North East networking events: BarCamp NorthEast and Thursday Fizz

Seeing as I've been involved in the Internet sector for 9 or so years now and run a multitude of online businesses I've decided that I should make more of a commitment and contribution to the "Digital" networking scene here in the North East. To be absolutely honest, up until very recently I wasn't even aware that we had one. However it transpires that there are quite a few of us around as well as a couple of regular networking events. I love networking and meeting people who don't just stare at you blankly when you try to explain to them that you make a living online and are not a web designer/porn peddler/spammer/eBay shop. So needless to say I'm really looking forward to getting together with like-minded people and making some new contacts.

So the first event I will be attending is BarCamp NorthEast on May16th in Newcastle, get your free tickets here. I really don't know what to expect from this event but found the following on the website under "The Rules of BarCamp".

BarCamp is an ad-hoc unconference born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos and interaction from attendees.

Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join.

When you come, be prepared to share with barcampers.

When you leave, be prepared to share it with the world.

NO SPECTATORS, ONLY PARTICIPANTS

Attendees must give a demo, a session, or help with one, or otherwise volunteer / contribute in some way to support the event. All presentations are scheduled the day they happen. Prepare in advance, but come early to get a slot on the wall. The people present at the event will select the demos or presentations they want to see.

OK sounds cool, I have no idea what to talk about though. I may go with my Affiliate Marketing presentation that I gave at Think Visibility in March, or I may talk about ShareMyPlaylists.com. I'll decide nearer the time. Follow BarCamp NorthEast on Twitter @BarCampNE.

The second event I intend to attend is Thursday Fizz held in Newcastle once a month. Here's how they describe it on the site.

Thursday Fizz is a monthly meet up for anyone who works in/with/or aspires to be in the creative or media industries. Our aim is grow a like-minded community that will inspire, support and mentor each other whilst having fun at the same time.

Our events are social driven and are mix of live music, good food and cocktails. Everyone is welcome. However due to demand events are often by invitation only, so make sure you’ve signed up to our mailing list!

I admit that I like the idea of the cocktails but this also looks like a great way to meet people in the North East who work with the web. I fully intended to visit the last Thursday Fizz last week but couldn't due to a ridiculously stupid eye infection that had me quarantined for a few days. However whenever the next one is announced, I will be there! Follow Thursday Fizz on Twitter @ThursdayFizz. So, have I missed any other regular North East networking events? Please do let me know if I have via the comments and I'll be sure to blog about them here. What I'm listening to right now: Teairra Marie Ft Kanye West – "Diamonds"