Do you make stuff with your hands and like to hangout with those that do too? Come out to Hackforge on Thursdays at 7PM to meet with other makers, work on your project, or get inspired.
What is a maker? A maker is a person who likes to build and craft things with their hands and minds. It could be with electronics, 3d printers, art or just simply crafting with beads.
?Board Game Night: Pen/Paper RPGs
Friday, July 13 @ 7PM Facebook | Meetup
Curious about pen and paper roleplaying games? Familiar but want to try something new? Sign up for a one-session collaborative storytelling game. Registration is necessary to ensure yourself a seat, but is open to anyone.
? Maker Workshop: CAD in Fusion 360
Saturday, July 14 @ 12PM Facebook | Meetup
Please join us for a Maker Workshop covering Fusion 360. We’ll cover some basic techniques on sketching and some modifications to solids. To participate just bring your laptop with Fusion 360 installed and updated. You can download a free 30-day trial of Fusion 360 here.
☁ AWS Users Group: Summer Fun – Planning our Fall Project!
Monday, July 16 @ 7PM Facebook | Meetup
Coming this fall, we are going to be starting a fun project, involving many different areas of AWS! On July 16th, we’ll reveal the project, and show off some of the pieces we’ll be putting together. Everyone will be involved in building a part of the solution, so come on out and find out what’s in store!
? ? Museum Technology Users Group: Telling Stories with Maps
Tuesday, July 24 @ 7PM Facebook | Meetup
The Museum Technology User Group (MTUG), co-organized with the South Western Ontario Heritage Council (SWOHC) is a meet-up for arts, culture and heritage sector workers who would like to learn more about technology and its applications in galleries, libraries, archives, museums, and heritage organizations. The group will meet to discuss tools and how to use them, what resources are available and even explore hands-on activities.
This month, we’ll be exploring learning how to tell stories with maps! We’ll go over web mapping tools such as Google Fusion Tables and CARTO and have a hands-on activity using History Pin.
?Software Guild: Town Hall
Wednesday, July 25 @ 7PM Facebook | Meetup
Software Guild needs a new direction and a new focus. If you want to get involved in deciding the direction our community of programmers takes – the tech we focus on, the types of events we have – join us.
TechBoost Workshops in July
TechBoost: Cyber Security for Small Business
Thursday, July 12 @ 5:30pm Register | Facebook
Essex County Library – LaSalle Branch, 5950 Malden Rd, Windsor, Ontario
Do you worry that your business is not as secure as it could be? Do you need to hire a security consultant and want to know what to ask for? Do you want to be prepared in the event of a security breach? By the end of this workshop, you’ll understand what parts of your business you need to protect, what are the risks and and threats, and how to identify and monitor tools to address these threats. You’ll come away with some steps you can take to make your business more secure.
TechBoost: Office Automation with Google Apps
Monday, July 16, 2018 @ 5:30pm Register | Facebook
Libro Community Centre and Library, 1925 South Middle Road, South Woodslee, Ontario
Do you need a more efficient and affordable way to manage your business’s files, calendar, and customers? Do you need flexible tools to collaborate with your team in real-time? Do you want to be able to access your company’s tools and data anywhere, anytime and on any device? This workshop, part of the TechBoost Program, is for owners or employees of small business who want to know what G-Suite is, what tools and products are available and ways you can utilize the best ones to automate and enhance your business processes.
TechBoost: Up and Running with Shopify
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 @ 5:30pm Register | Facebook
Essex County Library – LaSalle Branch, 5950 Malden Rd, Windsor, Ontario
Does the idea of setting up your online store seem way too time-consuming? Are you worried you might not set up your online store correctly? Do you want a rundown of how to get your store up and running and how to maximize the features available on Shopify? By the end of this workshop, you’ll have your Shopify account set up and know how to choose a theme, customize your theme, add products and manage shipping.
Building Effective Websites with WordPress
Thursday, July 19, 2018 @ 5:30pm Register | Facebook
Essex County Library – LaSalle Branch, 5950 Malden Rd, Windsor, Ontario
Do you need to create a website for your business, but not sure what platform or service to use? Have you heard about WordPress, or even tried it and feel overwhelmed by what’s involved? Do you have an out-of-date website and want to update it with a fresh and elegant design? This workshop will help you to determine what you want a website to do for your business. It will also explore the options to build it yourself or to engage professionals.
