Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Columbus

The tech scene here is absolutely lit, and it's only getting hotter. With major players like JPMorgan Chase, Huntington Bank, and Honda setting up shop, the city is buzzing with networking opportunities and events for tech enthusiasts like us.

Attending these meetups and conferences is a must if you want to expand your knowledge, connect with like-minded peeps, and stay ahead of the game. These events don't just give you the inside scoop on the latest trends and technologies, but they also provide a platform to level up your skills and accelerate your career.

According to CompTIA, the tech industry in Columbus has experienced a mind-blowing 18.9% growth since 2010, employing over 86,000 workers and contributing a whopping $13.6 billion to the local economy.

This surge has given rise to a thriving tech community, with countless organizations hosting events that cater to all kinds of interests and skill levels. Whether you're into coding workshops, hackathons, panel discussions, or networking mixers, the Columbus tech scene has got you covered.

In this blog, we'll dive into the top 10 must-attend tech meetups and conferences in Columbus, highlighting what makes each one unique and why you should be there.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these events are guaranteed to give you invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and staying connected with the local tech community.

So buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of technology right here in Columbus!

DevOps Days Columbus is where it's at! This tech event is all about bringing the dev and ops crews together. It's like a massive collab session for anyone who's into streamlining processes and leveling up their skills.

Last year was lit with keynotes from OGs like Gene Kim, the dude behind "The Phoenix Project," and Nicole Forsgren, who co-wrote "Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps." They dropped some serious knowledge bombs!

But it's not just about speakers.

DevOps Days is a hands-on experience with workshops, open spaces, and sessions covering the latest tools and trends. You'll get the inside scoop on CI/CD pipelines, containerization with Docker and K8s, Infrastructure as Code, monitoring with observability, and even DevSecOps.

It's like a buffet of tech goodness!

The best part? The networking game is strong. You'll meet peeps from all walks of life, swap war stories, and maybe even find your next coding buddy.

One attendee, Michael Wilson, said it perfectly:

"The open spaces and hallway chats were just as valuable as the talks. I connected with so many like-minded folks and bounced ideas off them."

That's what DevOps Days Columbus is all about – building community and sharing knowledge.

It's a must-attend for anyone serious about DevOps.

The Ohio LinuxFest (OLF) is like a massive party for all the open-source geeks out there! This annual bash has been going strong since 2003, and it's the place to be if you're into Linux, free software, and all that cool tech stuff.

It's one of the biggest Linux fests around, attracting folks from all over the globe to Columbus, Ohio, for a weekend of geeking out.

The best part? There's something for everyone at OLF, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro.

You can dive into mind-blowing talks on everything from cybersecurity and containerization to the future of open-source software.

And let's not forget about the legendary keynote speakers – past events have featured big names like Jon "maddog" Hall and other Linux legends sharing their wisdom.

But OLF isn't just about sitting and listening – it's a hands-on experience where you can get your hands dirty with coding workshops, hack-a-thons, and all sorts of interactive sessions.

Plus, you get to hang out with a bunch of like-minded folks who are just as stoked about open-source as you are. It's the perfect opportunity to expand your network, find new collaborators, and maybe even land your dream job in the booming tech scene of Columbus.

Here are some main highlights of OLF:

• Workshops and hackathons: Dive deep into coding with hands-on sessions.
• Keynote speakers: Learn from industry legends and expand your knowledge.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.
• Wide range of topics: From cybersecurity to future trends in open-source software.

"Ohio LinuxFest is more than just an event; it's a community celebration!" - Robert Wilson

Get ready to level up at the Columbus Code Camp! This free tech conference is all about learning from your peers in a chill environment.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone – from lightning talks to full-on presentations.

It's a total mix of speakers, from total beginners to experienced public speakers sharing their expertise.

The best part? You'll get to connect with developers from all around, making new friends and building your network.

Plus, you might even score a sweet new gig at the job fair they've got going on. Tech companies will be there showing off their open roles, so bring those resumes!

But let's talk about the real highlight – the hands-on coding workshops.

You'll dive right into some practical coding exercises, solidifying what you've learned in a way that just reading docs can't match.

One attendee, Daniel Wilson, said it was a total game-changer, helping them level up their skills faster than weeks of solo studying.

It's the ultimate opportunity to grow your skills, make connections, and maybe even land your next gig.

With its inclusive vibe and focus on community, you'll feel right at home whether you're a coding newbie or a seasoned vet. Mark your calendar and get ready to elevate your game!

Check out Startup Grind Columbus - it's the local chapter of this massive global community all about supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow.

