Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Buffalo

Buffalo's tech scene is lighting up, and the best way for newbies to get in on the action is by hitting up meetups and conferences. Check it out - this report from TechBuffalo says the city's tech industry could grow by a whopping 18% in 2024, with buzzworthy fields like cybersecurity, fintech, and healthtech leading the charge.

And where better to learn about these cutting-edge trends than at local events? Tech meetups are a chill way to:

• Network with industry pros and potential mentors
• Discover new technologies and programming languages
• Get hands-on experience through workshops and coding challenges
• Stay up-to-date on the latest tools, frameworks, and best practices

Jennifer Taylor, a junior dev at a Buffalo startup, says, "The meetup scene here is insane.

It's helped me build my skills, grow my network, and find my niche in this fast-paced industry." With a vibrant community of over 20,000 tech workers, Buffalo is brimming with opportunities for newbies to kick-start their journey and immerse themselves in the city's innovative tech culture.

Up next, we'll highlight 10 must-attend events that can get you plugged into the scene.

The Buffalo WordPress MeetUp is where all the cool kids hang out when it comes to WordPress. It's a chill spot for developers, designers, and anyone who's into WordPress, no matter if you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro.

They've got regular meetups, usually on the first Thursday of each month, where you can level up your skills and knowledge.

It's the perfect place to learn about the latest trends and techniques in WordPress development. Plus, you get to connect with like-minded peeps who share your passion for WordPress.

If you're just starting out, the Buffalo WordPress MeetUp is a goldmine.

According to their website, their goal is to make it a welcoming space for everyone to learn, collaborate, and grow their WordPress game. Here's what's in it for the newbies:

• Educational Sessions: At each meetup, you'll have experts dropping knowledge bombs on everything from WordPress basics to advanced dev techniques.
• Hands-on Workshops: They've got these awesome workshops where you can get your hands dirty with WordPress, guided by experienced mentors.
• Networking Opportunities: With over 1,600 members, you'll have the chance to connect with seasoned pros, potential employers, and fellow learners.
• Support and Mentorship: The experienced members are always down to share their wisdom and mentor those just starting their WordPress journey.

You can stay updated on the upcoming events, topics, and speakers by checking out their Meetup page.

One attendee even said,

"The Buffalo WordPress MeetUp is an awesome resource for anyone interested in WordPress, whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro."

Join the crew and level up your WordPress game!

Check out UB Tech Talk Video Podcast, a series where the University at Buffalo's VP and CIO sits down with students, professors, and tech leaders to discuss the latest and greatest in technology.

From AI research and data science in healthcare to cybersecurity and communication tech, these talks cover it all. Plus, they even have episodes featuring UB's Brain Museum and the research happening at the med school!

But it's not just about listening - The Collab Lab hosts interactive Tech Talks too, bringing in speakers from all over to break down complex topics like GraphQL, end-to-end testing with Cypress, and even building design systems.

Whether you're into frontend, backend, or just curious about the tech world, there's something for everyone. And the best part? It's all led by devs, for devs, so you know you're getting the real deal.

If that's not enough to satisfy your tech cravings, don't sleep on events from places like SURA and Silicon Labs, where experts gather to discuss everything from wireless technology and IoT to research cybersecurity and scaling secure products.

With so many opportunities to learn, network, and stay ahead of the curve, the Buffalo tech scene is seriously thriving right now.

The Health Tech Corridor in Buffalo is where it's at if you're into the cutting-edge mashup of healthcare and tech.

Every month, they host this networking event that brings together professionals, entrepreneurs, students, you name it. It's an epic opportunity to connect with others who are stoked about pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation.

At past events, they've had some serious heavy hitters grace the stage, like Dr. Khurshid Guru from Roswell Park dishing on the mind-blowing advancements in robotic surgery.

Or that one time Dr. Matthew Hernandez from CleanSlate UV dropped knowledge bombs about their game-changing UV-C tech for sanitizing hospital rooms and taking down those nasty healthcare-associated infections.

But the real deal is the unreal networking potential.

You'll cross paths with major players like Kaleida Health (huge healthcare provider in the area), Athenex (global biopharmaceutical company focusing on cancer and other hardcore therapeutic areas), Main Sensor (pioneering cutting-edge biosensor tech for medical devices), and the Buffalo Institute for Genomics and Data Analytics (where they're doing insane work with genomics and bioinformatics).

Rubbing elbows with these innovators could seriously level up your career game or maybe even lead to a dope internship or job opportunity within Buffalo's booming health tech scene.

