MADISON – HOT Coffee will conduct its first event of 2018 on Jan. 19 at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, 601 Genome Way NW in Huntsville.

Laura Huckabee Jennings, President of Transcend, is scheduled to speak.

“HOT Coffee is Huntsville’s premier networking event for startups, entrepreneurs, innovators and small businesses,” program director Vicki Morris said. “Hot, fresh coffee and pastries will be served at 7:30 a.m., and the event begins promptly at 7:45 a.m.”

“Following announcements and a brief presentation, networking typically starts around 8:30 a.m.,” Morris said.

HOT Coffee’s former name is Huntsville Open Tech Coffee. The College of Business Administration at the University of Alabama in Huntsville launched the networking group in September 2013. Since that time, the group has met bi-weekly on Friday mornings.

“Our event is informal, yet very informative,” Morris said. “Our general philosophy is, ‘Come when you can, leave when you must.’. Typically, 40 to 60 professionals attend each meeting.”

New for 2018, HOT Coffee has added blog posts and panel discussions, along other special events. “We want to continue adding value for our participants by giving them even more tools they can use,” Morris said. Currently, HOT Coffee offers a Facebook page and discussion group, bi-weekly newsletter and an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, consistently and without fees for participation.

HOT Coffee complements other entrepreneurial programs, like BizTech, Catalyst Center, Urban Engine, Brain Trust and Huntsville and Madison chambers of commerce. The group promotes connections among startups and innovators with supporting professionals.

HOT Coffee offers opportunities for sponsorships. For a schedule of events, visit hotcoffeegroup.net/events.

For more information, call 256-479-6954, email vicki@facetoface-marketing.com or visit HOTCoffeeGroup.net.