In a conversation with an out-of-stater earlier this week, I was asked what’s going on in the Michigan technology community, and what were the groups to connect with?

I rattled off a few, and started Googling for a list, figuring this had to be documented already. But I didn’t spot anything immediately. So here’s my first stab at a list of technology organizations in Michigan (particularly southeast Michigan), and please add comments with additional resources. I look forward to hearing about your favorite technology networking groups!

Networking “Groups” for Technology Entrepreneurs

• Digital Edge - Connecting Michigan’s Digital Entrepreneurs With a World of Resources (with some emphasis on those seeking capital)
• Michigan Innovators - A video blog of Michigan companies in the Global Innovation Economy, with real-world events in the making
• SPARK - Promotes the economic development of innovation-based businesses in the Ann Arbor region by offering programs, great resources, and more
• MSBTDC - Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center - Although not limited to technology, they have been a huge resource for us, so this list wouldn’t be complete without them!
• New Enterprise Forum - Also not exclusively focused on technology, but a place where you’ll find technology companies making their pitch for investment

Networking “Groups” for Technologists (and friends)

• A2B3 - Possibly THE networking event for job seekers and posters in technology in Ann Arbor, even though (or perhaps because) it’s one of the most informal
• Open Coffee Networking Group a group organized by SPARK for entrepreneurs to network in an informal environment (over coffee once a month in a morning), again not limited to technology, but given Ann Arbor’s environment, it includes several technology types

Niche Technology-ish Groups You Might Find PV’ers and Friends at:

• Southeast Michigan Ruby Users Group - a gathering of local Ruby enthusiasts
• Ann Arbor Drupal Users Group - a monthly meeting for the proficient and just curious about Drupal, an open source content management system
• Web Analytics Wednesday (looks like there’s not a current event scheduled, but should be soon)
• Michigan Usability Professionals Association chapter meetings - a group of user experience design, usability, and information architecture folks, meets almost monthly. Current officers include PV’s very own User Experiologist Mike Beasley and our Director of Happiness, Dunrie Greiling
• Agile Groupies - an informal networking group for those practicing and those interested in agile methods
• Refresh-Detroit - monthly forum for web professionals promoting standards, usability, and accessibility in the Ann Arbor/SE Michigan area

Annual Technology-ish Events

• Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship - an annual event celebrating and promoting innovative technology commercialization and development opportunities in Michigan
• Internet User Experience - an annual conference highlighting methods to improve website user experience, 5th annual event will occur winter 2009
• Startup Weekend - coming to Ann Arbor in June, 2008
• ArbCamp - an unconference social media event (our writeup of the last one) - next time and location TBD
• Agile Coach Camp an unconference on agile development, May 30-June 1, 2008