Alright, so you know the Real-Time Analytics meetup in Buffalo? That's a spot you definitely want to check out if you're into data engineering and building real-time analytics systems.

They cover the whole nine yards - use cases, technical deep dives, best practices, you name it.

One key thing they discuss is Apache Pinot, a real-time distributed data store used for scalable, low-latency analytics.

It's like the backbone for companies that need to crunch data lightning-fast. And these meetups break it all down, from the basics to the nitty-gritty details.

But it's not just lectures and tech talks.

The networking opportunities are the real gold. You get to connect with data engineers like Elizabeth Thomas, data scientists, and other pros who are knee-deep in the trenches, working on cutting-edge projects.

It's a chance to pick their brains, get insider tips, and maybe even land yourself a sweet gig or internship opportunity.

And let's not forget the hands-on workshops and coding sessions.

Data engineering groups across the US are known for these interactive sessions where you can get your hands dirty and level up your skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.

It's like a playground for data nerds, but in the best way possible.

So, if you're looking to break into the data engineering scene or just want to stay ahead of the curve, the Real-Time Analytics meetup in Buffalo is definitely worth checking out.

It's a vibrant community of data enthusiasts, and who knows, you might just meet your future mentor or co-founder there.

Check this out - Startup Grind is the ultimate hub for young guns trying to make it big in the startup game. Their whole mission is all about giving the tools and connections needed to turn ideas into legit businesses that can scale up massively.

It's not just some lame meetup group, they're a global community with a presence in over 200 cities worldwide!

Out here in Buffalo, their chapter is killing it.

Every month, they bring in heavy hitters to drop knowledge bombs about the startup hustle. We're talking founders who've been there, done that, and have the success stories to prove it.

Like, they've had legends like Su Sanni from WeDidIt sharing their journey from the trenches.

But it's not just about listening to speakers.

Startup Grind Buffalo hooks up with pitch nights where ideas can be put to the test and get real feedback from the OGs. They've also got resource fairs to connect with mentors, service providers, and potential partners who can help take startups to the next level.

It's like a one-stop shop for everything an aspiring entrepreneur needs to succeed.

They've got some major events lined up for 2024 that you won't want to miss.

We're talking collabs with giants like Google for Startups, a massive regional summit bringing together startups from all over Upstate NY, and their annual conference that's gonna be an absolute banger.

Trust me, if you're serious about making moves in the startup world, Startup Grind Buffalo is where you need to be.

The Buffalo API User Group is a place for devs to level up their API game. Whether you're a coding ninja or just starting your API adventure, these meetups are for gaining knowledge and connecting with other tech-savvy folks.

It's a melting pot of:

• Web and Mobile Devs looking to unlock the power of APIs for their apps
• Software Engineers trying to stay on top of API design and implementation best practices
• API Fanatics about exploring the latest and greatest in the API world

At a typical meetup, you can expect presentations from the experts, interactive discussions to pick their brains, and hands-on coding sessions to put those API skills to the test.

The crew dives deep into topics like:

1. Designing APIs that just make sense
2. Keeping your APIs secure and locked down tight
3. Documenting and testing APIs like a pro
4. Real-life API success stories to inspire your next project

But it's not just about the learning – these meetups are a hotspot for networking with fellow API enthusiasts.

You might just find your next coding buddy or a sweet collab opportunity. As one member put it, "The Buffalo API User Group has been a game-changer for expanding my API knowledge and connecting me with a community of passionate developers."

Let me tell you about this awesome meetup called Buffalo JavaScript Meetup (formerly BuffaloJS). These folks are taking things to the next level!

They used to just focus on JavaScript, but now they've rebranded as WNY WebTech and are diving into the vast world of TypeScript, WebAssembly, and cutting-edge frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.

It's a whole new game!

This group is all about staying relevant and fueling innovation. At their meetups, you'll learn, discover, and grow alongside a vibrant, dynamic community.

It's not just about coding; it's about shaping the future of web development together.

But don't just take my word for it. Check out their GitHub repo for a taste of what they're all about.

From workshops on building Alexa skills to exploring functional programming with Elm, these guys cover it all.

And if you're new to coding, fear not! WNY WebTech is a welcoming space where you can learn from experienced mentors and immerse yourself in a supportive community.

It's the perfect place to kickstart your journey in tech.

So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, make sure to join this vibrant crew.

Stay ahead of the curve, connect with like-minded folks, and be a part of Buffalo's thriving tech scene!

