Yes, it’s been a long time since our last event. Have we been resting easily and taking a long Winters nap? Hardly.

Many people at past events have been asking about taking the Silicon Prairie Social to the next level. And I think we’ve figured it out! We are proud to announce a new event, TEDxNaperville. (www.tedxnaperville.com).

www.tedxnaperville.com

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Whats TEDxNaperville all about? Well, it’s easier if you just go to the website and find out. But the concept is similar to the meetings we’ve done with the Silicon Prairie Social.  Its great people having great conversations, with the added benefit of listening to great people give great presentations as well.

What about the Silicon Prairie Social?  Don’t worry! There will be a Spring event and we’ll have details for that later.

In the meantime, I hope to see you at the TEDxNaperville, as in true Silicon Prairie Social fashion, there will be cocktails and serious networking with other TED fans and area business leaders going on right after the event.

Thank you,

Arthur Zards

Curator/Host TEDxNaperville/Silicon Prairie Social

XNet, the hosts of the Silicon Prairie Social, is inviting all Silicon Prairie Social members to the XNet Christmas Open House this Tuesday December 22, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Come see what XNet is all about, you’ve been to the social, so now its time to check us out!

We assure you they’ll be a wide variety of food, microbrew beer and fine wine to enjoy! We even have some surprises in store and cupcake creations that will leave the epicureans drooling.

This year we’ll be premiering:

TEDx - Naperville: The first TEDx event in the Chicagoland area!

XNet’s Digital Engagement Audit: In depth intelligence on where you’re at on the Social Media scene!

Our soon to be released remote storage solution.

We’ll also  be offering tours during the open house. So if you want to see whats behind the exciting scenes of a data center, show up!

We’ll be running our “annual” raffle again this year so remember to RSVP via email and  attend the open house to be eligible to win.

You can RSVP by simply by sending an email to openhouse@xnet.com and stating how many guests. Please RSVP asap, since space is limited!

So  mark your calendars for December 22nd, 4:00-8:00pm at our offices;  3080 Ogden Ave, Suite 303, Lisle, IL.

Looking forward to seeing you here!

Sincerely,

Arthur Zards

XNet Information Systems

On behalf of XNet and our sponsor, maconRAINE, thank you to all who attended last weeks event and made yet another excellent Silicon Prairie Social!  We’re glad to be able to provide such an opportunity for you, the west suburban technology community, to relax and connect with each other.

 Keep in Touch:
Silicon Prairie Social isn’t just once every few months.   Please keep in touch, ask questions and make new  connections on our Facebook Group and LinkedIn Group as well. Follow us on Twitter as well, and more importantly, let us follow you on twitter, we want to keep en eye on who’s making news in the Chicagoland Tech community!

Stay Tuned:
Finally, to receive updates on future events, take a moment to subscribe to this blog via RSS or via email via the right sidebar on this site, immediately below the sponsor logos. Our next event will be a large Winter event, and as usual, a smaller Christmas meet up as well. If you are interested in sponsoring our next large event, please let us know!

Until next time,

Arthur Zards

XNet

We’re pleased to announce the next Silicon Prairie Social!

Once again we will be hosting the premier technology networking event for the western Chicago suburbs at the Arrowhead Golf  Club in Wheaton.   The event will be held Thursday September 24,  and is a great opportunity to connect in a fun, informal setting with like-minded people in technology!

This time around the event will not have sponsor tables, so there will be a cash bar. We will still have our own networking and bar service area in Arrowhead, and as always the same great energy that comes from the people who attend our events!

Why should I come?

•    Mingle
•    Network
•    Learn with other successful tech oriented professionals like yourself.

•    Free admission (RSVP Required)

Who May Attend?

The Silicon Prairie Social is specifically for upwardly mobile tech professionals, tech executives, tech entrepreneurs, technology service providers, Internet professionals, Web 2.0 and startup companies, and the mobile industry.

Please note: Silicon Prairie Social is not open to professional recruiters, staffing agencies, or job seekers.