Facebook Marketing 101 for Business
Wednesday, July 25 @ 5:30pm Register | Facebook
Essex County Library – LaSalle Branch, 5950 Malden Rd, Windsor, Ontario
Not sure what to be posting on Facebook? Or further… How to create that content? Looking for an easy way to find clients online? By the end of this workshop, participants will have a series of content ideas for their own social media marketing, the tools to create this content and a clear plan on how to utilize Facebook to grow their business and clientele. TechBoost: The Cloud: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Thursday, July 26, 2018 @ 5:30pm Register | Facebook
Essex County Library – LaSalle Branch, 5950 Malden Rd, Windsor, Ontario
What’s available for small business and how do I choose?
Straight Outta the Cloud! Update your numbers, log your inventory, track your staff hours, pay your bills and so much more. Cloud systems are rapidly expanding and giving small business owners back their time to work ON their business and NOT IN their business. By the end of this workshop, participants will understand what the tech world has to offer not only their accounting but apps and integrations that are game changers for small business owners.
Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon Saturday, March 11: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hackforge, Arts Council Windsor & Region and The School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor invite people of all gender identities to take part in Windsor, Ontario’s first Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon!
This event is made possible by the Computer Girls program,coding classes for women by women. In partnership with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, these classes are taught by female professional computer programmers with the aim to get more women interested in coding. Reserve your spot & learn more here
Hackforge Annual General Meeting Monday, March 13: 7:00PM
Windsor Hackforge will hold it’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 255 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario. At this meeting, all members deemed to be in good standing by the Managing Director as of March 1st, 2017 are eligible to vote in the election of Directors and Volunteer Representatives. More Detail Here Facebook Event
Board Game Night
Tuesday, March 14: 6:00 PM – 10:00PM
Join us for a night of board games and card games from 6-10PM. This event is free and open to everyone. If you’re new to board games, we encourage you to come by as we will have trusty Hackforgers there to help get you started. Facebook Event
Grand Circus Intro to Coding Workshop
Wednesday, March 15: 6:00PM – 9:00PM
Join us March 15th as we host a *free* Intro to Code Workshop with Grand Circus at Hackforge in Windsor. We’ll introduce you to the basics of programming in this three-hour class. JavaScript is the most widely used programming language in the world. Explore what it takes to use code through hands-on exercises and instructor-led lessons.
RSVP at goo.gl/36mg7Z
Open Coding Night Monday, March 20: 7:00 PM
Working on a project? Need to bounce ideas off other programmers? Bring your laptop and get coding! Great event for beginners as well! Tutorials will be available and the event is facilitated a real life computer programmer. Facebook Event
Project Management Group: the First Meeting! Wednesday, March 22: 7:00PM
This group is for all professionals from any industry, and business owners to come together and exchange ideas and good practices in Project Management, Agile Product Development and Process Improvement, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Let’s get connected and brainstorm on what we want to discuss and see happening in this group. Facebook Event
HTML & CSS: Free Coding Class for Women
Saturday, March 25: 1:00 – 3:00PM
A match made in heaven! Come learn how to bring together these two programming languages into a functional, stylish way. Perfect for beginners. Bring your laptop to this free workshop.
Computer Girls is coding classes for women by women. In partnership with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST), these classes are taught by female professional computer programmers with the aim to get more women interested in coding. Reserve Your Spot Here Facebook Event
The Great Canadian Game Project March Meetup Sunday, March 26: 1pm – 4pm
The game jam is on from February 1 to July 1! Participants have 150 days to conceive and create a game that is proudly Canadian! Drop by the monthly meetup to discuss your ideas, ask questions, watch tutorials from mentors to help you get started, find existing projects to join, see progress of other developers and more!
