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- Your August 2025 Guide to Getting Connected in Central PA
Your August 2025 Guide to Getting Connected in Central PA
Discover top meetups, workshops, and networking opportunities in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, and York counties to level up your career.
Don Demcsak
July 31, 2025
Let’s be real. After a long day of wrangling code, designing interfaces, or navigating project timelines, the siren song of the couch can be pretty strong. It’s easy to let that “one more episode” turn into a whole season, and suddenly your professional network is just you, your laptop, and your favorite food delivery app. We’ve all been there. But what if we told you that the key to leveling up your career, sparking your next big idea, or just meeting some genuinely cool people is waiting for you just beyond your front door?
Welcome to the power of the “third place”—that magical space that’s not home (your first place) and not work (your second place). It’s the coffee shop, the brewery, the workshop, the meetup. It’s where serendipity happens, where a casual conversation can lead to a breakthrough, and where you remember that you’re part of something bigger. In a region as spread out as ours, finding that third place can feel like a challenge. The tech scene in Harrisburg is different from Lancaster’s, which has its own unique flavor compared to York’s. That’s where we come in.
The Digizenburg Dispatch is all about bridging those gaps and building a community that’s as resilient and innovative as the people in it. We believe that when one of us succeeds, we all get a little stronger. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. It’s time to get out and about, meet the folks you’ve only seen on LinkedIn, and maybe even learn something that will change the game for you. Consider this your official invitation to invest in yourself and our amazing local tech ecosystem. Let’s get to it.
The Curated List: Your August "Third Place" Planner
Here is your hand-picked list of opportunities to connect, learn, and grow across Central PA. We’ve found something for everyone, whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network, or just have a good conversation with people who get it.
Cumberland County: West Shore Wisdom & Wind-Downs
From hands-on workshops at the library to laid-back meetups over a cold one, the West Shore is buzzing with opportunities to learn something new and connect with a new colleague.
AI 101—Skills to Boost Your Resume (and Knowledge)!
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N 19th St, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Description: Get a crash course in the tech that's changing everything. This session is perfect for boosting your skills and making your resume stand out in a competitive market.
WSYP Happy Hour at Cold Springs Inn & Brewing Co.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025; 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Cold Springs Inn & Brewing Co., 993 Park Pl, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Description: Kick back with the West Shore Young Professionals for a casual evening of networking. This is the definition of a "third place"—great conversations in a relaxed setting.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: The JDK Group, 1 Bishop Place, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Description: Connect with the broader West Shore business community at this free mixer. It's a great chance to build bridges beyond the tech sector and see where new opportunities might lie.
Dauphin County: Capital City Collabs & Convos
Harrisburg is the place to be for some major league meetups this month, bringing together pros from across Central PA for serious knowledge sharing and inspiration.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 326 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (and Virtual)
Description: This is the premier tech conference for the region, bringing together government and industry leaders for a day of innovation and collaboration. Attend in person or virtually to get the inside scoop on what's next for PA tech.
Ctrl+Alt+Chic Women in Tech Fashion Show
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025; 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: To be announced (In-Person Event)
Description: Celebrate the inspiring intersection of fashion and technology at this unique TCCP event. It's a night dedicated to innovation, empowerment, and supporting women in our industry.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: The Beerded Goat, 8001 Union Station Blvd, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Description: Looking for a low-key way to connect? Join the education tech pros from PAECT for an informal get-together with good food and even better company.
Lancaster County: Red Rose Tech, Talks, & Training
The Red Rose City's homegrown tech community is thriving, offering chances to grab a coffee with fellow coders or dive deep into the next big thing at a cool arts venue.
Millersville University AI and Local Government Training Program
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025; 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Boyer Computer Building, 37 West Frederick Street, Millersville, PA 17551
Description: This hands-on workshop is a primer on using AI tools for local government, but the skills are transferable for anyone interested in civic tech or practical AI applications.
Maker Festivals PA (Bead Fest & Fiber Arts)
Date & Time: Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Location: Lancaster County Convention Center, 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Description: Unleash your inner creator! While not strictly tech, this festival celebrates the "maker" spirit that drives so many of us, with workshops and a marketplace for artisans of all kinds.
York County: White Rose Workshops & Wins
York is all about building real-world connections and celebrating success, from recognizing downtown innovators to learning from a 'Moneyball' legend.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 7, 2025; 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Valencia Ballroom, 142 N George St, York, PA 17401
Description: Celebrate the people and businesses making a difference in Downtown York. This YCEA event is a prime opportunity to connect with community leaders and be part of the city's growth story.
York, PA In-Person Networking Luncheon
Date & Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025; 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Two Brothers Family Restaurant, 2935 East Prospect Road, York, PA 17402
Description: A structured, productive lunch for making valuable business connections. It's a great chance to expand your professional circle in York County.
Let's Connect! by York County Economic Alliance
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 6, 2025; 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: YCEA Office, 144 Roosevelt Avenue, York, PA 17401
Description: Get an insider's look at what the YCEA has to offer. This is the perfect entry point for tech professionals looking to get more involved in the county's economic development and business community.
Digizen Open Roles
Here’s a quick look at the top-tier roles we’ve scouted for you this week. Here is a snapshot of what’s out there, from enterprise-level engineering to specialized government contracting. Find a role that catches your eye, then read on for the full scoop.
Company: GDC IT Solutions
Location: Hybrid (1 day/week on-site in Harrisburg, PA)
Description: Ready to be at the forefront of the technological world? GDC IT Solutions is looking for a seasoned Microsoft Cloud Engineer to design, implement, and support a secure, scalable M365 environment. You'll be the go-to expert for everything from tenant migrations and Entra ID to deploying security policies with Microsoft Defender, all while using your PowerShell prowess to automate and innovate. This is a fantastic hybrid opportunity for a PA resident to make a real difference in an enterprise setting, with the flexibility to work from home most of the week.