Who’s behind this?

The Silicon Prairie Social was founded, and continues to be hosted by, Lisle-based entrepreneur Arthur Zards and XNet Information Systems. Their commitment to growing the suburban tech community is expressed through a sustained contribution of money and effort to the continuing success of this event.

When and Where?

Silicon Prairie Social
Thursday, September 24
6:00pm-8:30pm
Arrowhead Golf Club
26W151 Butterfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(map this on Google Maps)

Just minutes from I-88 and Naperville Rd., Silicon Prairie Social is centrally located and easy to get to from all along the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor on I-88, the Golden Corridor on I-90, downtown Chicago and the western suburbs.

Want to attend? RSVP here.

The event is free to attend, but RSVP is required. RSVP early as space is limited. Registration closes at noon on the day of the event, or once the RSVP list reaches its limit.

No professional recruiters, staffing agencies, or active job seekers are permitted.  By RSVP’ing for this free event, you agree to allow us to share your contact information with our sponsors who have made this event possible.

We look forward to seeing you at Arrowhead!

Want to get more connected with us?  Join our LinkedIn Group,  our Facebook Group,  and our new twitter feed. @SPS_wire.

We now have a twitter feed and would love to follow you!

In line with our mission, the Silicon Prairie Social has always strives to:

* Connect local professionals with others in their industry, helping to build the community
* Raise the profile of Chicago’s west suburban technology sector through publicity generated around our events.
* Foster investment and economic development in the region by showcasing local businesses, entrepreneurs, and start ups.

Our Twitter feed will be no different, it’s just another place to communicate and get a glimpse of what’s going on in our community.

So send us a message with your Twitter handle or follow us @SPS_Wire and let’s start the conversation!

Here are some rules that we’ll be adhering too:

SPS Twitter Rules:

1. We will only post relevant news and links. You can expect posts on upcoming industry events, important industry news, and news from other members.

2. Our goal in using Twitter is not only to inform, but to learn from our members as well. We’re hoping to engage in lively conversation and feedback about what’s going on in the industry.

3. We will limit our posts to an estimated average of 1-4 daily.

Click Here to Follow Us!

Join us for a great opportunity to learn from Brian Marshal of the Alliance for Strategic Advantage on Building a Referral Machine! This 4-hour bootcamp event will teach you how to generate ongoing referrals. Included is the training session, followed by appetizers and an opportunity to network and immediately apply what you’ve learned.

I have taken this Bootcamp course myself and I can only say great things about how it has helped me, XNet, and the Silicon Prairie Social succeed. Further, ASA has offered Silicon Prairie Social attendees a 50% discount from the $99.00 list price for this event (only $49.95).

Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Arthur Zards
President/Founder
XNet/Silicon Prairie Social

Building a Referral Machine Bootcamp
Wednesday, June 10, 2:00-6:00 P.M.

XNet and Silicon Prairie Social present Brian Marshal of the Alliance for Strategic Advantage in this groundbreaking 4-hour bootcamp. First, learn how to generate ongoing referrals for your business from the people who have trained XNet’s sales team. Afterwards, enjoy appetizers, networking, and the opportunity to immediately apply what you’ve learned.

Arrowhead Golf Club
26W151 Butterfield Rd
Wheaton, IL 60189

Register Here by June 10th for $99.00 $49.95.

On behalf of XNet and our sponsors, Saper Law, Obtiva, Sun Microsystems, and maconRAINE, thank you to all who attended last night and made yet another excellent Silicon Prairie Social!  We’re glad to be able to provide such an opportunity for you, the west suburban technology community, to relax and connect with each other.

Arrowhead Golf Club rolled out the red carpet for us with the food spread and superb hospitality.  Congratulations to the winners of Arrowhead’s two golf twosomes: Mike Maddaloni and Nancy Munro.

