Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Columbia

Columbia's tech scene is where it's at! With giants like Amazon and Google setting up shop, this city is quickly becoming a hotspot for techies.

If you're a newbie trying to break into the industry, attending meetups and conferences is key to networking, learning from the pros, and staying ahead of the game.

Here's what to expect from this guide to Columbia's top 10 tech events in 2024:

• 10 must-attend meetups and conferences, specially curated for their beginner-friendly content and networking opportunities.
• The inside scoop on what goes down at each event, from coding workshops and tech talks to hackathons.
• Insights into the vibrant communities behind these events, like Women Who Code and Google Developer Groups.
• Pro tips on making the most of these events as a newcomer, whether you're a student, career-changer, or self-taught coder.

As John Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Codestack Academy, says, "Immersing yourself in the local tech community is the best way to accelerate your learning and build connections that could lead to your dream job." So buckle up, because this guide is your ticket to tapping into Columbia's incredible tech scene.

Hey check this out, CodeStack Academy is the spot in Columbia where all the cool coding kids hang out. They've got a ton of sick events for anyone looking to level up their coding skills or just get started in the tech game.

From interactive workshops on the latest web dev trends to intense bootcamps that'll make you a coding machine, they've got you covered.

Their event calendar is loaded with coding sessions on all sorts of topics - front-end, back-end, mobile apps, data science, cybersecurity, you name it.

It's the perfect place to get hands-on experience and see how the pros do it. And let's not forget their legendary Demo Days, where students showcase their epic final projects.

It's like a coding convention but way cooler.

If you're just starting your coding journey, CodeStack Academy's intro workshops are an absolute game-changer.

One guy said,

"As a complete coding novice, the introductory workshops at CodeStack Academy laid the foundation for my understanding and fueled my passion for programming."

They make sure you're never left in the dark, with mentors and experienced coders ready to guide you every step of the way.

But it's not just about learning - their events are the perfect place to network and meet other tech enthusiasts.

You'll rub shoulders with industry pros, potential employers, and maybe even find your future co-founder. Success stories from CodeStack Academy alumni like Barbara Rodriguez who landed their dream jobs or launched their own startups will inspire you to take your coding game to the next level.

Midlands Technical College (MTC) is the place to be for all you tech geeks out there. They host these "Tech Talks" every month where you can learn about the hottest trends and innovations in the game.

It's a chill vibe, with industry pros rubbing shoulders with coding newbies, making it a super inclusive space to learn and network.

The Tech Talks cover a whole range of topics, keeping things fresh:

• Main Idea: Web Development: Get the scoop on the latest frameworks, UI/UX tips, and how to make your websites look fire on any device.
• Main Idea: Cybersecurity: Stay ahead of the game with the lowdown on emerging threats, data privacy concerns, and security protocols to keep you and your biz safe.
• Main Idea: Machine Learning and AI: Demystify those algorithms, data crunching, and all the ways AI is changing the game.
• Main Idea: Cloud Computing: Dive into cloud infrastructure, serverless architectures, and how to build apps that are cloud-native from the ground up.

But it's not just about the dope presentations.

These Tech Talks are the perfect spot to connect with other tech-obsessed humans, swap ideas, and maybe even find a coding buddy or mentor to level up with. As the organizers put it, "Our mission is to build a supportive community where knowledge sharing and professional growth can thrive."

And the tech fun doesn't stop there! MTC has a stacked calendar with coding workshops, hackathons, career fairs, and more.

Just check out the upcoming events like the "Women in STEM Panel Discussion" and the "Cybersecurity Capture the Flag Competition." Hitting up these events is a must for beginners looking to explore different paths, get hands-on experience, and build connections in Columbia's tech scene.

ConvergeSE is the place to be if you're trying to get your tech game on point in Columbia. It's an annual fest that brings together all the coolest cats in the biz - from seasoned pros to fresh-faced newbies, all vibing out on the latest and greatest in tech.

