Happy Hours
Hackfort Happy Hours
Connect with the Treasure Valley tech community in a relaxed and social setting.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Networking •
Mingle with fellow tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
• Inspiration •
Share ideas and get inspired by
innovative projects and discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing •
Learn from experts and discover
the latest trends in technology.
• Community •
Enjoy drinks and conversation with
like-minded individuals.
Mark your calendar and join us for an evening of tech, networking, and fun!
Join us for our upcoming
HAPPY HOUR on:
November 20
Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 5 – 7 PM
Location: Hap Hap Lounge
Cybersecurity Panel on Tap: Real Talk for Freelancers & Founders
Grab a drink and join us at Hap Hap Lounge for an evening of networking, community, and Hackfort updates – plus a lively panel on how to keep your business safe in a digital world.
Our panelists will share practical advice for freelancers, startups, and small businesses: simple steps, smart habits, and lessons learned the hard way. It’s security talk without the stiff suits.
Moderator: Jacob Grinwis – Trailhead
Panelists: Heather Vugrin, Aaron Brinton and TBA
RSVP (21+) today and be part of the conversation.
Hap Hap Lounge
AUG.
21
@Trailhead
OCT.
30
@Hap Hap Lounge
NOV.
20
@Hap Hap Lounge
JAN.
29
@Hap Hap Lounge
FEB.
26
@Hap Hap Lounge
Previous Events
AUG.
21
@Trailhead
Our first Happy Hour of the season featured Mike Gough and Aaron McCulloch sharing how film music and sound design are created, from organic samples to custom synths, turning technical precision into emotional storytelling.
We also heard from Joseph Haskin and Marne Elmore, who introduced Illuminate, the annual projection-art festival that transforms Garden City’s streets into an immersive, walkable gallery spotlighting local and underrepresented artists.
OCT.
30
@Hap Hap Lounge
On October 30, 2025, Hackfort Happy Hour at Hap Hap Lounge brought together Boise’s tech and creative community for an evening of AI insights, networking, and Hackfort updates. The event featured:
• Scott Falconer: Applied AI leader and author of Managing AI, who shared “Applied AI Essentials: 10 Rules for Real-World Success”, cutting through the noise with practical lessons from real-world AI adoption.
• Steve Pentland: Researcher, professor, and founder of Rhetorix Lab, who explored how his video-based assessment platform is transforming education and training by restoring academic integrity, elevating student voice, and emphasizing the human skills AI can’t replace.
Two unique perspectives – industry and education – came together for an engaging evening of conversation and connection.
Catch the full talks now on the Hackfort YouTube channel!