Company: JMA Resources
Location: Remote (Mechanicsburg, PA based)
Description: Have a mind for finance and a deep understanding of Navy ERP systems? JMA Resources has a remote role that's right up your alley, supporting the Department of the Navy's financial operations from right here in Central PA. You'll be the subject matter expert on everything from cost estimates to year-end close activities, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of critical financial data. JMA values diverse paths to expertise, so if you have the 10+ years of experience needed, this is your chance to join a people-first company with great benefits and a commitment to your growth.
Company: Itero Group
Location: On-Site (Harrisburg, PA)
Description: Are you passionate about being a catalyst for change? Itero Group, a Women-Owned Small Business, is seeking a Senior Power Apps & SharePoint Developer to build modern business solutions for enterprise clients. You'll be using your deep experience with the Power Platform and SharePoint to transform business requirements into secure, scalable applications that make a real impact. If you love designing rich user interfaces and automating workflows with Power Automate, this is a chance to bring your 8+ years of IT experience to a team that empowers its people to innovate and grow.
Company: Abel Personnel
Location: Contract (On-site in Harrisburg, PA)
Description: Looking for a high-impact contract where you can hit the ground running? Abel Personnel is seeking a true Network Engineering Specialist for a 3-month, on-site role in Harrisburg. This isn't a Tier 1 gig; they need an expert who can confidently configure and support a multi-vendor environment (Cisco, Fortinet, SonicWall) and use monitoring tools like Zabbix and SolarWinds from day one. With a competitive hourly rate ($50-$52/hr) and a flexible schedule, it's a perfect opportunity for a seasoned pro to lend their skills to a well-established infrastructure team.
When you're looking for a new job, the company you work for is just as important as the role itself. The Central PA tech landscape is unique. It’s not dominated by a few massive tech giants but is instead powered by a vibrant mix of established regional service providers, specialized government contractors, and trusted local staffing firms. Understanding who these companies are is a key advantage for any local job seeker, as they are often the gateway to the region's best opportunities. It’s also worth noting that some of their names can get mixed up with other national or international companies online, so let’s clear up who’s who right here in our backyard.
GDC IT Solutions: The Established Regional Player
With its headquarters in Chambersburg, GDC IT Solutions is a major force in the Mid-Atlantic tech scene. For decades, they have served a wide variety of industries, from Fortune 500 companies to local non-profits. GDC operates with a dual mission: they are both a direct provider of IT services like application development and managed help desks, and a workforce staffing firm that connects talented professionals with great companies. This means they have a deep, holistic understanding of the regional market. Their long history and recent growth through acquisitions, like the purchase of Prismworks Technology Inc., signal a stable and expanding company—a reliable place to build a career.
JMA Resources: The Award-Winning, People-First Consultancy
Based in Mechanicsburg, JMA Resources is a specialized firm with a powerful mission and impressive credentials. As an SBA-certified 8(a), Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), they focus on delivering innovative IT solutions for complex challenges in the government and commercial sectors. It's important not to confuse them with "JMA Wireless" or "JMA Solutions," which are different entities. JMA Resources stands out for its "people-first" culture, a commitment so strong it earned them recognition as a Fortune Best Workplace, with 96% of their employees saying it’s a great place to work. Their focus on mission-critical IT projects for clients like the Department of the Navy makes them a key employer for tech professionals with experience in government contracting.
Itero Group: The Transformation-Focused WOSB
When you search for Itero Group, you might see results for "iTero" dental scanners—that's a different company entirely. The Itero Group in our community is a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) dedicated to "simplifying complex transformations" for both government and private sector clients. They are looking for people who are passionate about being "catalysts for change," which speaks to a culture that values innovation and impact. By focusing on helping organizations become more optimized, digitally enabled, and data-driven, Itero Group offers a chance for mission-driven professionals to tackle meaningful challenges and grow their careers.
Abel Personnel: The Trusted Local Connector
A true cornerstone of the Central PA professional community, Abel Personnel has been a family-owned recruitment firm based in Harrisburg since 1969. For over 55 years, they have been connecting local talent with the area's top employers. Working with a trusted local firm like Abel provides a distinct advantage. Their recruiters offer services that are completely free to candidates, providing access to exclusive opportunities that may not be advertised publicly. They also provide personalized resume recommendations and guide candidates through every step of the hiring process, from interview prep to offer negotiations, acting as a powerful ally in your job search.
Digizenburg Dispatch Community Spaces
Hey Digizens, your insights are what fuel our community! We've been diving deep into the world where AI meets BI, and we know many of you have firsthand experiences and brilliant perspectives to share. Let's keep the conversation flowing beyond these pages, on the platforms that work best for you. We'd love for you to join us in social media groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit – choose the space where you already connect or feel most comfortable. Share your thoughts, ask questions, spark discussions, and connect with fellow Digizens who are just as passionate about navigating and shaping our digital future. Your contributions enrich our collective understanding, so jump in and let your voice be heard on the platform of your choice!
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Our exclusive Google Calendar is the ultimate roadmap for all the can’t-miss events in Central PA! Tailored specifically for the technology and digital professionals among our subscribers, this curated calendar is your gateway to staying connected, informed, and inspired. From dynamic tech meetups and industry conferences to cutting-edge webinars and innovation workshops, our calendar ensures you never miss out on opportunities to network, learn, and grow. Join the Dispatch community and unlock your all-access pass to the digital pulse of Central PA.