08-17, 17:00–17:50 (US/Eastern), Tobin
Third spaces - those vital, informal gathering places between home and work - have long been central to hacker culture, but they’re vanishing. This talk will explore why third spaces matter more than ever for connection, creativity, and counterculture, and how we can rebuild them in a world increasingly fragmented by gentrification, digital monopolies, and social isolation. From hackerspaces to IRC to local meetups, Jack will trace our roots and offer ideas for rekindling authentic community, both online and off.
Jack Gangi has been part of the hacker community for decades and credits it with shaping who he is today (for better or worse). In 2007, he cofounded New Jersey’s first hackerspace, helping lay the groundwork for a thriving local tech scene. He also owned and operated a comic book store for 12 years. With over 20 years of experience building and sustaining third spaces, Jack’s work centers on creating environments where counterculture, creativity, and connection can thrive.
fediverse: @jackgangi@masto.hackers.town
website: jackgangi.me
