SOLIDWORKS User Group Spotlight: StarCity SWUG
Supporting the SOLIDWORKS Community
With the support of our resellers, customers and partners, we have attended SWUG meetings, provided sponsorship and helped group leaders to find presenters with interesting presentations since 2015.
Over the years we have supported lots of group meetings by attending as SOLIDWORKS users ourselves, presenting on a technical topic or providing prizes and giveaways.
We love being a part of the SOLIDWORKS community and working with an amazing network of users.
As part of our role in the community, we wanted to put a spotlight on just some of the user groups across this network and showcase their dedication.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on SOLIDWORKS user groups and their leaders.
SWUG Spotlight
This week we are putting a spotlight on StarCitySWUG
User Group: StarCity SWUG
Group Leader: Brad Tank Meador
When was your group established? 2017
Why did you choose to become a user group leader? I wanted to attend a user group meeting but there were none nearby so, why not create one!
What is your goal as a user group leader? My goal is to keep the local users engaged, enhance their skills and have them network with others to build a strong STEM community.
Who inspires you? My late Grandad. He was an air force mechanic turned small engine mechanic instructor in the local schools. He loved to work with his hands and teach how engines worked. I like to think I am continuing on his legacy of teaching but with the STEM community.
What is your fondest memory of your group? The first meeting back from lockdowns was a great one. Seeing people face to face again and breaking the cycle of endless conference calls was a breath of fresh air.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in starting a user group? Feel free to reach out to your fellow SWUG leaders for ideas in creating meetings, marketing and getting presenters, we love to help each other out. I, for one, love to teach at the SWUG groups.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given? Dont be afraid to try new things in the software.
How can people learn more about your group? Check out our meetup link to learn more about our group. We meet every other month at our local community college (Virginia Western Community College). We welcome all experience levels and age groups.
IronSWUG
After 2 plus years of (mostly) virtual SOLIDWORKS User Group Meetings, Brad from StarCity SWUG got together with friend Adam Ebernickel to travel over 2,000 miles by motorcycle to present at 6 SWUG meetings in just one week after months of planning, they completed the first-ever IronSWUG Tour in July 2022.
Not only did the pair travel to present at 6 meetings, but each meeting had its own unique presentations that means they had collectively delivered 12 separate technical presentations over the course of the week.
Throughout the week, the pair were joined by Heather from the DriveWorks team along with other members of the SOLIDWORKS Community.
Find out about what happened during the tour here.
Upcoming Events
StarCity SWUG 5-Year Anniversary Party
Join StarCity SWUG to celebrate 5 years of the user group!
The group will be meeting at the Roanoke Starcade in Roanoke on Friday, August 19.
This event is open to all SOLIDWORKS or CAD Users of all ages. Family and friends are welcome as well.
Find out more and register to join on the group’s Meetup page here.
Would you like your user group to be featured?
If you are a SWUG leader and would like your user group to be featured in this series – get in touch!
Please email Heather Hasz at heatherhasz@driveworks.co.uk
