How We’re Growing a Thriving Tech Scene in a Small City

People are always surprised when we tell them there’s a thriving tech scene in Marquette, Michigan. If you live in a smaller city, you’ve probably heard the same reaction - like tech can only exist in major hubs. But that’s just not true. A strong tech community can grow anywhere, and we’ve seen it happen firsthand.

We took the 'build it and they will come' approach when starting our Monthly Tech Meetups in Marquette, MI.

The Myth of Urban Exclusivity

When we first considered starting a tech meetup in our small town, we were actually told by folks in the area "There aren't enough tech professionals here.”

The reality proved decidedly different. Remote work has fundamentally changed the landscape of where tech professionals can live. Many skilled tech workers have left urban centers for small cities and towns, seeking lower costs of living, natural surroundings, and different lifestyles.These professionals bring valuable knowledge and experiences, yet often lack the community connections they previously enjoyed in tech hubs.

Our monthly meetups now regularly draw 10-20 attendees - a significant turnout for our area's population. Attendees include software engineers working remotely for major companies, local business owners building tech solutions, self-taught programmers seeking connections and mentorship, and recent college grads from the local University’s Cybersecurity and CS programs.

Building Relationships Through Consistency

Creating a successful tech community in a small city benefits from a more tailored approach than perhaps that used in a big city. While mass marketing helps spread awareness, we've found that personalized outreach yields the strongest results. People value the personal touch - initial one on one invitations, thoughtful check-ins, and meaningful follow-ups. These meaningful relationships and consistent presence form the foundation of our success.

We commit to:

• Holding events on a predictable schedule (same day each month)
• Remembering and referencing personal details and projects
• Connecting people with similar interests outside of formal events

Designing for Neurodiversity and Engagement

People are tired of traditional networking events. Walking into a noisy, crowded room and struggling to break into conversations can be exhausting, especially after a long day of work.  Instead, we are looking to create events that are exciting and fulfilling for folks, which has meant rethinking the entire format of our tech meetups.

Our events incorporate:

• Short presentations balanced with social components
• Game nights offering attendees a relaxed environment for connection and collaboration
• Opportunities to get outdoors and join others in accessible outdoor activities

Leveraging Local Advantages

Small cities provide remarkable settings for tech communities with their own distinctive vibe. Our approach focuses on embracing and showcasing these local advantages, creating experiences that authentically reflect our community's unique environment.

Our location in northern Michigan provides:

• Access to stunning natural settings for outdoor activities
• Locally run venues with character and flexibility
• More opportunities to collaborate with local businesses
• Stronger connections to local government and economic development

We incorporate outdoor activities seasonally - from summer hikes to winter cross-country skiing followed by warm drinks and tech talks. These unique formats create memorable experiences and deeper connections than standard meetups.

Supporting the Local Ecosystem

Our tech meetup serves not just individual professionals but the broader local economy. We intentionally structure our community to highlight and support local businesses.

This includes:

• Utilizing different local venues for meetings
• Spotlighting local tech companies through presentations
• Connecting skilled professionals with local businesses needing technical expertise
• Partnering with economic development organizations to strengthen the local tech ecosystem
• Creating opportunities for local students to learn about tech careers

This approach creates a great cycle: local businesses benefit from access to tech talent, tech professionals discover local opportunities, and the community gains a more resilient economy.

Lessons for Other Small-Town Tech Communities

For those considering starting a tech meetup in a small city, we’d suggest several key principles:

• Start small but consistent - Regular gatherings with even a handful of people build momentum over time
• Create structure - Provide clear frameworks for interaction that respect different comfort levels
• Embrace local uniqueness - Don't try to be an imitation of urban tech events
• Build genuine relationships - Take time to understand each participant's needs and interests
• Partner strategically - Connect with local businesses, schools, and economic development organizations

The effort to build a tech community in a small city requires patience and persistence. The first few events may draw small crowds, and growth happens gradually. However, the impact extends beyond the tech community itself to strengthen the entire local ecosystem.

Our experience confirms that vibrant tech communities can thrive anywhere people live and work - not just in major tech hubs. The key lies in approaching community-building with intentionality, consistency, and a genuine commitment to serving the specific needs of local tech professionals.

‍