After a few slow weeks around the holidays, the DC tech space is heating back up with events on map design, startup networking, and social events like the monthly Nerd Nite. Below are our picks for the week, and you can find a full calendar at DC Tech Events. Have a great week!

Wednesday, January 11

Noon

Hackers and Founders Lunchtime Meetups : This brand new meetup brings technology creators and investors together in small groups over lunch. It’s organized by the folks from the Hacker News meetup group and powered by Wednesdays.com.

7:00–9:00 pm

Geo DC Meetup : This month the Geo Meetup will look at the experience of using maps, with lightning talks on designing intuitive maps, how maps have changed over the years, and special considerations needed in transit maps. This meetup always draws a enthusiastic crowd of folks working in GIS, geography, and map and is a great opportunity to meet people working in the field and learn about what they are making.

Saturday, January 14

6:30–9:30 pm

Nerd Nite : The Republican primaries have brought religion to the forefront of politics, but one question not being answered is why isn’t America more secular. This month’s Nerd Nite will answer this, plus why some smart people box and the environmental impact of chicken farming. In between talks, you can listen to music from local artist Adrian Krygowski and of course grab some drinks.