We're talking AI, cybersecurity, web dev, cloud computing, and more! But here's the real deal-maker: ConvergeSE has got your back if you're just starting out.

They've got a whole beginner track loaded with workshops and hands-on sessions to help you wrap your head around the basics. And you know what's even better? You get to kick it with mentors and industry legends who'll hook you up with all the insider knowledge you need to level up your skills.

Plus, the networking game is fire - you might just land yourself an internship or job opportunity while you're there! Just ask Jennifer Martinez, who said ConvergeSE was a total game-changer for her as a tech newbie.

The supportive community gave her the confidence to dive headfirst into coding, and now she's killing it!

Let me break it down for you about the Columbia Front-End Meetup - it's straight fire! These dudes are all about coding and geeking out over JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and all that good stuff.

Whether you're a coding pro or just starting, they got your back. It's like a cool hangout where you can level up your skills, network with other tech nerds, and stay up to date on the latest JavaScript trends.

Their meetups are legit.

They got talks, coding sessions, and deep convos about front-end frameworks like React, Angular, Vue.js - you name it. They even dive into Node.js, TypeScript, and all the new ECMAScript updates.

Plus, they explore cutting-edge topics like WebAssembly, Progressive Web Apps, and serverless architectures. It's like a buffet of tech knowledge, and you get to learn from the best.

For the newbies out there, this group is a total gamechanger.

The experienced coders are super chill and ready to mentor you, share their wisdom, and help you level up your JavaScript game.

You'll expand your knowledge, sharpen your coding skills, and make connections with fellow tech enthusiasts. One newcomer even said, "The Columbia JavaScript Meetup has been a total gamechanger for me.

Not only have I gained a deeper understanding of JavaScript, but I've also built a network of knowledgeable developers who have been instrumental in my growth." If you're looking to take your coding skills to the next level, this is the spot!

The Girls Who Code Columbia Chapter is a total gamechanger for us ladies trying to make moves in the tech world.

These gals are all about closing that gender gap and showing that coding ain't just a dude's game. Let me break it down for you:

1. Level up your coding skills: They host clubs and summer programs where you can enhance your skills from beginner to pro. We're talking everything from web dev to data science, and they've got knowledgeable mentors to guide you every step of the way. It's a judgment-free zone, so don't stress if you're just starting out.
2. Career support and networking: The Women Who Code movement is about way more than just coding. These ladies hook you up with career support, networking events, and all the tools you need to land that dream tech job. They've got your back when it comes to polishing up that resume, nailing those interviews, and making connections that could lead to some serious opportunities.
3. Supportive sisterhood: Being a woman in tech can be tough, but Girls Who Code is creating a supportive sisterhood where we can lift each other up and smash those glass ceilings. They're showing the world that tech is for everyone, and they're paving the way for more diversity and inclusion in the industry.

So if you're a girl thinking about getting into coding or just want to level up your skills, this is the crew you need to roll with.

Alright, let's talk about Tech After Five - it's this dope monthly networking event in Columbia that brings together all the cool tech folks in the area.

Instead of just another stuffy meetup, these guys really know how to make it a vibe. They usually host it at chill spots like restaurants or breweries, so you can grab a drink and just kick it with people who get the tech grind.

At these events, you've got a few main things going on:

• Networking sesh: Mingle with other techies, swap contacts, and maybe even link up for a future collab or side hustle.
• Guest speakers: Listen to guest speakers who drop knowledge bombs on the latest trends and tech innovations hitting the scene.
• Pitch competitions: Aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their big ideas to the crowd and a panel of judges, offering an opportunity to get that startup funded and off the ground.

For any newbies just stepping into the Columbia tech world, these events are a total game-changer.

It's a chill environment to learn the ropes, ask questions, and get some solid advice from the OGs in the game. Like Michael Martinez, who's a regular at Tech After Five, said, "It's been invaluable for me as a recent grad.

