Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Denver

Denver's tech scene is absolutely thriving! With giants like Google, Amazon, and Oracle all having a massive footprint here, this city has transformed into an innovation powerhouse cranking out cutting-edge tech daily.

But what truly sets Denver apart is the buzzing community of startups, meetups, and conferences that keep fueling this industry's explosive growth. These events are a goldmine for us young guns, offering mad opportunities to learn, network, and stay ahead of the curve.

• Economic impact: According to the Denver Economic Development Corporation, the tech sector contributed a mind-blowing $26.8 billion to the local economy in 2021, employing over 130,000 workers.
• Job growth: Denver ranks among the top 10 cities for tech job growth, with a projected 19.3% increase between 2020-2030, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Networking benefits: A study by Meetup.com found that 72% of professionals credit in-person events for providing access to job opportunities and career growth.
• Industry leaders: Companies like Ping Identity and Ibotta are leading the charge, offering unique perks and career development opportunities for techies in Denver.

As they say, "Your network is your net worth," and these tech gatherings are the perfect place to expand your circle and gain mad industry insights.

So let's dive in and explore the top must-attend events that will elevate your game in Denver's electrifying tech realm!

Picking the top tech meetups and conferences in Denver isn't easy. This city's tech scene is excellent and keeps getting better! But we've got this. To put together this epic list, we went all out with a solid game plan that covers all the bases.

Here's how we did it:

• Event Grind and Consistency: We gave props to events that have been excelling year after year, delivering that top-notch content consistently.
• Community Vibes and Networking Gains: Events that brought people together, let you connect with the right folks, and shared all those juicy tech nuggets? Those made the cut.
• Newbie-Friendly and Inclusive Spaces: We looked out for events that welcome beginners with open arms, creating a chill atmosphere for those just stepping into the tech world.
• Topic Diversity and Industry Relevance: Events covering the latest and greatest in tech, keeping it fresh and aligned with where the industry is headed? You know we had to include those!

To find the true gems, we tapped into multiple sources, like:

1. Local tech community hubs online, where folks shared their honest event experiences.
2. Major tech publications and blogs that spotlight the hottest Denver events.
3. Insights and recommendations from industry pros, instructors, and seasoned event-goers.

Once we had our epic event lineup, we broke out the ranking system, evaluating each one based on our criteria, plus other factors like speaker lineups, sponsorship support, and post-event resources.

This data-driven approach ensured our top 10 picks truly represent the best of what Denver's tech scene has to offer, catering to all interests and skill levels.

As one seasoned attendee, Nancy Thompson, put it, "These events aren't just for networking, they're gateways to continuous learning and leveling up your career."

Denver Startup Week is the hottest event for all you hustlers and go-getters out there. It's a massive celebration of everything entrepreneurial in the Mile High City, and they're bringing the heat in 2024.

This year's theme is all about "Elevating Inclusive Innovation," so you know it's gonna be lit for anyone trying to build a business that's inclusive and impactful.

You'll get to hear from heavy hitters like Reshma Saujani from Girls Who Code and James Hernandez from Ariel Investments, who'll drop some serious knowledge bombs on how to make your startup game strong.

Denver Startup Week has this crazy Pitch Challenge where you can pitch your biz idea to a squad of investors and judges.

It's like a real-life Shark Tank, but without the drama (or maybe with more drama, who knows?). And if you're just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, they've got a whole Beginner Track with workshops and sessions to help you level up.

You'll learn the basics of launching a startup, how to secure that sweet funding, and even dive into the lean startup methodology.

The best part? It's all about creating a space where anyone can chase their dreams, no matter their background or experience level.

As the organizers put it, "We strive to create an inclusive and accessible platform that empowers individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of their experience level." With all the workshops, networking opportunities, and inspo from the speakers, Denver Startup Week 2024 is gonna be a game-changer for both the seasoned hustlers and the fresh faces looking to make their mark.

The Rocky Mountain Information Security Conference (RMISC) is the ultimate party for all you cyber geeks out there. This epic event goes down every year in Denver, and it's a total game-changer.

Whether you're a seasoned hacker or just starting to dip your toes into the cybersecurity world, RMISC has something for everyone.

We're talking keynote speakers straight from the cutting edge, dropping knowledge bombs about the latest threats and how to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.

But it's not just lectures and PowerPoints – get ready for some seriously mind-blowing hands-on workshops and capture-the-flag challenges that'll put your skills to the test.

And that's not even the best part! RMISC is like a giant networking playground, where you can rub elbows with the biggest names in cybersecurity and maybe even score your dream job.

They've got a dedicated career fair where companies are literally lining up to snatch up talented people like you. Plus, if you're just starting out, they've got special tracks and mentorship programs to help you level up your game.

This year's RMISC is going to be an absolute banger, with keynote speakers like Dr. Jessica Barker, Ben Hammersley, and Chris Laping dropping some serious knowledge bombs.

They're even inducting legendary cybersecurity experts like Andy Greenberg and Gene Spafford into the Cybersecurity Canon Hall of Fame. Talk about a star-studded lineup!

Mark your calendars for June 11-13, 2024, and get ready to experience the ultimate cybersecurity extravaganza at RMISC. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

Denver Dev Day is the coolest tech event in Colorado! It's like a massive coding party where everybody, from newbies to seasoned pros, gets together to geek out and level up their skills.

