Only a few months ago, Viking and I participated in the first London geek dinner. Almost 200 people showed up to “network”, and it seems like the second geek dinner will attract almost the same number.

The geek dinner last night in Brussels was just fabulous. Less than 20 geeks and Robert Scoble as a special guest. Can it be any better?

I do respect Scoble (and Maryam) for their commitment. If I had to travel like them through Europe, I’m not quite sure I would bring up the energy to meet and talk all day with just anyone who wants to participate in the conversation. That’s what true evangelism is all about. That’s why Scoble is where he is, and not someone else.

It was nice to meet some Belgian Microsoft employees (Tom, David-thx for organizing-) and the community (Wim, Jelle, Will and Joris) around it. Because of Doppler, Viking and I are part of that community. Some usual suspects showed up as well: Luc, Miel, Fréderic, Maarten, Bart Liegebeest, Bart Kopjekoffie and Peter.

I see these dinners as a medium. You can use them the way you want it, for any goal and for any reason. I liked last night because of the vibe (and I’m quit sure that’s part of every successful dinner/party). It’s about meeting the other, and feel passionate about that.

These dinners are also mind food for me. I learned to learn from studying and analyzing other people. And that’s why Scoble and the other geeks are important to me. They bring my knowledge to a higher level and we share the same passion.

I guess thinking like that is a state of mind and a way of life. It’s my choice. And I like it.

Tatatatatata… all geeks in Belgium, please listen!
David Boschman is happy to announce:

What: Brussels Geek Dinner with Robert & Maryam Scoble
Date: December 8th 2005
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Serenata, Zaventem (MSN Maps)
Who is welcome?: Everyone!
Reserve your seat via David.

(Picture: left Scoble – right Hugh @ London Geek dinner)
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The day after.

Some people were joking about the fact that we (the Doppies) were taking the Eurostar to London, “just for a Geek dinner”. I have to agree: it’s really geeky to do so.

Was it worth the trip? Well, it was. For me a geek dinner equals to a mini conference.

I met some interesting people. Of course there was number one Geek blogger Robert Scoble from Microsoft. He mentioned some interesting things during his speech. “Is he protected by his superiors?” Yes he is. “How does he know how far he can go in his role as a blogger?” He said: If you push a bit, you get pushed back a bit, but if you push too hard, it will come back to you the same way. And also: “Will you be sued one day?”, to which he replied: “Yes, I just don’t know when”.
It must be tough (and feel like an explorer discovering new grounds): being Robert Scoble.

Hugh MacLeod was the co-host of the event. For a marketeer, he’s a really down to earth guy. He’s got this really special gift: drawn a concept, an idea or even a conversation on a paper the size of a business card. He deserves a place in the book shop near Dilbert. When I rethink that: Dilbert is out. Hugh is in.

Another great blogger I got to meet was Neville Hobson, also known from the excellent podcast “For Immediate Release: The Hobson & Holtz Report”. Neville is a “real” communicator. I like his approach of communication: communicate today, but think tomorrow. He’s going to be an A-list blogger soon. No frozen margaritas for him. He’s into Palm (Belgian beer), but he promised to try something stronger next time he’s coming over to Belgium. Get ready for Duvel (devil) and Delirium Tremens Neville.

I exchanged business card (need to make my own cards really soon) with Bruce Marshall, got some beers from David Topping (he’s going to blog very soon now) and met the guy who describes us as “two employees of Doppler”. Great. There’s only the two of us, you already know I’m not the programmer, so hey, I must be the CEO… hehe..

So what’s this geek dinner all about?
It’s about being part of “a” conversation. And that conversation it most of the time (and to much) situated in the US. We had to go to London, but hey, it’s a small world after all.

Doppies & Margaritas, by Mahadewa.