What we’re about
Strengthening Bend’s innovation ecosystem by connecting the people and ideas that can shape its future as a true tech hub.
Are you tired of setting 5am alarms to beat the crowds at popular trailheads, sick of watching wedding photographers claim every scenic overlook, and looking for a reason to meet up with like-minded people?!
Let's make the most of this time by connecting at tech talks, happy hours, morning coffees and outdoor adventures. This group is open to anyone who wants to engage with Bend's tech community. From old friends to people new to town, all are welcome. Even better, bring a friend. There's no agenda other than getting to know each other.
Besides expanding your personal and professional horizons, we aim to help the local community. Every event benefits the greater good. A portion of the ticket sales go to a nonprofit of the community's choice, so share one when registering for an event.
Can't make the next event? No worries. We get together regularly. Join the group to get the latest announcements.
Need a break on ticket price? Whether you're between jobs, a student or have your own good reason, we've got you covered. Contact John McMahon at jpmcmahon@gmail.com to learn about our flex ticket program.
Want to become a sponsor? With regular events, there's a great opportunity to get your company in front of an impressive group. Contact John McMahon at jpmcmahon@gmail.com to learn about our sponsorship program.
See you out there!
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Problem Solving and Opportunity Finding with Coinstar Founder Jens MolbakBendTECH Coworking, Bend, ORUSD 18.08
Through growing Coinstar from idea to public company, Jens Molbak learned how to build an impactful company that scales and sustains for the long term.
During this time, Jens developed the concept of Tri-Sector Innovation (TSI), a strategic framework that integrates compelling resources and capabilities of the private, public, and social sectors. TSI is a deeply pragmatic approach to problem-solving and opportunity finding that can be applied by innovators and entrepreneurs in all fields.
Drawing on his experience leading Coinstar and pioneering cross-sector initiatives, Jens will discuss real-world case studies and explore strategies to help you deliver compelling, impactful work that thrives over the long term.
Note: NewImpact’s free impact and innovation tools are available on its website, including a new AI brainstorming coach at www.newimpact.care.
About the speaker
To date, Jens Molbak's Coinstar has processed trillions of coins for consumers and supermarkets, raised $200 million for non-profits, and saved the US government billions in costs by creating the national coin recycling system. Today, Jens runs NewImpact.care, a non-profit that specializes in business model innovation. He is dedicated to advancing Tri-Sector Innovation (TSI) as a framework for organizations to thrive while contributing to the greater good and founded NewImpact to carry this work forward. Jens has presented Tri-Sector Innovation at keynotes, business schools, the United Nations, and other global forums. NewImpact’s free impact and innovation tools are available on their website, including a new AI brainstorming coach at www.newimpact.care. He is passionate about inspiring and promoting approaches that make social and economic progress accessible to all. A native of Seattle, Jens is an avid hiker, backcountry skier, and enthusiast of landscape architecture. He holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BA from Yale University.Schedule
5:30 to 6pm: Networking over free food, beer & other drinks
6 to 7pm: Talk followed by Q&A
7 to 7:30pm: Networking over free food, beer & other drinksYour ticket
Besides expanding your personal and professional horizons, we aim to help the local community. Every event benefits the greater good. A portion of the ticket sales go to a nonprofit of the community's choice, so share one when registering for this event.Need a break on ticket price? Whether you're between jobs, a student or have your own good reason, we've got you covered. Contact John McMahon at jpmcmahon@gmail.com to learn about our flex ticket program.
About the sponsors
The GTM Firm wants to see the local startup community thrive and is a leading GTM Firm in the AI Economy with a new twist on GTM. They help companies Get-the-Money!BendTECH Coworking caters to freelancers, remote workers, companies, and tech entrepreneurs who need a professional community and collaborative environment to work in. Selling points include:
- $150 (locals only) Intro Flex Desk (M-F 8a-5p) - 1st month only
- $100 Lobby Pass (M-F 8a-5p)
- Just laid off or between jobs? We have discounts available (up to 50% off) for up to 3 months to help you get a new gig.
