Nedspace

Last year we threw a “networking event & holiday party,” and somehow it turned into a magical circus of tech folks, holiday chaos, and one very committed leprechaun.

People walked out with random treasures — magical beans (yes, magic), a french press, makeup fridge, and whatever else we could liberate from the magical corners of Portland's oldest coworking space, NedSpace.

We had quests. We had games. We had conversations that absolutely should’ve stayed in group chat.

And somehow, in the middle of all that mischief, 60+ people made friends, met collaborators, and found their way into a Portland tech community.

This year we’re bringing the whimsy back — more oddities, more surprises, more “wait… why is this happening?” moments — all wrapped in holiday lights and NedSpace energy... This time with a view of Pioneer Square & our city Christmas tree. 🌲

And because NedSpace never does “normal,” we’re treating this as a half-potluck, half-bring-whatever-your-whimsical-heart-desires situation — food, snacks, drinks, games, oddities, or any delightful chaos you feel inspired to share with the room.

Whether you’re new to the city or you’ve been building here since dial-up, come celebrate the season with your fellow nerds, founders, creatives, and code-wizards.

Bring your curiosity, your holiday cheer, and maybe business cards for that side project you keep promising you’ll finish.

We’ll handle the quests, the chaos, and the questionable gifts.

See you there, Mischief Managed 😘

P.s. Our holiday events look like this . (We're in a new space... so let's up the ante? 😈)

This is not your typical AI or AGI event.

The Portland AGI Mini-Summit is one of the first events in the world to bring social science directly into the AGI debate — treating AGI not just as a technological milestone, but as a force that will reshape the fabric of society. We assume AGI is coming. The real question is: Is our civilization ready for it?

To explore this, we will confront the questions most AGI events avoid:

• Will capitalism survive AGI?
• Will democracy fall—or evolve?
• What does it mean to be human in a world of cognitive abundance?

Join us for an evening of short talks and a cross-disciplinary panel featuring:

• Joe Cortright – Urban economist, Executive Director of City Observatory, and Chair of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors
• Professor Fabrice Jotterand – Director of Neuroethics, OHSU
• Professor Tung Yin – Lewis & Clark Law School, national-security law
• Mounir Shita – Theoretical physicist and AGI researcher; Founder of EraNova and the Global Economic Alliance

Speakers will examine the structures of civilization — economics, law, governance, social stability, and human flourishing — and explore what may need to change to prepare for a future of AGI-driven abundance and post-scarcity conditions.

• 10–15 minute talks from each speaker
• Cross-disciplinary panel discussion + audience Q&A
• Networking session with a hosted bar
• Open to technologists, researchers, students, policymakers, and anyone curious about AGI and its impact on our planet

This event is part of the lead-up to a three-day AGI Global Summit planned for Portland in 2026.

Overview

Legendary Lunch #1: Reclaim Portland. Retrain Portland. If you’re unemployed, underemployed, or just ready to stop waiting for Portland to come back—join us.

AI isn’t a career killer. Fear is.

Let’s rebuild community, confidence, and creativity—one lunch at a time.

Why This Matters Portland’s energy used to be legendary—builders, dreamers, tinkerers meeting over sandwiches and big ideas. Somewhere along the way, that spark faded. Now, in what I call the Great Portland Downturn, we have a chance to get it back.

This isn’t another networking event. It’s a revival—a working lunch for people who want to build, adapt, and reconnect. Whether you’re looking for a job, plotting a pivot, or trying to make sense of AI’s impact on your work, this is for you.

What to Expect Real talks, no fluff. Fast, practical sessions on AI, the future of work, and what’s actually next. Unconference format. From 1:30–3:30 PM, you lead the conversations—lightning talks, birds-of-a-feather groups, soapboxes. Actual community. No recruiters or empty pitches. Just people helping people get unstuck and move forward. Sample Sessions Using AI to scale your job search – find better opportunities, faster How to prepare before layoffs hit – use adrenaline and AI to stay ahead Why liberal arts are the hidden power skill of the AI age English as the new programming language – communicate, think in systems, and get results without coding Agentic and code-swarming workflows – what’s emerging at Nedspace right now Staying sane while job-hunting with AI – practical mental health tools AND MORE COMING EACH DAY..... Want to speak or host a group? Great. Submit your idea—you’ll get a 30-minute slot. (And yes, no commercial talks unless they clearly add value to the community.)

Who We Are My name is Surj Patel, and along with my ally Shaan Kirpalani, we’re determined to make Portland network like it used to—and care like it used to. With help from Faris Mubarak and Nedspace, we’re hosting this series as part of our mission to retrain, reconnect, and reignite the city’s creative core.

The Spirit You don’t need to learn Python or become a Stanford-trained prompt whisperer. You need discipline, common sense, and systems thinking.

AI doesn’t make you someone else—it amplifies who you already are. Let’s make sure it amplifies the best parts of us.

This is where Portland’s comeback begins. Greatness isn’t given—it’s built. Together.

Hosted by NEOU at Nedspace, downtown Portland’s entrepreneurial hub. Free admission with BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) or paid tickets include a catered meal.

FREE. FOCUSED. FUN. FAST FORWARD.

(We welcome more collaborations , reach out by signing up)

Podcasting, speaking, and social media for people who have a message.

This is the first meeting of a new group of people interested in learning about podcasting, speaking, or creating social media to get your message out.

We want to create a community in Portland where people with experience in these areas can join with people who are curious about starting or working their way through their journey to share their message with the world.

Now more than ever, Portland (and the world!) needs your creative voice championing your vision for a more fair, just, healthy, and wealthy world for everyone.

Whether your thing is crafts or politics, small business or art, friends or enemies, we want PDX Podium to be an additional lift beneath your wings.

Join us at the new Nedspace location on 621 SW Morrison St #800, Portland, OR 97205

Founders Live is back!

Join us for an incredible evening… Founders Live is an unforgettable competition sweeping the globe.

5 Founders

99 second each

4 minutes of audience Q&A

YOUR VOTES decide the winner!

So bring your friends and coworkers, grab some food and drink, get to know your local entrepreneurs, and vote for what you think will be the next big thing… built in the PDX.

Starring Erik Svilich as the new city leader

Competing Founders and Startups TBD

Interested in pitching at this or a future event? Apply here: https://www.founderslive.com/pitch

Agenda 6:00 - Networking and Happy Hour

7:00 - Announcements, Sponsors and Pitch Competition

8:00 - More Networking + After-Party hangout

Winners The Founders Live winners package includes:

The Professional Boost membership with over $1,000,000 in cash savings on 100+ essential apps and services for startups An appearance in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers with a chance to advance to our Prime Time global event in the fall.