More information to be updated at http://canada150game.ca/ Facebook Event
Border City Data: Organize! Intro to Google Forms
Monday, March 27: 7:00PM
Google Forms are easy to use, easy to collaborate, and already part of your Gmail account. Join us for a beginner friendly introduction to collecting data with Google Forms, a cloud based version of Excel. Perfect for small businesses, students, and those in the non-profit world! Facebook Event
Software Guild: Let’s Encrypt! RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL
Wednesday, March 29th: 7:00 – 9:00PM
It’s over-the-wire encryption night at Hackforge! Join John Haldeman and Randy Topliffe to gain an understanding of how encrypted websites with HTTPS work and get some practical advice on how to encrypt your own websites with Let’s Encrypt. Facebook Event
How to Build a Better Tech Community Thursday, March 30th: 7:00 – 8:30PM
We’re pleased to present Marlin Williams, TechTown Detroit’s Diversity and Inclusion Entrepreneur-In-Residence to speak on her experiences and advice for companies and teams. After, we will host a panel discussion with Ms. Williams; Elana Freeman, a project manager for Thyssenkrupp; Lori Dunford, a local computer programmer, and Sarah Mushtaq, an MBA candidate at the Odette School of Business.
While focused in the tech industry, the practical steps discussed can be applied to any organization looking to improve gender and racial diversity.
This is the final event under the Computer Girls initiative, in partnership with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training INC. (WEST), funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Join us after the panel discussion for a small reception for the program.
Board Game Night Tuesday, January 10: 6:00 – 9:00PM
Join us for a night of board games and card games from 6-10PM. This event is free and open to everyone. If you’re new to board games, we encourage you to come by as we will have trusty Hackforgers there to help get you started.
We’ll have a games like Smash Up, Small World, The Resistance, and more. Bring your favourite game (that can be played in less than four hours)! Facebook Event
Member Day: Two New Rooms!
Saturday, January 14: 1:00PM
Hackforge Members are invited to join us for a tour of our two new rooms! Check out the renovated basement and let’s talk about a better workshop and classroom space, plus plans for 2017.
Facebook Event
Open Coding Night Wednesday, January 18: 7:00PM
Working on a project? Need to bounce ideas off other programmers? Bring your laptop and get coding! Great event for beginners as well. Tutorials will be available and the event is facilitated a real life computer programmer. Facebook Event
Border City Data Monday, January 23: 7:00PM
Border City Data is a new interest group focused on data and databases. Our initial meeting will focus on a practical introduction to SQL. The Structured Query Language is one of the most common ways that users interact with databases, and it’s an essential skill for all kinds of professionals who work with data. Facebook Event
Software Guild Wednesday, January 25: 7:00 – 9:00PM
Nerd-o-meter: Beginner/Intermediate
Through the magic of Space Cats and Pizza, we’ll be set on a marvellous journey exploring Javascript’s this keyword. We’ll be learning how to bend it to our every will, all the while avoiding its radioactive pitfalls. Space-cadets of all ranks are welcome to come aboard! Even the most experienced space surfer might pick up a few new cheesy curds of knowledge. We’ll be boarding soon, so don’t delay! Come join us on this epic journey through the space-time of this.
Also!
Looking to get your business or idea off the ground? Sara Alhasan from Ontario Centres of Excellence will be giving a short talk about their entrepreneurship programs, what they offer, and how to apply. Facebook Event
Winter Hackathon Open to University of Windsor Undergraduate and Graduate students Friday, January 27 to 29 2016
The University of Windsor’s Computer Science Department and Windsor Hackforge are teaming up for Winter Hackathon. Open to undergraduate and graduate students from the University, this weekend hackathon will test skills with creative challenges using data from the community and industry. More Details Here / Facebook Event Register NOW as a participant, volunteer, or mentor
Order of the Indie Game Developers: Great Canadian Game Jam Brainstorm Monday, January 30: 7:00PM
A Game Jam is a group of people planning, designing, and creating one or more games. January’s meetup, we will be giving an introduction to Game Jams and host a brainstorming session to what one spread across 2017 would look like. We’re inviting video game developers, artists, writers, and fans to join in the process. Facebook Event
Book Club: Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem (2006) Tuesday, January 31: 7:00PM
Liu Cixin’s science fiction novel The Three Body Problem was a smash hit bestseller in China, and has finally been translated into English by Ken Liu. It’s a mind-bending tale of politics, aliens and gaming. Join us for a discussion of this Hugo Award winning novel. Facebook Event Amazon | Chapters
**NB: Due to the holidays,Windsor-Essex .NET Developers will not be meeting in January**
Windsor-Essex .NET Developers: Running .NET in Docker Tuesday, November 1: 6:30PM
Join Nik as he shows how to start running your .NET applications in a Docker Container. Full .NET Framework on Windows or .NET Core on Linux. You now have options! The wonderful folks at Microsoft have sponsored this event with Subway. Find out more here
DIY Audio Group Wednesday, November 9: 7:00 PM Microphones, amps, synthesizers, oh my! Come out to learn all about sound. Whether you’re interested from a music or electronics perspective, there is something for everyone. Facebook Event
Computer Girls: Beginner’s Guide to Twitter Saturday, November 12: 2:00 – 4:00PM
Ever wanted to start your own Twitter account? Want to learn more about the features within this popular social media platform? Come out to a casual workshop and get tweeting! Bring a smartphone or laptop.