- First day free for locals as a trial (any membership type)
Ready to support something awesome?
Between the advisory program and the monthly events bringing together Bend's impressive tech talent, there's an incredible opportunity to get your company in front of the people shaping our innovation ecosystem. Hit me up at jpmcmahon@gmail.com and let's chat about how sponsorship can work for you. I'd love to explore what makes sense for your company and our community. - Remote Leadership Roundtables: What's Actually Working, a collab with TAOHayden Homes HQ, Redmond, OR
Remote work isn't going anywhere—but the playbook is still being written.
We're teaming up with Technology Association of Oregon (TAO) to host an invite-only roundtable for tech-minded leaders from across the Greater Bend Area. This evening will bring together 30 executives and functional leaders (CTO, CIO, CPO, CMO, CHRO, VP/Director/Head peers) to trade what’s working, what’s not, and the lessons you won’t find in a LinkedIn post.
What to Expect
- Curated roundtable discussions (5–8 people each) led by experienced facilitators
- Honest conversation on productivity, culture, hiring, retention, and leadership in a remote/hybrid/distributed world
- Practical tips you can bring back to your team immediately
- Networking before and after with food, drinks and peers from enterprise, mid-market, and venture-backed companies
Why Attend
- Compare notes with leaders who share your challenges
- Walk away with real tactics and a stronger peer network
- Shape the collective playbook for leading in Bend’s evolving tech landscape
Who Should Apply
Tech-minded leaders from mid-market, enterprise, and venture-backed companies. Think CTO, CPO, CMO and corresponding VP/Director roles who are responsible for remote teams. Remote = distributed btw.This is an invitation-only event with a simple application process. We're curating for diverse perspectives and genuine challenges, not just success stories.
Ready to share what's really working (and what isn't)? Fill out the form at https://forms.gle/cGnM4zUzedLXFGGv6.
Schedule
5 to 530pm: Networking over food & drinks
530 to 630pm: Roundtable discussion
630 to 730pm: Networking over food & drinksAbout the sponsors
Established in Redmond, Oregon in 1989, Hayden Homes has provided over 27,000 new homes to price conscious, value-driven homebuyers in underserved, secondary markets throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Hayden Homes continues to be the largest privately-owned new home builder in the Pacific Northwest.Codingscape is a modern consultancy that solves global technology problems while putting people first. They build custom software and solutions for industry leaders like Zappos, Twilio, and Veho. Instead of solely offshoring their software development or hiring internally, companies partner with Codingscape to deploy onshore or hybrid senior software teams in 4-6 weeks.
Ready to support something awesome?
Between the advisory program and the monthly events bringing together Bend's impressive tech talent, there's an incredible opportunity to get your company in front of the people shaping our innovation ecosystem. Hit me up at jpmcmahon@gmail.com and let's chat about how sponsorship can work for you. I'd love to explore what makes sense for your company and our community. - Imagining a Meaningful Life with Synthetic Intelligence, an Artificiality collabNeeds location
Join the Artificiality Summit, October 23–25 in Bend, hosted by locals Helen and Dave Edwards, Co-founders of the Artificiality Institute.
The Summit is a human gathering—intimate, immersive, and designed to explore how we might live meaningfully in a world of synthetic intelligence. Over two and a half days, we’ll step beyond efficiency and hype to ask deeper questions about meaning, creativity, consciousness, and what it means to co-evolve with AI.
You’ll be in conversation with leading thinkers, creatives, and technologists—from Blaise Agüera y Arcas and Benjamin Bratton to Ellie Pavlick and Sir Geoff Mulgan—while also sharing meals from some of Bend’s favorite restaurants (Barrio, El Sancho, Shimshon, and Spork), and engaging in experiences that spark imagination and connection.
Space is limited. Join a committed and engaged community—from Bend and around the world. Use promo code WHATTHETECH for a 10% off registration.
