Hey everybody! I know we’ve mentioned the complimentary refreshments (and it’s also been echoed on various blogs), so I want to let you all know the scoop:

Drinks:

• For all of you early birds, we’ve opened a tab on consumption between 6:30 and 7:30pm. During this time, you can order beer, wine, and well drinks on us!
• At 7:30, Mullen’s wait staff will begin bringing out more than enough free bottles of Rolling Rock.
• If you’re still thirsty, you’re welcome to order the drink of your choice from the bar.

Note: We’ve already provided for the gratuity on these drinks. Come and enjoy, and don’t feel obligated to tip for the drinks we are providing.

Food:

• We’re providing a huge spread of pub-style hors d’oeuvres for guests. Even though we ordered a bunch of food, realize that as always, it’s available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enjoy!
• If you’re still hungry, you can purchase food of your choice from Mullen’s.

So far, we’ve seen a wonderful response to our event announcement. In the 5 short days since we’ve announced, we’re almost halfway to our projected attendee goal. That’s exciting for a first-time event! There’s plenty of room at Mullen’s (and we know there’s more techies out there), so please take a minute and invite a few people (friends, colleagues, coworkers, customers, vendors, etc.) so they can come too!

Also, we want to relay a quick word of thanks to our newest two sponsors: The Krull Group and M5 Networks. Be sure to pay them and all of our sponsors a visit on the web and at the event.

We’re really looking forward to seeing you all at Silicon Prairie Social!

We’re extremely excited to announce Silicon Prairie Social, a new tech networking event for the Chicago suburbs.

Over the last year, the tech community downtown Chicago has gained a lot of momentum and energy with events like TechCocktail, Web Ascent, and Chicago Beta. We’ve been inspired by this growing wave of activity in the tech community in Chicago. We’re launching Silicon Prairie Social in response to the lack of opportunities like this outside the city and to to jumpstart the tech community in the suburbs.

So here it is–a great opportunity to connect in an informal setting with likeminded individuals in technology; whether you’re an upwardly mobile professional, an entrepreneur, an established service provider, or a VC. We welcome everyone; IT workers, e-commerce companies, Internet and Web 2.0 startups, mobile and mobile marketing, B2B service providers, and more.

Why should I come?

• Free admission (RSVP required)
• Free drinks!
• You’ll be mingling, networking, and learning with other successful professionals like yourself.

Who’s behind this?

Silicon Prairie Social is founded and hosted by Tim Courtney and Arthur Zards of XNet Information Systems in Lisle. We have some incredible sponsors for our first-time event too, including Chicago Micro, Microsoft, Bradley Wiltjer Marketing Group, and Digital Bootcamp. Plus, we’ve received some great support from Kristen Nicole of Mashable, Eric Olson, co-founder of TechCocktail, and Julian Pretto of Chicago Micro.

When and Where?

Thursday, September 20
6:30pm-10:00pm (bar open until 1:00am).

Mullen’s Bar and Grill
3080 Warrenville Rd.
Lisle, IL 60532
(Get directions via Google Maps)

At 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, and RSVP is required. Registration closes at noon on September 20th.