech & Venture Coalition (DCTAV) decides. It isn’t a board of directors: no votes, no fiduciary duty. Advisors step back from any discussion where they have a stake.