Two Years of the SoCal Tech Forum: Building Community, Driving Innovation, and Looking Ahead
By Chris Daden, Jason Martin, and Jordan Zarate, SoCal Tech Forum Board of Directors
Celebrating Two Years of Growth
Two years. It’s hard to believe it’s already been that long since the very first SoCal Tech Forum meetup in Rancho Cucamonga, when a few curious technologists came together to see if there might be enough of a spark to build something special here in the Inland Empire.
What began as a small local meetup has grown into a thriving community of more than 600 members, dozens of events, and a growing influence across Southern California’s tech landscape. We’ve become the largest and most consistent technology forum in the Inland Empire, hosting monthly meetups, workshops, and podcast episodes that bring together developers, engineers, founders, and innovators from across the region; even from Los Angeles and Orange County.
As we look around now, it’s humbling to see how far we’ve come. People are waking up early on Saturday mornings to drive from hours away just to be part of our community. We’ve seen meaningful connections form, jobs created, companies launched, and lifelong friendships built. All because people believed in what we were building together: a no-sales, high-value space where people can simply learn, share, and grow.
This anniversary isn’t just a milestone for our board, it’s a celebration of the members who have shown up month after month to make this vision a reality.
Looking Back: What Got Us Here
When we hosted that first meetup back in 2023, I’ll never forget standing in front of the room, asking the audience to raise their hands if they had ever used ChatGPT. Almost no one did. It was still early and we were all just beginning to understand how AI might reshape the world.
Our very first topic was on artificial intelligence and data analytics, which was just a small taste of what was to come. Fast forward two years, and we celebrated our anniversary with a session on Modern AI Architecture. A full-circle moment that speaks to how much our industry, and our community, has evolved.
But AI was just the start. Over the past two years, we’ve covered a breathtaking range of topics — from brain-computer interfaces and genomics, to design thinking, cloud architecture, and vibe coding. We’ve blended hard tech with human-centered thinking. We’ve invited leaders from across industries to share their experiences, and we’ve given our members a chance to explore ideas they might never have encountered elsewhere.
Each session has been guided by one principle: curiosity without pressure. No sales pitches. No hidden agendas. Just a room full of people who love technology and want to understand where it’s going next.
Building a Culture of Connection
What’s made us most proud is how naturally collaboration has emerged from this community. We’ve seen members connect at meetups and later celebrate new jobs, new partnerships, and new opportunities. Some have made career pivots into technology. Others have discovered mentors or peers who’ve helped them grow.
As Jason Martin put it during our anniversary podcast, one of the proudest accomplishments of the SoCal Tech Forum is seeing those real-world outcomes. The people who came in looking for a way into tech and found not just a path, but a community to walk it with.
Jordan Zarate echoed that sentiment, pointing to the diversity of our members. We’re not just developers or IT professionals. Our audience includes data scientists, accountants, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and students, all united by a shared curiosity about technology and its impact on the world.
That diversity has become one of our greatest strengths. It’s what allows our discussions to bridge ideas across industries and disciplines and it’s what makes every meetup feel alive with possibility.
The Power of Consistency
Another thing I’m proud of: we show up. Every single month, rain or shine, we meet on the first Saturday, creating a rhythm and reliability that has built trust with our members. Consistency might not be flashy, but it’s the foundation of community.
Over the last two years, that consistency has allowed us to grow not only our membership but also our impact. We’ve earned over 150 five-star reviews on Meetup. Our TechConnect Podcast has expanded our reach to an even wider audience. And through the support of our sponsors, we’ve been able to maintain our “no-cost to members” model, ensuring that anyone with curiosity and passion can join, regardless of their background.
Behind the scenes, our board has also been hard at work formalizing our nonprofit status, establishing governance policies, and building a sustainable foundation for growth. Jordan has led the way in setting up financial and operational structures that ensure we use every sponsorship dollar responsibly. Jason has been instrumental in shaping our branding, outreach, and event marketing by bringing two decades of marketing experience to the table. And together, we’ve worked to create a professional organization that’s true to its community roots.
Favorite Moments and Milestones
When we reflect on the journey, it’s impossible not to highlight some of the moments that defined who we are as a community.
Jason mentioned that one of his favorite sessions was on genomics, a field he knew little about before that day. It was a reminder of what makes our events special. We give the opportunity to dive into a subject far outside your comfort zone and still walk away inspired.
Jordan highlighted our Design Thinking Workshop, which turned a group of engineers and data scientists into creative problem solvers, sketching ideas on the walls of FoundrSpace. It wasn’t just a lecture. It was an interactive experience that helped our members bring design frameworks back to their own work.
And personally, I’ll never forget that early AI session, where most people in the room were hearing about generative AI for the first time. Two years later, nearly every company represented at our meetups is experimenting with AI in some form. That’s the pace of innovation, and our members are living it in real time.
We’ve also built meaningful partnerships. From local city representatives and educators to private-sector sponsors and entrepreneurs, the SoCal Tech Forum has become a hub that connects communities that rarely meet under one roof.
Through our executive mixers, podcast episodes, and monthly discussions, we’ve been able to showcase voices across industries — and in doing so, help build a more connected Southern California tech ecosystem.
Where We’re Headed
Two years is a great milestone, but it’s also just the beginning.
