It’s fair to say that Twitter has taken over the world. We all find ourselves thinking in 140 characters, we all have fun checking it at random businesses and seeing who else was there, and we might sometimes in conversation find ourselves using @_____ to address friends. While Twitter as such a massive flow of information can be overwhelming (mainly when a celebrity dies), it also is a unique and fun way to connect to those in Austin who have similar interests, but who you might not ever meet otherwise. Twitter has made networking easier, has helped create an instant forum to get a response to an important question, or to update friends on your evening plans. It has given us all something to entertain ourselves with during a slightly boring work day, it helps us be on top of news from around the world, and lets us know what is happening here in our own backyard.

Twitter doesn’t have to be only online, or from a cell phone. This may be pedestrian for some of you, but just in case…

Millions of users are meeting in real life at events called ‘Tweetups’, where you can have a chance to put a face with a name of that person whose updates entertain you, or to meet that person who might be working for a company you wish to connect with. Austin has already had several successful Tweetup events, but the biggest one yet happens this Thursday, February 11th, at The Gingerman.

February’s Big Ass Twitter Happy Hour (or #BATHH) will be hosted by @LaniAR @BennRosales @StephenSurefire and @Launch787 beginning at 6PM at The Gingerman. Everyone who has a Twitter handle (plus friends who do not — everyone is invited) are welcome, and this is a chance to get Austinites off the computer, and meeting each other in real life. There is no cover for the event, but bring a wallet to try some of the 100s of different beers on tap at The Gingerman.

Unsure of what to expect at a Tweetup? It will be the first event for many other people too. Don’t be shy, you can talk to as many or as few people as you want. Here are 10 simple rules to going to a Tweetup written by @omarg of the Austin American-Statesman.

Click here to RSVP, and to see all of the 200+ attendees for this fun, massive Happy Hour event.