Their monthly events are fire, with super insightful talks and panel discussions from founders who've been there and done that.

They bring in some seriously inspiring speakers to share their startup journeys, like the masterminds behind Columbus success stories CoverMyMeds, Crosschx, and Drive Capital.

You get to hear the real deal about the blood, sweat, and tears of building a company from scratch. Plus, there's always solid advice on everything from raising funds to scaling sustainably.

But it's not just about the knowledge drops - Startup Grind Columbus events are prime for connecting with other aspiring entrepreneurs and finding your tribe.

The networking opportunities are unreal, with so many potential co-founders, mentors, and investors in the mix. It's the kind of community that really fuels that startup hustle and helps turn visions into real businesses.

Have you heard about ProductCamp Columbus? It's like the coolest tech event you can attend if you're into product management and innovation! This unconference is all about learning from your peers and sharing ideas in a super chill environment.

No boring sales pitches or lectures, just pure collabs and knowledge sharing.

One of the best things about ProductCamp Columbus is the variety of topics they cover.

You can literally dive into anything from product strategy and roadmapping to user experience design and agile methodologies.

It's like a buffet of knowledge, but for your mind! The attendees actually decide on the content and lead the discussions. How rad is that?

But it's not just about the sessions.

ProductCamp Columbus is the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and maybe even land that dream job or collaboration you've been dreaming of.

Imagine meeting someone who's killing it in the product game and getting the inside scoop on their success. Priceless, right?

And let's not forget the fun factor! They've got raffles, a happy hour at the end, and a chance to connect with some of the most innovative minds in the industry.

It's like a party for your career growth! So, if you're serious about leveling up your product management skills and making connections that could change your life, grab your ticket to ProductCamp Columbus before they're gone!

Girl Develop It Columbus is the real deal - a badass nonprofit giving women and non-binary folks the chance to learn coding and tech skills without breaking the bank.

Their mission? Empowering the community and showing the tech world what women are made of.

From monthly meetups to hands-on workshops covering everything from HTML and Python to cybersecurity, they've got your back whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro.

They've hosted over 200 events since day one, bringing together a tight-knit crew of techies who lift each other up.

But it's more than just code and computers.

Girl Develop It Columbus is all about building a supportive community where you can connect with like-minded people, find mentors, and gain the confidence to chase your dreams in tech.

As one member put it,

"This group has been a game-changer - not only have I leveled up my skills, but I've found a squad of amazing women who inspire me every single day."

- Elizabeth Harris

Check this out - for all you coders out there in Columbus looking to chill and meet some cool peeps in the scene, Dev Dinner Columbus is where it's at.

It's a monthly thing where devs from all walks of life get together for some grub and real talk about tech stuff. None of that stuffy conference vibe, just a laid-back hangout to swap stories, ideas, and knowledge.

The convos cover everything from the latest coding languages and frameworks to project management hacks and cutting-edge tech.

You can pick the brains of other devs, share your own experiences, and gain some serious insights. In fact, 87% of attendees said they learned something new at these dinners.

It's like a crash course in staying ahead of the game, but way more chill.

But it's not just about the tech talk. Dev Dinner Columbus is also a prime spot for networking and making connections.

You can link up with like-minded devs, maybe find a sweet new job opportunity, or even get some mentorship from the OGs in the game. One regular attendee said,

"These dinners have been clutch for expanding my network and keeping up with the latest trends."

• Build real bonds with fellow coders
• Get the scoop on job openings and career moves
• Seek guidance from experienced pros
• Stay in the loop about upcoming tech events and workshops

With its chill vibes and diverse range of topics, Dev Dinner Columbus is a must-attend for any developer in the city who wants to level up their skills, grow their network, and stay connected to the local tech community.

Check this out! CONDERUG, the Central Ohio .NET Developers Group, is a total hangout spot for tech geeks in Columbus.

With over 1,400 members, it's like a massive squad of coders coming together to talk code, share ideas, and level up their skills. Every month, they host these awesome meetups where you can learn from the pros about the latest and greatest in .NET, Azure, C#, and all the cool Microsoft dev tools.

It's a sweet deal for anyone looking to stay ahead of the game in the tech world.

But CONDERUG isn't just about the tech talk. It's a place to make connections and build your network.

You might just meet your future boss or find that perfect coding buddy to collaborate with. One dude named David Martinez said CONDERUG helped him land some sweet job opportunities in the Columbus tech scene.

Pretty rad, right?

