What we’re about
TINYACO stands for: The Inconceivably Nerdy Young Adults of Central Ohio. Established in 2013, this is the primary Meetup group in Columbus, Ohio for young (21-45) social nerds. Our long 12 year history, over 1,200 past events, and our reputation precede us. We were featured in independent Columbus Underground and 614 Magazines as one of the 10 best Meetup Groups in Ohio.
TINYACO, (pronounced "Tiny Ack-o"): We like local food and craft breweries, RPGs, gaming, game nights, tabletop games, books, writing, video games, board games, card games, online games, cosplay, history, Renaissance festivals, trivia nights,conversation about our favorite SF and fantasy worlds, potlucks, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5, The Expanse, Lord of the Rings, Monty Python, Princess Bride, Twilight Zone, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Discworld, SF and Fantasy movies, comic books, puns, etc. This is a group of people who want to hang out with other people who like some (or possibly all) of these things too. We'll hang out! We'll play board games, rpgs, miniature wargames, play Jackbox, go to barcades, craft breweries, have writer's workshops, have a book club, watch SF& Fantasy movies,and we'll go try new things. But the most important thing is to get a bunch of people together who like imaginative, crazy, fun things. And no one will ever have to start a sentence with any sort of apology for being a nerd - because if you're a nerd, we need you. We organize several meetup events a month. Sometimes several a week! If you have an idea for a meetup, we'd love to know!
TINYACO Membership Policies and Procedures: First and foremost, TINYACO is meant to be a casual group where folks can meet potential new friends and have fun. As such, we want all of our members to be comfortable at events. Therefore, if allegations of words or behaviors which make membership uncomfortable are brought forward to leadership (this being the 2 or more Head Organizers, Council Members, and/or Event Organizers), these will be investigated. If found to be substantiated, leadership may issue consequences to relevant members, which can include a verbal or written reprimand, being asked to leave an event, being asked to leave the group, and loss of leadership privileges.
That being said, leadership is not meant to be used as a tool or mediator in every dispute. It is the expectation of TINYACO that interpersonal problems between members that do not rise to the level of a safety issue be worked out outside of TINYACO where possible, and not be spread amongst membership. Further, while we do understand that on occasion a friendship can grow into a deeper form of relationship, and do not want to discourage that, TINYACO is ultimately a social group, not a dating group, and we therefore recommend that any discussion of forming such a relationship take place outside of TINYACO events.
We apologize for needing to be firm here. We want to make sure that TINYACO is a safe and inclusive environment where all can feel welcome and comfortable, and believe that these boundaries are necessary in order to ensure that that culture remains at the heart of TINYACO.
Basic rules: A member should have an actual profile photo, be respectful, be vaccinated against COVID-19, not display any racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia,transphobia, xenophobia, or any social phobia, not commit no-shows, not sell/advertise/promote outside business entities (violators will be banned). Lastly, we're not looking for shady business sponsorships. Therefore, solicitors need not bother; they will be blocked. Welcome aboard!
Founder: Kristen (2013)
Former Main Organizers:
Kevin Messenger (2018-2020)
Maurice (2020-2021)
Scott Lanski (2021-2024)
TINYACO Main Organizers
Scott Pompeo
Matt Storrs
TINYACO Assistant Organizers
Jason Kenyon
Jenna M
Event Organizers
Alexis Cadere
Bianca Lee
Gabrielle Gold
Jordan Lamber
Josh DeSola
Meagan Stuckey