I've expanded my network, learned about different career paths, and gained valuable advice from experienced mentors." You can't beat that kind of insider access.

But it's not just about soaking up knowledge - Tech After Five is also a platform for the up-and-comers to showcase their skills and projects.

Who knows, you might just land your dream gig or find your next co-founder at one of these events. The relaxed vibe makes it easier to put yourself out there and really tap into the local tech community.

If you're looking to level up your career or business game in Columbia, Tech After Five is definitely a must-attend.

Have you checked out the Google Developer Group (GDG) Columbia? It's the spot for all tech lovers in the area who want to level up their skills with Google's fire lineup of technologies.

This crew is all about sharing knowledge, making connections, and getting hands-on experience. They host a ton of rad events and workshops for beginners to pros.

Here's what GDG Columbia has in store:

• Study Jams: Intense multi-day workshops diving deep into specific Google tech like Android, Web, Cloud, or Machine Learning. You'll get the full scoop through interactive coding challenges and guidance from experts.
• CodeLabs: Hands-on coding sessions where you'll build real-world apps with mentors showing you the ropes, perfect for mastering new skills.
• Tech Talks: Expert-led presentations keeping you in the loop on the latest advancements, best practices, and use cases across Google's diverse product range.
• Hackathons: Collaborative coding events where teams come together to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems, boosting your creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Beginners can kickstart their learning journey by getting involved with GDG Columbia's events.

You'll gain practical experience with Google's cutting-edge tech through interactive workshops, all while picking up tips from seasoned pros. Plus, it's the perfect community for networking and knowledge sharing, allowing you to connect with like-minded folks and receive mentorship from experienced devs.

The GDG Columbia community is filled with success stories of members who credit the invaluable opportunities for skill development, career growth, and personal progress.

As one member put it,

"GDG Columbia has been a game-changer in my dev journey. The supportive atmosphere and wealth of resources have given me the confidence to tackle complex projects head-on."

The Palmetto Open Source Software Conference (POSSCON) is a total game-changer for anyone just starting out in the world of open source.

This annual meetup in Columbia, South Carolina, is all about bringing together coders, tech gurus, and open source enthusiasts for a wild ride of learning, networking, and rad projects.

If you're a newbie, POSSCON has your back with a ton of beginner-friendly workshops and training sessions.

We're talking everything from coding 101 to diving deep into the coolest open source frameworks and tools. It's like a crash course in open source awesomeness, straight from the pros themselves.

But it's not just about the knowledge bombs – POSSCON is a prime spot for making connections.

You'll be rubbing shoulders with seasoned devs, mentors, and like-minded folks who share your passion for open source.

Who knows, you might even land your dream gig or find a squad to collaborate on the next big thing.

And let's not forget the keynote speakers and panel discussions that'll blow your mind.

These sessions give you a front-row seat to the incredible achievements and impact of open source projects, showing you just how far this movement has come and where it's headed next.

As Susan Rodriguez, a recent POSSCON attendee, put it, "This conference opened my eyes to the wild world of open source and the amazing community behind it.

The supportive vibes and knowledge bombs from the devs gave me the confidence to level up my skills like crazy."

If you're looking to dive headfirst into the open source scene in Columbia, POSSCON is the place to be.

With collaborative projects, mentorship opportunities, and a shared love for open knowledge, this conference is building a epic community where beginners like us can thrive, innovate, and become key players in the ever-evolving open source game.

The Columbia AWS Meetup is where it's at if you want to dive into the world of Amazon Web Services (AWS).

This crew is all about bringing together folks of all skill levels, so whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll fit right in. Their regular meetups are the perfect chance to learn the ropes through hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and open discussions on everything AWS has to offer.