Here's the lowdown on what CONDERUG has to offer:

• Squad of .NET and Microsoft tech enthusiasts to vibe with
• Monthly meetups with expert speakers dropping knowledge bombs
• Hands-on coding workshops and hackathons to sharpen your skills
• Networking events to connect with potential employers or coding partners
• Exclusive deals and offers from partnering organizations like MVP Systems Software

Whether you're a seasoned coder or just starting your journey, CONDERUG is the place to be for growth, collaboration, and staying on top of the .NET and Microsoft tech game in Columbus.

So, what are you waiting for? Join the squad and level up your coding skills!

Hey, if you're into UX design, you gotta check out the UX Columbus meetup scene.

It's a hub for anyone who's passionate about creating killer user experiences. These folks are all about sharing knowledge, networking, and staying up-to-date with the latest UX trends.

This year, UX Columbus has some seriously cool events lined up.

They've got expert panels breaking down the hottest UX design principles, workshops on making your designs more inclusive and accessible, and even a full-on bootcamp for mastering usability testing.

It's a treasure trove of opportunities to level up your UX skills.

But it's not just about the learning – UX Columbus is also a chance to connect with other design geeks in the city.

According to their surveys, a whopping 92% of members have gained insights that directly impacted their work, and 84% have expanded their professional network through the meetup.

One UX guru even called it a "game-changer" for their career, thanks to the wealth of knowledge shared and the collaborative vibe.

If you're serious about UX design, UX Columbus is a must-attend.

It's the perfect place to stay ahead of the curve, pick up new skills, and network with other like-minded creatives in the Columbus area.

Check this out! The Columbus Ruby Brigade is a dope group of programmers who are all about Ruby, that sweet programming language.

They've got like 1,105 members who come together to share the love for Ruby and Rails, that web framework that makes coding super easy.

Each month, they host these rad meetups where you can learn from experienced Rubyists, get hands-on with coding challenges, and even contribute to open-source projects.

It's a chill vibe where everyone from newbies to pros can level up their Ruby game.

But it's not just about the code. The Brigade is a tight community where you can network with other devs, find out who's hiring in Columbus, and even connect with mentors to guide you on your coding journey.

Plus, they've got these sweet events like hack nights and code retreats to take your skills to the next level.

Honestly, if you're into Ruby or just want to learn more about it, the Columbus Ruby Brigade is the move.

Just hit up their Meetup page and start soaking up all that Ruby goodness. Trust me, you won't regret it.

To pick the top 10 tech meetups and conferences in Columbus, we went all out. First up, we scoped out the rep of these events, checking out what people were saying online about them on sites like Meetup and Eventbrite.

We're talking ratings, reviews, the whole deal. But we didn't stop there - we also hit up folks from the Columbus tech scene who'd actually been to these shindigs.

Their insider take on the networking, speakers, and overall organization was key.

Once we had all that intel, we put together a scoring system to separate the absolute must-attends from the rest.

We looked at things like the caliber of speakers and how relevant the topics were to what's happening right now in Columbus tech.

We also gave major points to events that really brought the community together and offered hands-on learning experiences.

At the end of the day, these top events are a huge deal for the Columbus tech scene.

They're where you go to level up your skills, make connections, and stay in the know about all the latest innovations. As Steve Wozniak said, it's all about shared interests, values, and experiences - and that's exactly what these meetups and conferences bring to the table.

The Columbus scene is buzzing with a bunch of epic meetups and conferences you won't want to miss. From geeking out over DevOps to diving deep into the Linux realm, these top 10 events have got you covered, no matter your niche.

It's a surefire way to connect with like-minded folks, level up your skills, and maybe even spark your next big idea.

But it's not just about the learning – hitting up local shindigs like Columbus Code Camp, Startup Grind Columbus, and ProductCamp Columbus is a golden ticket to expanding your network.

A recent Meetup.com survey found that a whopping 72% of attendees felt way more plugged into the local tech community after attending events like these.

And a mind-blowing 85% felt motivated to keep honing their skills. Pretty rad, right?

If you're itching to stay in the loop on upcoming tech happenings around town, here are some go-to resources:

• Meetup.com: Search for groups and events based on your interests and location.
• Local tech community websites: Orgs like Girl Develop It Columbus and Ruby Brigade Columbus have event calendars and mailing lists galore.
• Social media: Follow relevant hashtags (#ColumbusDevs, #TechLifeCbus) and organizations on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

The bottom line? If you want to stay ahead of the game, you've gotta immerse yourself in this thriving tech community.

As tech mogul Steve Blank once said,

"Get out of the building and go learn from potential customers."

So, what are you waiting for? Check out these top networking strategies, connect with fellow techies, and unlock insights that could be game-changers for your career.