While the Art of Network Engineering is primarily a technology podcast, it is not necessarily the tech that ‘keeps us going’. The podcast was born from a sense of community. It started as a group of like-minded people wanting to work together as a study group toward a common goal. I like to think of the AONE podcast as being a side effect of community involvement. It is definitely much more than just a podcast to us. The co-hosts have become close friends over the years and we are graciously supported by fans of the show and especially by the It’s All About the Journey Discord community. I really believe that the show would not be what it has become without the IAATJ Discord community. It is a constant example of people helping people and being just generally cool. Within that community, there are channels for certification study, job postings, sharing wins and losses, and plenty of non-tech channels as well, just so people can connect online. The IAATJ community helped us meet and get to know many new people, and ultimately gave us the inspiration to put on a live event in 2022, in Asheville, North Carolina. That event was an absolutely incredible experience. Personally, it was so interesting to physically meet so many people for the first time, however it felt like it was just old friends catching up. During the AONE event in Asheville, we held an in-person meetup with a live recording of the show. We had not even left Asheville, and we were already talking about how we could plan the next one. Well, that time has come, and thanks to the Knoxville Technology Council, another live event is happening in August of 2023!
Earlier this year, we were contacted by KTech about working together and attending one of their in-person events. What is a KTech event? Well, let’s start with who the Knoxville Technology Council is and what they do. What better way to do that then to check out their mission statement:
“The mission of the Knoxville Technology Council is to connect, develop, promote, and advocate for the technology industry in the Greater Knoxville region.”
KTech events align well with what we do with the AONE podcast, because community is essential. Individuals can meet, network, and gain benefits that can extend well past the events themselves. Something else that I am excited to hear and learn more about while we are at the upcoming event is KTech’s Women In Technology initiative. We love to see more advocates for women in technology roles as inclusivity helps all. Having different perspectives opens up the opportunity to challenge ideas and start conversations that may not happen otherwise, which benefits everyone involved. Let’s take a look at the Women in Tech mission statement:
“KTech Women in Tech (WIT) exists to revolutionize the experience of women in technology and establish a new standard of inclusion for tech culture & leadership by providing a forum to promote women in technology through networking, education, and community outreach.”
KTech – AONE Event – August 2023
So, what exactly are we doing with KTech, and when? As mentioned earlier, the AONE team has really wanted another community meetup event since we left Asheville in 2022. I am personally looking forward to meeting more community and technology minded people and seeing firsthand how KTech carries out their mission. Here is a list of events planned for our engagement with KTech, from the KTech CONNECT page:
- 8/17/2023 – KTech CONNECT Networking – 4:30 – 6:30pm EDT
- Join KTech and The Art of Network Engineering team for a night of networking and socializing at a local Knoxville brewery!
- 8/18/2023 – KTech CONNECT VIP Lunch – 12 – 2pm EDT
- This VIP luncheon will give you the opportunity to connect with the Art of Networking Engineering team and a select group of professionals.
- 8/19/2023 – KTech CONNECT Breakfast Mingle – 8 – 10am EDT
- Join us as we bring together tech professionals from East Tennessee and across the nation for a morning of meaningful connections.
- 8/19/2023 – KTech CONNECT Sponsor Meet & Greet – 12 – 2pm EDT
- KTech and the Art of Network Engineering team invites all KTech CONNECT sponsors to join us for a meet & greet!
- 8/19/2023 – KTech CONNECT Live Simulcast – 4 – 7:30pm EDT
- Get ready for a special event featuring some of the brightest minds in network engineering!
Check out KTech and Register for these Events!
The AONE team would love to connect with as many people as possible, so if you are in the Knoxville, TN area or can get there, we would love to meet you! Our last in-person community event meant so much to us and we are ready to experience that again. We are incrediby grateful for the KTech team supporting AONE and making this happen. Be sure to visit the KTech CONNECT page to view and register for any or all of the events listed above!
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