The Hawaii Geek Meet, a casual gathering for anyone interested in science, technology and more, returns this weekend, after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island, the Hawaii Geek Meet will bring together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, science and tech clubs and businesses, coders and app developers, as well as anyone with interests such as video games, robotics, sci-fi and more.
“We cast a pretty big, inclusive net, for sure,” event organizer Ryan Ozawa, a tech entrepreneur and writer, said in an email to PBN. “Technology is something that permeates every aspect of everyday life. … But when I say 'geek,' I mean someone who is focused and passionate about something — about anything. The geek meet is a chance to show off and share that passion.”
Ozawa describes the event as a “pop-up geek village,” and nearly two dozen different groups will showcase their products, inventions, or interests.
Ozawa told PBN that a number of local businesses are slated to participate — including Hilo-based Waiakea Water, which will share its sustainability-focused bottled water, and research and development firm Oceanit, which will showcase some of its technology.
“Hawaiian Telcom is joining us again to highlight the critical role they play in keeping geeks connected,” he said. “Blue Startups has always been a great part of the event, always introducing a great mix of startups and founders.”
As Ozawa sees it, “the more diverse the participants, the better, so I do love that local businesses also see value in mingling with storm troopers and ham radio fanatics.”
“The greatest potential of the Hawaii Geek Meet and what I most like to see is how a diverse mix of curious and creative people might connect and collaborate,” he added. “You might not think a mechanical keyboard club and a drone racing club have much in common, but when they meet, something new and innovative might come out of it.”
The first Hawaii Geek Meet took place in 2008, and in previous years, Ozawa said it’s attracted about 300-500 attendees.
“From the very beginning, the vision has been to do something different from the typical tech conference, so we do it outdoors, and we invite families and children,” Ozawa said. “Especially after the pandemic, we might have been too comfortable in our home offices or just working in our pajamas, so I hope people embrace the opportunity to get some sun and fresh air and be awkwardly social in person again.”
For more information, visit hawaiigeek.com.
