FlashMN

What can you find at a typical meeting? Besides the free pizza and pop, you will find a warm group of Flash users willing to depart their knowledge (and wit!) upon other unsuspecting attendees. This usually results in meetings that include both regulars and new attendees alike. Also, many people walk away from the meetings not only with the heads full of knowledge but their hands as well. We give away t-shirts, software, books and the occasional crazy USB device. On top of all this, there is always a presenter (either remote over Breeze or local) that is an expert on the given topic. Topics presented range on anything Flash, programming practices or any program that is used outside of Flash to make content for Flash apps, such Photoshop or Illustrator.

Join us at our next meeting! We meet on the third Wednesday of every month (except June and December) at Easel Training ( www.easeltraining.com ) in St. Paul. Also, join our online mailing list ( http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/flashmn ) to keep up to date on jobs, events, discounts and support from other members in the Twin City community.

MN SWF
It should also be mentioned that in the end of 2006 Danny Patterson ( www.dannypatterson.com ) stepped up to take on a new Flex/Flash user group in the Twin Cities. This group is more of a round-table style group and caters to more of the advanced coder, but of course anyone is welcome to check it out. You will find the website at ( www.mnswf.com ).

FLASHBELT
With all this community there is a Flash event to tie it all together. Flash Belt ( www.flashbelt.com ) is a once a year event held in the Twin City area. It includes both local, national and international talent that brag impressive projects, books and Flash innovations.

History
The first incarnation of the Minnesota Flash User Group dates back to 1998. The group passed away sometime in ‘00 then out of the ashes of the dot com bust, it rose again in August of ‘02. This has mainly to do with the following people (that may or may not have been part of the first incarnations): Steve Killingbeck, Joan Johnson, Bruce Peterson, Dave Oliver, Robert French, Dan Chick, Steve Stwalley and Toby Folwick. Out of these humble Flashers the community surrounding Flash has grown considerably; the current count about 300 strong and counting. During this time managers have come and gone, in chronological order: Joan Johnson, Bruce Peterson, Jesse Hemminger, Nate Pacyga, Judah Frangipane. It is currently managed by Nicholas Bilyk, Saviz Artang, and Toby Cryns.