As we look ahead to 2026, our path remains clear: to build a community that’s bigger than any one person, event, or board. The SoCal Tech Forum should be a lasting institution that continues to grow and evolve, driven by its members and supported by a shared sense of purpose.
Here’s what we’re most excited about in the year ahead:
1. Expanding Partnerships and Collaborations
As Jordan shared on the podcast, there’s enormous potential in partnering with educational institutions, economic development organizations, and local governments throughout the Inland Empire. We’ve already seen early signs of collaboration from local cities, community colleges, and universities. In the next year, we’ll look to deepen those relationships, not just as sponsors, but as partners in workforce development, innovation, and education.
We envision programs that connect students and early professionals with experienced mentors in the tech industry. We want to support local entrepreneurship and help businesses in the region tap into the growing AI and digital economy.
2. Empowering the Next Wave of Leaders
Jason put it best: we’ve built a strong foundation, and now it’s time to find and empower the next generation of leaders within our community.
In the coming year, we plan to launch a Tech Forum Ambassador Program — a group of dedicated members who help us connect with new speakers, build awareness, and foster engagement across the region. Our goal is to create more leadership opportunities for members who want to get involved, whether that’s helping organize events, hosting discussions, or mentoring others.
The more people who can represent and extend the mission of the SoCal Tech Forum, the more impact we can have.
3. Deepening Our Focus on Responsible Technology
As we continue to explore emerging technologies like AI, we also have a responsibility to understand their broader implications.
During our anniversary podcast, we discussed the growing energy and environmental impact of generative AI workloads. We talked about the importance of designing architecture responsibly, using efficient models, optimizing compute resources, and considering the carbon footprint of our innovations.
We also touched on the ethical and societal implications of AI; from data governance and trust to mental health and policy. These are not side conversations anymore; they’re core to the future of technology.
In the year ahead, expect to see more sessions that tackle these topics head-on, as we work to equip our members with the knowledge and frameworks to lead responsibly in this new era of innovation.
4. Sustaining Our Growth
We’ve achieved a lot with minimal marketing and our growth has been almost entirely organic. That’s something we’re proud of, and something we intend to preserve.
But we also know that with growth comes new challenges: maintaining quality, managing logistics, and continuing to provide high-value experiences for our members. As we expand our events, podcast, and partnerships, we’ll be investing in systems and volunteers that help us stay organized and focused.
We’re also committed to keeping our meetups free and accessible to all members. That’s only possible through the continued support of our sponsors — and we’re incredibly grateful for their partnership.
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
As we celebrate two years, it’s only right that we close by thanking the organizations that have made this all possible.
Verizon Business has been an incredible partner from the beginning — supporting us not just financially, but through their engagement and belief in our mission. Verizon’s commitment to innovation and community building aligns perfectly with what we stand for.
Our newest sponsor, iT1, has quickly become a valued ally, offering technology services that help organizations of all sizes scale effectively. We’re excited to continue building our partnership with them in the coming year.
A special thank you also goes to Klatch Coffee, our local Rancho Cucamonga coffee roaster. Klatch has supported us from day one. Their coffee has fueled countless early morning meetups and conversations, and we’re proud to have them as part of our community.
Foundrspace has provided us with a home and a consistent space where we can host events, record podcasts, and grow our operations. Their support has been invaluable in helping us run a professional, sustainable nonprofit.
And finally, Hueman Studio, the creative team behind our website and this podcast. Their design work, technical support, and production expertise have helped bring our digital presence to life.
Each of these partners has played a vital role in helping us grow from an idea to a true institution in the Southern California tech ecosystem.
A Closing Note of Gratitude
When we think about what makes the SoCal Tech Forum special, it’s not just the topics or the speakers, it’s the people. It’s the energy in the room when a group of engineers, founders, designers, and dreamers come together to learn something new. It’s the kindness and curiosity that define our members. It’s the belief that community still matters, even in a digital world.
Two years ago, we set out to build a space for tech professionals in the Inland Empire. Today, we’ve built something far greater; a community of thinkers, makers, and innovators who are shaping the future of technology in Southern California.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for showing up, for sharing your knowledge, and for believing in what we’re building together.
Here’s to another incredible year ahead — filled with learning, connection, and growth.
See you at the next meetup!
About the SoCal Tech Forum
The SoCal Tech Forum: Building a Community of Innovators
The SoCal Tech Forum was founded with a vision to create a dynamic and inclusive space for technology enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and students. Based in the Inland Empire, a region brimming with untapped potential, the forum serves as a centralized platform where individuals can come together, gain valuable experience presenting their ideas, and learn from seasoned speakers. Our mission is to amplify technology growth and foster entrepreneurship within the Inland Empire and beyond.
With over 400 members and growing, the SoCal Tech Forum is the premier hub for tech-minded individuals from across Southern California. Our community thrives on the hunger for knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. Each month, we host engaging meetups that feature diverse topics ranging from blockchain and artificial intelligence to business strategies for startups and beyond. By adapting our format regularly, we ensure our events remain fresh, relevant, and tailored to the interests of our members.
At the SoCal Tech Forum, we value feedback from our community to guide the topics we explore. Whether you're delving into highly technical subjects or engaging with non-technical content, our events promise something valuable for everyone. Together, we aim to elevate education, spark meaningful discussions, and tackle challenges that drive the tech ecosystem forward.