Also, a huge thanks goes to our registration table volunteers who unselfishly gave some of their time networking at the event to help with checking people in and handing out drink and raffle tickets!  Sachin Agarwal of Dawdle, Karen Greenland of Sun Microsystems, Shannon Bond of Saper Law, Mike Maddaloni of Dunkirk Systems, and Eric Waltmire of Erickson Law Group; you are all the best!

Keep in Touch:
Silicon Prairie Social isn’t just once every few months.  Please keep in touch, ask questions and make new connections on our Facebook Group and LinkedIn Group as well.

Stay Tuned:
Finally, to receive updates on future events, take a moment to subscribe to this blog via RSS or via email via the right sidebar on this site, immediately below the sponsor logos.  Also, be on the lookout for an exciting announcement next week for a special one-day educational event we’ll be hosting with a new partner!

Until next time,

Arthur Zards
Tim Courtney

XNet
Co-Hosts, Silicon Prairie Social

We’re proud to welcome Silicon Prairie Social’s sponsors, Saper Law Offices, Obtiva, Sun Microsystems and maconRAINE.  Join them Tuesday, April 28 from 6:30-9:30pm at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. For details and to RSVP for Silicon Prairie Social, click here.

Event Host: XNet

XNet provides boutique data center services (colocation, dedicated hosting and managed services) as well as dedicated internet connectivity to small and medium-sized companies in the Chicago and western suburban region.  XNet’s pairing of proactive, personal service with technical expertise has earned the trust of IT executives to not only keep mission-critical systems available and secure, but to also be the trusted advisor that helps their companies grow.

From us at XNet and on behalf of our amazing sponsors, we look forward to seeing you at Silicon Prairie Social!

We’re pleased to announce the next Silicon Prairie Social, the technology networking event for the western Chicago suburbs! This time we’re excited to announce a step-up in venue…to Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. The event will be held Tuesday, April 28 and is a great opportunity to connect in a fun, informal setting with like-minded people in technology!

Why should I come?

• Mingle, network, and learn with other successful tech oriented professionals like yourself.
• Appetizers courtesy of Arrowhead Golf Club
• Free admission (RSVP Required)
• Win one of two twosomes including golf cart, provided by Arrowhead Golf Club

Who May Attend?

Silicon Prairie Social is specifically for upwardly mobile tech professionals, tech executives, tech entrepreneurs, technology service providers, Internet professionals, Web 2.0 and startup companies, and the mobile industry.

Please note: Silicon Prairie Social is not open to professional recruiters, staffing agencies, or job seekers.

Who’s behind this?

Silicon Prairie Social is founded and hosted by Lisle-based colocation provider XNet. XNet has shown its commitment to growing the suburban tech community by contributing both money and effort to continue to make this a success. The driving force behind Silicon Prairie Social is XNet’s Tim Courtney and Arthur Zards.

When and Where?

Silicon Prairie Social
Tuesday, April 28
6:30pm-8:30pm

Arrowhead Golf Club
26W151 Butterfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(map this on Google Maps)

Just minutes from I-88 and Naperville Rd., Silicon Prairie Social is centrally located and easy to get to from all along the lllinois Technology and Research Corridor on I-88, the Golden Corridor on I-90, downtown Chicago and the western suburbs.

Want to attend? RSVP here.

The event is free to attend, and RSVP is required, so RSVP early as space is limited. Registration closes at noon on the day of the event, or once the RSVP list reaches its limit. Guests must be present during the time of the raffle and must be RSVP’ed to win the complimentary twosomes.

We look forward to seeing you in April!

Want to stay more connected with us? Join our LinkedIn Group and our Facebook Group.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who attended our second annual Very Prairie Christmas! For one of our smaller events this one was another great event filled with great people!

A special thanks for everyone who donated a few dollars (or more) for the family that we are sponsoring this Christmas, we raised $188.00, which will be going towards fixing the family’s car brakes. Your few dollars was much appreciated and is going to a good cause.

Keep an eye out in early 2009 for some big announcements from the Silicon Prairie Social. We have some exciting news and events that we will be sharing with everyone soon.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

-Arthur, Tim, and everyone else at XNet