Alright, so you gotta check out the Charlotte Fintech Meetup if you're into that finance and tech combo.

This monthly gathering is where all the cool cats in Buffalo's fintech scene come to kick it. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a startup hustler, or just a curious minded individual, this meetup has got your back.

Buffalo's fintech game is really picking up steam lately, with startups and big players alike recognizing the city's potential.

The Charlotte Fintech Meetup is your golden ticket to networking with the movers and shakers in the industry.

You'll get to rub shoulders with industry experts, innovative minds, and even some killer guest speakers from companies like Fintech Frontier, M&T Bank, and CyberSecurity Buffalo.

But it's not just about the networking.

These meetups are a crash course in all things fintech. You'll get the inside scoop on the latest trends, technologies, and challenges through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on learning sessions.

It's the perfect way to level up your fintech knowledge, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro looking to stay ahead of the game. And let's be real, in this fast-paced world, knowledge is power.

So if you're ready to dive into Buffalo's fintech scene and network like a boss, the Charlotte Fintech Meetup is an absolute must.

Don't sleep on this opportunity to connect with the best and brightest in the game.

The Infosec 716 is where it's at if you want to get your cybersecurity game on point. These individuals know their stuff and always bring valuable sessions covering the latest cybersecurity trends and techniques.

You can expect to learn all about ethical hacking, cloud security, encryption, incident response, and how to stay ahead of the cyber threats trying to mess with your data.

They've had some major experts like Jason Frerichs sharing knowledge on securing IoT, and Sarah Vickers going deep on privacy by design.

But it's not just for the professionals, they've got your back if you're new to cybersecurity too.

Infosec 716 is the perfect place to get a solid grasp of the fundamentals in a supportive environment.

With all the cyber threats out there, knowing how to protect your data is crucial.

They've got some valuable events lined up for 2024, like their virtual meetup in August with James Martin breaking down the intersection of KYC, AML, and cyber threat intelligence.

You don't want to miss out on that.

If you're trying to level up your cybersecurity skills or just get started, Infosec 716 is where you need to be. It's a community of cybersecurity enthusiasts who love sharing knowledge and having a good time.

Mark those calendars and get ready to dive into the world of cybersecurity with the group in Buffalo.

Gamers and coders! If you're into making sick games in the 716, you gotta check out the Buffalo Game Space. This non-profit has been around since 2013, providing a dope space for artists, designers, musicians, and devs to collab and create dope games.

Whether you're a pro or just starting, they've got your back with all the resources and mentorship you need.

One of the highlights is their bi-weekly meetups, where you can discuss game dev techniques, share your projects, and get feedback from the community.

But that's not all! They also host regular game jams like the BGS Jams, where teams come together and make entire games in a weekend.

It's a crazy rush but so much fun!

And if you want to level up your skills, they've got workshops and boot camps covering everything from game engines like Unity and Unreal to level design and character development.

Plus, they organize dope events like the Buffalo Game Expo, where you can showcase your games to the world and connect with other devs.

But BGS is more than just events.

It's a community of passionate gamers and creators who support each other and help turn dreams into reality. Whether you're looking to make the next indie hit or just want to explore game dev as a hobby, this is the place to be.

Join and let's make some epic games together!

Attending tech meetups and conferences in Buffalo is where it's at if you're just starting in tech.

These events are a clutch way to network, level up your skills, and stay on top of the latest trends. According to a study by CompTIA, 88% of tech professionals believe being part of local tech communities is key for career growth.

By getting involved in Buffalo's buzzing tech scene, you'll gain access to a goldmine of knowledge from industry pros.

From hands-on workshops to mind-blowing panel discussions, these events equip you with practical skills and expose you to cutting-edge trends and technologies.

A Glassdoor study found that professionals who attend industry events are 28% more likely to get promoted within a year, proving these opportunities can seriously boost your career.

Tech meetups and conferences are also a prime spot for making valuable connections within the local community.

Here's how building your professional network in Buffalo can level up your career:

• Mentorship from seasoned pros
• Get the inside scoop on job openings and career paths
• Collaborate on innovative projects
• Access a support system of like-minded folks

As the saying goes, "Your network is your net worth." Entrepreneur Reid Hoffman nailed it with this quote:

"Networking is the No. 1 unwritten rule for success in business."

Whether you're an aspiring JavaScript dev, a cybersecurity geek, or a fintech whiz in the making, getting involved in Buffalo's thriving tech community can be the catalyst that takes your career to new heights.

Don't sleep on the chance to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections – your future in tech starts right here.