This is very location-specific, but if you're in the north of the UK, the Geekup (http://geekup.org/ http://geekup.org/) network has been invaluable. It's a loo

This is very location-specific, but if you're in the north of the UK, the Geekup (http://geekup.org/ http://geekup.org/) network has been invaluable. It's a loose-knit group of groups, which usually meet in pubs and hold a few tech talks. The Geekup template would be easy to replicate elsewhere (it's essentially a site and a mailing list, though I don't mean to denigrate all Andrew's hard work!). Personally, it's been a great source of contacts and friends, and I'd love to see the model expand elsewhere. I also find a lot of interesting and smart people at Barcamps; there are enough regulars that attend a LOT of Barcamps (again, I'm in the UK, and elsewhere may vary), and they're usually great fun.