Flickr photo via zimpenfish

OK, Seattle techies, it's time to settle the score once and for all. Who is going to rule the Seattle ping-pong universe?

We'll be crowning the king of pong -- or perhaps the queen -- at the first annual TechFlash Summer BBQ & Ping-Pong Tournament on Thursday, July 23. This is our big bash of the summer, and we'll be rolling in some kegs, soft drinks and sweet and spicy barbeque for the occasion.

So even if ping-pong ain't your thing, it's a great chance to hang out and network with some of Seattle's brightest tech minds. The event will start promptly at 4 p.m. at the wonderful Georgetown Ballroom in Seattle's eclectic Georgetown neighborhood. Sign up here.

We have a limited number of slots for the tournament, so if you've been dying to show off that wicked top-spin or slicing serve, now's your chance. We're encouraging players to represent their companies. Corporate t-shirts, baseball caps and other flashy displays of self-promotion are not only tolerated, but encouraged.

But anyone can enter. If you're a lone ranger who thinks you've got what it takes, by all means come on out. Competitors are also encouraged to bring their own cheering sections of co-workers and friends by getting the boss to sign up for the special group rate.

Prizes will be awarded for the champ and runner-up. We'll also give out a "spirit award" for the player who shows -- how should we say this? -- the most colorful display of corporate pride.

Deadline to register for the ping-pong tournament is Wednesday, July 1. The tournament entry is $65, which includes a slot in the bracket, barbeque dinner and event admission. General admission for the event and barbeque is $45. The discounted group rate (for six people) is $225. 

Thanks to our event sponsors, Solutions IQ and Seattle University's Master of Software Engineering program. We have some additional, unique sponsorship opportunities for this event. For more information, please contact Joe Heslet, jheslet@bizjournals.com or 206-876-5447.

It's gonna be a fun time, so make sure you sign up now.