Less than two weeks ago, GeekWire launched our “Golden Geek” program — an annual membership providing VIP access to Seattle’s best tech events, and unique perks such as the ability to put a pithy message on the GeekWire home page for the entire year. Plus a secret decoder keyring that unlocks a hidden page with exclusive content and giveaways.

Today we’re pleased to announce new aspects of the membership program, including access to additional events, and content that will be available first to members. Continue reading for details, and follow these links to get your Startup Pass, Gold Pass or Super Pass

The response has already eclipsed our expectations. We’re pleased to welcome all of our new GeekWire members, including new “Super Geeks” such as Zillow and Expedia co-founder Rich Barton, venture capitalist Michelle Goldberg and Double Down Interactive President Glenn Walcott. They’re among the dozens of people who have signed on as new GeekWire members.

Why are they joining? Apart from the exclusive member benefits, it’s a chance to support GeekWire’s role as the independent voice of Seattle’s tech community.

“Super Geek” Rich Barton

GeekWire has “transformed and enriched the way Seattle consumes news and media,” says Walcott.

“GeekWire is the lubricant for the Seattle tech startup machine,” says Barton. “I signed up for the Super Pass because, as I understand it, I get to cut the lines.”

In fact, our members do get to cut to the front of the lines with VIP access to all nine GeekWire events this year, including all four meetups, starting with our Feb. 13 event at the Hub Seattle. and signature events such as the GeekWire Anniversary Bash & Ping Pong Tournament; The GeekWire Summit; and Startup Day. Membership includes automatic registration for all of the events, with specially designed name badges and backstage access at many of our events.

But that’s just one of the perks. Members who join as Golden Geeks or Super Geeks will also have the ability to post a 5- or 10-word message of their choice on the GeekWire home page for the entire year. You can already see some of the messages appearing in the right sidebar.

Our top-level members, the Super Geeks, will get an exclusive invite to a private event with GeekWire and special guests later this year, and earn special judging credentials for the big GeekWire Startup Awards in May.

We plan to continue adding benefits to enhance the membership program as opportunities arise throughout the year, and we already have a couple of new perks to share.

First, we’ve arranged for all our members to get free access to the new Seattle Tech Meetup monthly startup pitch events, launching next month. We think this is an especially cool perk for our Startup Pass members. Just show up with your GeekWire Member key tag, and you’ll get complimentary admission.

In addition, we’re excited to report that serial entrepreneur and GeekWire Chairman Jonathan Sposato will begin writing a regular column that will debut in the hidden members’ section each month. As many of you know, Jonathan is an entrepreneurial force, and we’re excited to start sharing his insights on startup life, investing and more. Upcoming columns include “How to blow Bill Gates’ mind in a meeting” and “Why I fired one commercial real estate broker, and hired another.”  This alone is worth the price of admission.

OK, that’s a lot to toss at you in one sitting. But we’re excited about everything we have in store, and this is just the beginning.

Be sure to sign up today. Here are all the details on the three membership levels:

Startup Pass: This membership is perfect for current and aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone with an interest in emerging startups and technologies.

Pass includes access to Startup Day, the Startup Awards, and all four quarterly meetups, as well as access to the new Seattle Tech Meetup series.

Choose this membership and we’ll automatically register you for all six events — no need to go through a separate signup process each time.

Secret Decoder Keyring: You’ll get an exclusive GeekWire keyring with a QR code that leads to a hidden page on the GeekWire website just for members — with special giveaways, promotions and more inside details.

This membership is a savings of more than $75 from the price of buying the tickets individually.

Click here to purchase your GeekWire Startup Pass

Gold PassBecome a Golden Geek! This pass includes access to every GeekWire event of 2013, including the GeekWire Anniversary Bash & Ping-Pong Tournament, the Startup Awards, GeekWire Summit, Startup Day, the GeekWire Gala and all four quarterly meetups. Members also gain free access to the Seattle Tech Meetup event series. 

This membership is a savings of more than $150 from the price of buying tickets individually.

You will receive express check-in, an extra drink ticket and VIP access at selected events, plus a special lanyard and Golden Geek name badge. Plus, automatic registration for each event — sign up once as a member, and we’ll take care of the rest for the entire year.

Special Perks: Your name and up to five words of your choice will be showcased on the GeekWire home page for all of 2013, linked to any site or cause you wish (charity, startup, your personal site, Twitter handle, alma mater, marriage proposal, etc.)*

Secret Decoder Keyring: You’ll get an exclusive GeekWire keyring with a QR code that leads to a hidden page on the GeekWire website just for members — with special giveaways, promotions and more inside details. 

Special bonus: The first 25 people to sign up for a Golden Geek or Super Geek pass will receive limited edition GeekWire soccer scarves.

Are you a Golden Geek? Click here to purchase your GeekWire Gold Pass

Super Pass: Super Geeks Unite! This pass is the best way to support GeekWire and its role as an independent voice of the Seattle technology community.

The Super Pass starts with all the benefits of the Gold Pass, including access to every GeekWire event of 2013 — the GeekWire Anniversary Bash & Ping-Pong Tournament, the Startup Awards, GeekWire Summit, Startup Day, the GeekWire Gala and all four meetups. Members also gain free access to the Seattle Tech Meetup event series.

You will receive express check-in, an extra drink ticket, and VIP access at selected events, plus a special lanyard and name badgeAutomatic registration for each event — sign up once, and we’ll take care of the rest for the entire year.

Your name and up to 10 words of your choice will be showcased on the GeekWire home page for all of 2013, linked to any site or cause you wish (charity, startup, your personal site, Twitter handle, alma mater, marriage proposal, etc.)*

Secret Decoder Keyring: An exclusive GeekWire keytag with a secret code that leads to hidden page on the GeekWire website just for members — with special giveaways, promotions and more.

Super Pass Exclusive Perks

Super Geeks will receive special status as judges for the GeekWire Startup Awards — helping to decide which nominated startups go to the community for final voting.

PLUS, Super Geeks will be invited to a members-only event with the GeekWire team and special guests, at a date to be determined later this year.

Are you a Super Geek? Click here to buy your GeekWire Super Pass

For Questions Or To Order By Phone, call (206) 300-0265Or email social@geekwire.com.

Important Notes: These passes are non-transferable. You will receive your membership keyring at the first event you attend. The keyring is your GeekWire Member ID. You will be automatically signed up for every 2013 GeekWire event that is part of your membership package, and receive email reminders for each event. 

* Words and link subject to review by GeekWire staff for adherence to site standards. 

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