How to Meet People in Birmingham Tech: Birmingham Tech Network (BTN)

Working in tech in Birmingham but don't know many people outside your own team? Startups, agencies, and tech teams across the city mean there's no shortage of people to meet - the hard part is finding a genuinely friendly, informal way to actually meet them.

This guide covers the best way to meet people in Birmingham's tech industry, and introduces Birmingham Tech Network (BTN) - OkGather's gathering for tech professionals in the city.

What is the best way to meet people in tech in Birmingham?

The best way to meet people in Birmingham's tech industry is over drinks at a relaxed, informal gathering built specifically for tech professionals, rather than a stiff, formal networking event. Birmingham Tech Network (BTN), run by OkGather, brings tech professionals together at a friendly bar in the city, with none of the awkward "hand out business cards" energy of a traditional networking night.

Birmingham's tech scene spans everyone from startup founders to software engineers, product managers, and UX designers at established companies, based across areas like the Colmore Business District, Digbeth, and Brindleyplace. Searching for tech meetups in Birmingham or networking for developers usually turns up formal events that can feel transactional and hard to actually enjoy. Meeting people over drinks at a welcoming, low-pressure gathering makes it far easier to have a real conversation and actually remember who you met.

What is Birmingham Tech Network (BTN)?

Birmingham Tech Network (BTN) is an OkGather gathering for people working in tech in Birmingham - software engineers, product managers, UX designers, founders, and anyone else in the industry - who want to meet others over drinks in a friendly, informal setting. It's one of OkGather's regularly organised gathering themes, hosted at a central Birmingham bar.

BTN isn't a pitch night, a conference, or a formal meetup with speakers and an agenda - it's simply a relaxed evening at the bar with other people who work in tech in Birmingham. No stage, no name badges, no forced icebreakers - just good conversation over a drink.

How does OkGather's Birmingham Tech Network work?

OkGather's Birmingham Tech Network works by hosting regular gatherings at a bar in Birmingham exclusively for OkGather members, who join with a single membership rather than booking each gathering individually.

Key things to know about BTN gatherings:

• One Membership, Every Gathering: Sign up once and attend as many BTN gatherings (and any other OkGather gathering) as you like - no per-event tickets or booking fees.
• 20% Off at the Venue: Show your OkGather member profile at the bar and get 20% off food and drinks at the gathering.
• Friendly, Informal Atmosphere: BTN is built around relaxed conversation over drinks, not formal networking or pitching.
• Birmingham-Focused: BTN is specifically for people working in or around Birmingham's tech industry.

How do I start attending Birmingham Tech Network gatherings?

You can start attending Birmingham Tech Network gatherings by creating a free OkGather account, becoming a member for unlimited access, and then browsing and joining an upcoming BTN gathering that fits your schedule.

Follow these three simple steps:

1. Create Your Account: Visit the Birmingham Tech Network page and sign up in under 60 seconds.
2. Become a Member: Subscribe for unlimited access to every gathering OkGather runs, including BTN.
3. Browse & Join: Find an upcoming Birmingham Tech Network gathering, RSVP, and show up. Show your member profile at the venue for 20% off food and drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birmingham Tech Network

Who is Birmingham Tech Network for?

BTN is for anyone working in Birmingham's tech industry - software engineers, developers, product managers, UX designers, founders, and everyone in between - who wants to meet other people in tech over drinks in a friendly, informal setting.

Is Birmingham Tech Network a formal networking event?

No. BTN is a relaxed, informal gathering at a bar - there are no speakers, pitches, or structured networking exercises. It's simply a friendly space to meet other people who work in tech.

Is OkGather free to use for Birmingham Tech Network?

OkGather isn't free to join, but it's simple: a single membership gives you unlimited access to every gathering OkGather runs, including Birmingham Tech Network, plus 20% off food and drinks at the venue.

How do I meet other people in tech in Birmingham if I don't know anyone yet?

Join Birmingham Tech Network on OkGather. Becoming a member gives you access to every upcoming BTN gathering - just pick one that fits your schedule, show up, and start talking.