I was talking recently with the gorgeous Penny Hagen wondering about what had happened to the Sydney UPA chapter. Things have been quiet there for a long while and we haven’t had an official meeting for ages.
It got me thinking that it would be great to have a purely social usability gathering, where we could all catch up and get back in touch offline.
We came up with the event name, Underground Usability Professionals Association, or UUPA. But unfortunately, as Erietta was quick to point out, the acronym has already been assumed by another organisation :( [if you're wondering, it's worth a look!]
We then came up with the Blackmarket Usability Meetup, which Pat considered for half a second, until he realised BUM probably wasn’t appropriate.
So here we are, two days out, without a name. Not to worry.
Social UPA!
This is simply a casual after work get together for User Experience people and friends… No microphones, no projectors, no slideshows.
And you don’t need to be a member of the UPA, but interest in User Experience would be good.
Where and when?
Friday April 3rd, 5:00pm onwards
Art House Hotel
275 Pitt Street, Sydney
Upstairs
Come and catch up with some old and new friends!
Can you make it? Let us know and spread the word! I’m really looking forward to it ;)
Lisa
They will almost all be new friends for me, but I’ll certainly try and make it!
Going to a gig at the Metro later that night, so I’ll try & make it along for a couple of drinks :)
Linz you can still pop in for a warm up!
Look forward to catching up!
…and thanks Lisa for organising…
I’ll definitely try and swing by.
Should have kept UUPA! Am out on Friday, but will try and pop in to tank up for the rest of the night ;)
I unofficially endorse this, as UPA Sydney treasurer. See you there! I can update you all with what we’ve been up to.
I’ll be there!
WOW!
We have an actual UPA official coming along! ;)
Unofficially of course.
Will be great to meet you Greg!
Also I’ve heard from these guys that they’re popping in:
@Stevebaty
@daniellebaty
@aku8000
@TimNoonan
@ashdonaldson
I’ll let my work colleague Denise Belling know, too (she’s not on Twitter). She’s involved with the UPA & working on activities …
I’ll be there.
oh Max, another boy?
Looks like you guys will be coming in skirts!
Does a tutu count as a skirt?
You wouldn’t want to see me in a skirt 8)
I’ll be there. Thanks for organising, Lisa.
Alex, yes tutu’s definitely fit within the skirt category.
Ah, but then perhaps we should ask one of the IA’s…?
I can’t make it tomorrow but think it’s great that you’re organising it – nice one, Lisa!
:-)
Same time as the Friday night drinks? That sucks! No combo options? Too different?
Focused groups are great though. Hope it goes well.
:-)
Lisa,
Good on you for organizing this! Since WUD last year the chapter organising team (and in particular myself) have been SWAMPED with work and haven’t been able to get the ball rolling on any events for this year… yet. So it is really encouraging to see so much interest.
FYI, a newsletter is coming out shortly and we are planning a meeting later in April. No theme as yet, so interested in your thoughts… could just be another social get together, open mic (or not!), or a chance for someone to practice their preso for UXAustralia.
BTW, we are looking for people to help get these meetings/events happening more regularly – so Lisa if you are interested… let me know ;)
Anyway, good luck and have fun tonight. Unfortunately I can’t make it :( though I’ll see if I can drop in on the way home…
Raymond van der Zalm
Chapter president
I might be there – will be in Sydney but not sure what my plans are with a friend ;0
Have fun, Sydneysiders.
Dinner plans are now sorted and I won’t see you folks. May make it next time ;)
But Donna, we start at 5pm! Unless you’re going for Mc Happy Meals you’ll have time to do both ;)
Hey Lisa – Rob M and I are last minute drops out as baby sitter has fallen through – but count us in for the next one :)
Have a great night everyone!
Hi Lis…
Any more of these meetings on your agenda?
Would like to meet more UX people in Sydney…
cheers!