If you missed the last Tech Search Party, now is your chance to Get Your Geek On while trekking around San Francisco's Noe Valley with your smart phone and smart friends. 

It works like this:

Arrive on time at the auditorium at James Lick Middle School (entrance is at the corner of Noe and 25th Street).  Check in runs from 5:15 to 6:00.  At 6:00 pm sharp participants will be given a map with some challenging clues to decipher.  Deciphering those clues will lead you to various locations in Noe Valley. When you arrive at the mystery location, you take a photo of the answer with your phone and email it back to an address provided at the beginning of the event.  The first team to complete the clues will be the winner.

Why: For fun, mostly.  And prizes.   And also because all money raised goes toward improving four local public schools.  That means your ticket price is tax-deductible.

Did you say prizes? First out of the gate to offer prizes is Sports Basement.  But expect more news here.  Last year's event included prizes from Geeknet, EA Games, Metromint, David Rio and free Bon Jovi tickets courtesty of the Sarah & Vinnie Show.

Cost: The fee is $50 for a team of up to 4 and $75 for a team of up to 6.  A bargain for memories that will last a lifetime.  Don't forget to come up with a great team name.  Be creative; you might get bonus points.

Rules: You’ll need a phone that can take a picture and send email.  Be on time, or you’ll be screwed behind your fellow competitors.  Teams have to stick together.  Stay on foot.  Bring a flashlight (or flashlight app). Charge up your phone batteries.  Respect the neighborhood.

Sponsors:

A big shout out to the businesses and politicians who have signed on to support Tech Search Party.  Please give your attention to the following:

Google, Search engine, mobile operating system, philanthropist, we suspect you’ve heard of this company before.

Salesforce.com, is back for the second time supporting Tech Search Party.  Look for Salesforce.com employees working the velvet ropes.

Circle Bank, Championing the entrepreneurial goals and personal visions of their customers by delivering uncommonly friendly, responsive and respectful service and enriching the communities they serve.

Bevan Dufty.  San Francisco mayoral candidate Bevan Dufty wants to lead a dynamic, responsive and effective city government for all San Franciscans.  Dufty’s goal is for people to love their government the way they love their city.

Rafael Mandelman, District 8 Supervisor candidate Rafael Mandelman is continuing his support for Tech Search Party, having sponsored the inaugural event last February.

Patxi's Chicago Pizza, Patxi’s Chicago Pizza (pronounced pah’-cheese) is one of the most loved local pizza restaurants in the Bay Area, with three current locations. Opening soon in Noe Valley

Rebecca Prozan, District 8 Supervisor candidate Rebecca Prozan is another of Tech Search Party’s return sponsors. Look for Team Prozan on November 13.

Riviera Partners, an executive search and placement firm that assembles management teams for venture-backed technology companies

Scott Weiner, Tech Search Party alum Scott Wiener's vision for San Francisco is of a place where we plan for the city's future, create safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and foster sustainable economic growth, all with a goal of improving our quality of life and the delivery of city services.