What is ChiTAH?
There is a real need for more opportunities for informal networking within the Chicago technology community, especially in the suburbs. To address this need, a new networking series called Chicago Tech After Hours (or ChiTAH, pronounced “cheetah”) was created in 2009. The goal of ChiTAH is simple: to help make lasting business connections within the technology community in a casual, fun atmosphere.

The Huguelet Group LLC is one of the founding supporters of ChiTAH.

What Does a ChiTAH Event Look Like?
ChiTAH events currently take place about four times a year at various locations around Chicagoland. A typical ChiTAH event has a business-casual atmosphere and dress code. There is no 'presentation' during the event - just informal networking opportunities without a particular structure. As such, attendees are encouraged to come whenever they are available and stay as long as they want. Refreshments and appetizers are usually the responsibility of attendees in a 'cash bar' scenario. There is no cost to attend a ChiTAH event.

When is the Next ChiTAH? How do I RSVP?
ChiTAH 006 will take place on Monday, 11 April 2011 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Brick House Tavern + Tap at 1461 Butterfield Road in Downers Grove (630.963.1104) - conveniently located near I-88, I-355, I-55, and I-294:

http://brickhousetavernandtap.com/locations/brick-house-downers-grove/

There is no cost to attend; just bring plenty of business cards and a willingness to help other members of the Chicago technology community while helping yourself. However, ChiTAH 006 is limited to 100 attendees and an RSVP is required, which can be obtained at:

http://chitah.eventwax.com/chitah-april-11-2011

As a courtesy to other potential attendees, please register for ChiTAH 006 only if you are reasonably confident you will be able to attend. Due to the number of community members that typically want to attend ChiTAH events, RSVPing and then not attending two consecutive ChiTAH events may limit your ability to register for future ChiTAHs. If after registering you learn that you cannot attend, please send an email to info AT chitah DOT org to let us know and your space will be offered to another community member. Thank you for your consideration!

Once registered, you may add this event to your LinkedIn Profile at:

http://events.linkedin.com/ChiTAH-006-Chicago-Tech-After-Hours/pub/611311

How Do I Stay Informed About Future ChiTAH Events?
Although free, ChiTAH events typically "sell out" of space within 48 hours of being announced. Therefore, we encourage interested parties to join the ChiTAH mailing list so as to be the first to get ChiTAH announcements and updates:

How Can I Interact with the Chicago Tech Community via ChiTAH?
Besides attending ChiTAH events, please consider joining the ChiTAH group on LinkedIn at:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1871433

as well as following us on Twitter at @ChiTechAfterHrs.

Does ChiTAH Provide Formal or Informal Sponsorship Opportunities?
Some of our founding members have been involved in running other networking groups and in those roles spent considerable time trying to identify formal (i.e., paid) sponsors for their events. For an informal group such as ChiTAH, this tends to reduce the frequency of events. As such, ChiTAH does not actively seek formal sponsors.

However, at each ChiTAH we typically have 2 to 4 tables reserved for companies to use in an 'informal sponsorship' capacity. If your company would be interested in utilizing one of these tables at an upcoming ChiTAH to tell its story to the Chicago tech community, please contact us via e-mail at the address below. Tables are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Who Do I Contact for More Information about ChiTAH?
For more information on ChiTAH, send an e-mail to info AT chitah DOT org. Feel free to pass the word about ChiTAH along to other like-minded members of the Chicago tech community.