Some of the hot topics they cover include:

• AWS Foundations: If you're just starting out, these intro sessions will give you the lowdown on AWS basics, pricing models, and key services like EC2, S3, and Lambda.
• Serverless Architecture: Get ready to dive deep into AWS serverless offerings like Lambda functions and API Gateway. Build scalable, cost-effective apps like a boss.
• Data Analytics: Level up your data game with workshops on AWS analytics tools like Athena, Redshift, and QuickSight. Make data-driven decisions like a pro.
• Security and Compliance: Experts will hook you up with AWS security best practices, identity and access management (IAM), and compliance know-how.

For those just starting out, the Columbia AWS User Group is the perfect spot to:

1. Learn from experienced AWS gurus and subject matter experts who've been there, done that.
2. Get hands-on experience through interactive workshops and coding challenges. Practice makes perfect, right?
3. Stay in the loop with the latest AWS service releases and industry trends. Knowledge is power!
4. Network with like-minded techies and potential employers in the area. Connections are everything.
5. Access a goldmine of educational resources, from code samples and tutorials to AWS certification prep materials.

As one recent member, Joseph Wilson, put it:

"As a total noob in the cloud computing world, the Columbia AWS User Group has been a total game-changer for me. The supportive community and structured learning approach have helped me build a solid foundation in AWS, boosting my confidence and career prospects like crazy."

With its beginner-friendly vibe and comprehensive learning resources, the Columbia AWS User Group is a must-attend if you want to kickstart your AWS journey or stay ahead in the ever-evolving cloud computing game.

The SC Codes program is seriously leveling up the game for anyone trying to break into coding in South Carolina. They are all about removing barriers and giving free access to quality tech education, which is a total game-changer.

They've got a solid community vibe going on too, with meetups and events happening all over the state.

One of the coolest things they offer is the Coffee & Code series - just casual hangouts where you can work on your coding skills, get help from mentors, and connect with other learners.

It's the perfect way to get your feet wet if you're a total newbie. And speaking of mentors, SC Codes has this awesome mentorship program where experienced devs guide you through the learning process, which is clutch for staying motivated and overcoming obstacles.

But it's not all just coding workshops and tutorials.

SC Codes hosts all kinds of events, like hackathons, tech talks by industry pros, and even networking mixers to help you land that dream job. They've got partnerships with major players like Google and Amazon Web Services too, so you know you're getting exposed to the latest and greatest tech.

The best part? People are legit finding success through SC Codes.

Just check out this quote from Susan Thomas:

"SC Codes' meetups were instrumental in helping me transition from a non-technical background to a fulfilling career as a web developer."

That's the kind of transformation we love to see! If you're in South Carolina and want to up your coding game, SC Codes is definitely worth checking out.

Just head over to their Explorer page to get started.

Here's the deal with how we put together this dope list of the top 10 must-hit tech meetups and conferences in Columbia, SC. We made sure to hit up the locals - the real ones hustling in the scene, from tech pros to students and everyone in between.

Their insider scoop on which events are truly welcoming for newbies was excellent.

But that's not all, we did our homework too - digging deep into event deets, schedules, and what previous attendees had to say, especially the fresh faces just stepping into tech.

We kept our eyes peeled for events that checked these key boxes:

• Beginner-friendly content: Workshops, tutorials, or whole tracks aimed at helping newbies level up.
• Networking opportunities: Meetups and conferences where you can easily link up with seasoned vets and get that mentor game strong.
• Inclusive, supportive vibes: Events that keep it 100 with diversity and make everyone feel like they belong, no matter where they're at on their tech journey.
• Budget-friendly and accessible: Low-cost or free tickets, convenient locations, and accommodations for different needs.

We didn't just stop there though.

We took a real close look at what past attendees had to say, especially the first-timers hitting the scene. Shoutout to homie Charles White who said, after ConvergeSE, "As someone just starting out, I felt completely at ease and left feeling inspired and motivated to keep learning." That's what we're talking about!

With all that research firepower, you already know this top 10 list is the real deal.

We're hooking you up with the best spots to start leveling up your tech skills, breaking into the scene, and building your network - all while keeping that welcoming, supportive energy on lock.