What we’re about
TINYACO stands for: The Inconceivably Nerdy Young Adults of Central Ohio. Established in 2013, this is the primary Meetup group in Columbus, Ohio for young (21-45) social nerds. Our long 11 year history, over 1,200 past events, and our reputation precede us. We were featured in independent Columbus Underground and 614 Magazines as one of the 10 best Meetup Groups in Ohio.
TINYACO, (pronounced "Tiny Ack-o"): We like local food and craft breweries, RPGs, gaming, game nights, tabletop games, books, writing, video games, board games, card games, online games, cosplay, history, Renaissance festivals, trivia nights,conversation about our favorite SF and fantasy worlds, coffee and tea socials, potlucks, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5, The Expanse, Lord of the Rings, Monty Python, Princess Bride, Twilight Zone, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Discworld, SF and Fantasy movies, comic books, puns, pirates, ninjas, zombies, and maybe even vampires. This is a group of people who want to hang out with other people who like some (or possibly all) of these things too. We'll hang out! We'll play board games, rpgs, miniature wargames, play Jackbox, go to barcades, craft breweries, have writer's workshops, have a book club, watch SF& Fantasy movies,and we'll go try new things. But the most important thing is to get a bunch of people together who like imaginative, crazy, fun things. And no one will ever have to start a sentence with any sort of apology for being a nerd - because if you're a nerd, we need you. We organize several meetup events a month. Sometimes several a week! If you have an idea for a meetup, we'd love to know!
TINYACO Membership Policies: Here's the part where we have to be firm. TINYACO was created with the sole intent of gathering together people who like "nerdy" things so that they can be around other people who share similar interests. And there are a lot of nerdy things to be interested in (see above for examples). I don't expect every member to understand or appreciate every nerd interest around; however, I do expect all ACOs to be respectful of each other. I'm going to be very protective of my group; anyone who harasses, bullies, or in any way disrespects or threatens the safety or comfort of another member of the group, either at an event or online, will be banned from TINYACO.
TINYACO and drinking: If you don't drink, don't worry. Like your nerd interests, your drinking habits (or lack thereof) will be respected. Honestly, if you don't drink, it means I don't have to worry about you, so thank you. You can stop reading now. For those of you who do drink . . . TINYACO is a social group for adults 21 and older, so yes, we drink, we socialize, we occasionally break out into song and dance. Please don't ruin it by being irresponsible. The TINYACO Team wants everyone to have a good time and be safe, so please, practice safe drinking.
Simple rules: A member should have an actual profile photo, be respectful, be vaccinated against COVID-19, not display any racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia,transphobia, xenophobia, or any social phobia, not commit no-shows, not sell/advertise/promote outside business entities (violators will be banned). Lastly, we're not looking for shady business sponsorships. Therefore, solicitors need not bother; they will be blocked. Welcome aboard!
Founder: Kristen (2013)
Former Main Organizers:
Kevin Messenger (2018-2020)
Maurice (2020-2021)
Scott Lanski (2021-2024)
TINYACO Main Organizers
Jonathan Halper
Matt Storrs
TINYACO Assistant Organizers
Jason Kenyon
Jenna M
Scott Pompeo
Event Organizers
Alexis Cadere
Bianca Lee
Gabrielle Gold
Jordan Lamber
Josh DeSola
Meagan Stuckey