Computer Girls is an initiative to get more women in technology – from beginners to professionals. This program is in collaboration with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Due to the intention of the program, emphasis and priority is given to women, but anyone is welcome. Register here!
Board Game Night Tuesday, November 15: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Join us for a night of board games and card games from 6-10PM. This event is free and open to everyone. If you’re new to board games, we encourage you to come by as we will have trusty Hackforgers there to help get you started. Facebook Event
Open Coding Night Wednesday, November 16: 7:00 – 9:00PM
Working on a project? Need to bounce ideas off other programmers? Want to just practice coding in a supportive environment? Bring your laptop and get coding! Tutorials are available for beginners looking to get started in programmer. Facebook Event
Electronics Club: Hack the Vending Machine Saturday, November 19: 1:00 – 4:00PM
Early in 2016, Hackforge bought a Rowe International Model 5900 JR vending machine on the cheap, and we want to hack it until it does our bidding. We need your help! Come out to this month’s Electronics Club meeting to brainstorm a list of kits & bits to stock it with, figure out how to interface to it with an Arduino or a Raspberry Pi (bonus homework: Google the service manual and read it!), and spec out a web-based payment system we can kick over to our software allies. Facebook Event
Order of the Indie Game Developers: iDream Interactive Chat
Monday, November 28: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Join us for a casual chat with Jacob Duhaime, founder and CEO of iDream Interactive. He’ll be talking about the proudly independent, Windsor game studio and answer questions from the audience. Great opportunity for devs, designers, and fans alike. Facebook Event
Book Club
Tuesday, November 29: 7:00 PM
“Neuromancer is a 1984 novel by William Gibson, a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre and the first winner of the science-fiction “triple crown”—the Nebula Award, the Philip K. Dick Award, and the Hugo Award.”
Join us for casual discussion on this classic cyberpunk novel. Facebook Event
Software Guild:
Wednesday, November 30: 7:00 – 9:00PM
The group for professional developers meets monthly to discuss best practices and professional development. Topic TBA. Stay up to date here!
This Sunday, October 30th, join Hackforge and Windsor International Film Festival for an afternoon celebrating cinema and data. This Hack the Afternoon event, held at Hackforge (255 Ouellette) from 2:00PM to 5:00PM, invites local developers to explore the WIFF data set and try their hand at building a unique application or website to coincide with the festival.
All developers welcome. University and College students are strongly encouraged to participate. WIFF prizes will be awarded to the winners of this Hack the Afternoon.
This is a great opportunity for developers and designers to create a unique app or web page that will be immediately relevant to thousands of residents and visitors to our region during the festival.
The Windsor International Film Festival kicks off Tuesday, November 1st and runs until November 7th. “As we continue to grow incredibly, WIFF is pushing on innovation and risk-taking this year,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director, Windsor International Film Festival, “We want to engage our loyal and large film audiences on both live and digital platforms. WIFF and Hackforge working together on a Hackathon is going to be a lot of fun, and produce a great result for our patrons.”
Hack the Afternoons are short, developer-friendly mini-hackathons promoting the use of open data in our community. Open Data Windsor-Essex is a Hackforge initiative supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation in partnership with Family Services Windsor-Essex.