They've got a crazy lineup of workshops, talks, and panels covering everything from the basics of coding to the latest cutting-edge tech trends.

One of the best parts is the hands-on coding workshops.

You get to dive in and actually write code with mentors guiding you through the process. It's the perfect way to get some real experience under your belt, whether you're just starting out with Python or JavaScript, or you're ready to tackle more advanced stuff like data structures and algorithms.

But it's not all just coding and tech talk.

Denver Dev Day is also about building connections and networking with other developers. The community is super welcoming and supportive, so you never feel like an outsider, even if you're brand new to coding.

Getting to know people in the industry can be a total game-changer for your career.

If you're even remotely interested in tech or coding, you've gotta check out Denver Dev Day.

It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with some seriously brilliant minds in the Denver tech scene. Mark your calendar for May 31st and get ready for an epic day of coding awesomeness!

You're a young, ambitious techie in Denver? Then you gotta check out the resources for tech entrepreneurs in this city – it's a thriving hub! One event series that's a total must is 300 Startups.

These meetups are all about fueling that entrepreneurial fire, hooking you up with invaluable networking chances and super useful resources, especially if you're just starting out.

Born in Denver, 300 Startups has grown into this epic community of over 6,000 members, making it Colorado's largest entrepreneurial meetup group.

The heart of 300 Startups is all about empowering and connecting aspiring founders, investors, and industry bigwigs.

Every event is carefully planned to help you make meaningful connections, swap ideas, and get actionable insights from entrepreneurs who've been there. Check out these key things that make 300 Startups a total game-changer for newbies:

• Pitch Practice Sessions: Sharpen those pitching skills and get constructive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
• Founder Fireside Chats: Hear the real stories – triumphs and struggles – from successful founders through honest discussions and Q&As.
• Startup Legal Clinics: Pro bono lawyers give expert legal advice on incorporation, contracts, intellectual property, and more.
• Funding Workshops: Demystify fundraising, learn to craft a killer pitch deck, and connect with potential investors through networking.

But it's not just the events – 300 Startups offers a treasure trove of resources for beginners, like a comprehensive startup toolkit, access to a vast network of mentors and advisors, and exclusive discounts on essential tools and services.

As Founder Christopher Lopez said, "Our mission is to make entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience." With its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the entrepreneurial journey every step of the way, 300 Startups is a beacon for aspiring founders in Denver.

Plus, Denver is considered a legit tech hub, so this is the place to be!

Denver's tech scene is buzzing, and The Middleware Conference is where the coolest cats converge to talk all things middleware! This annual event hosted by ACM/IFIP is a major platform for discussing the latest advancements and innovations in middleware systems, from cloud computing to data analytics.

With a killer lineup of speakers and a diverse range of topics, it's a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the game.

At the heart of the event is a high-octane single-track technical program that covers everything from virtualization and auto-scaling to middleware for real-time systems and security.

The organizers are rolling out the red carpet for industry legends like William Brown to share their wisdom, and you can bet there'll be some mind-blowing panel discussions and demo presentations too.

It's the perfect opportunity to level up your skills and network with the big players in the field.

The Middleware Conference is also bringing the heat with a doctoral symposium, tutorials, and workshops that'll have you coding like a pro in no time.

Whether you're a seasoned vet or a fresh-faced newbie, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget the industrial track, where you can get the inside scoop on the latest trends and innovations straight from the companies making waves in the industry.

Alright, let's talk about this Develop Denver thing. It's like the place to be if you're into coding and wanna hang with other techies in the Mile High City.

For almost a decade now, it's been more than just a conference - it's a whole vibe, ya know? Denver Dev Day is one of their big yearly events, where you can level up your skills with talks on everything from microservices to soft skills.

And they even have voting to decide which speakers get to take the stage, so you know it's gonna be good.

But Develop Denver isn't just about listening to presentations all day.

It's about making connections and being part of a community. You can join their Discord server and get in on the action, debating the latest tech trends or just having fun with like-minded people.

And when ÜberConf rolls around in July, you better be there! This massive Java conference is a can't-miss, with workshops, keynotes from industry leaders, and sessions covering everything from software architecture to Kubernetes.

It's like a buffet for your brain, and you get to pick what you want to learn.

The best part? Develop Denver events are all about inspiring each other and building something awesome together.

Whether you're a total noob or a seasoned pro, there's a place for you in this community. So if you're looking to expand your network, pick up some new skills, and have a blast while doing it, get yourself to one of their meetups or conferences.

Trust me, it'll be worth it.

You know what's the real deal? Women Who Code Denver is all about lifting up the ladies in tech and making sure everyone feels like they belong.

These badass bosses host some seriously dope events to help girls level up their coding skills and make connections. Like their monthly Coding & Cocktails meetup? That's where the cool kids gather to work on projects, get mentored by the pros, and grow their networks.

And let's not forget about their annual conference - it's straight fire, with keynotes from industry legends like Radhika Dutt and Danielle Leong dropping major wisdom bombs.

But that's not all.

They also run specialized workshops and study groups to help you slay skills like Machine Learning, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Mobile App Dev. It's like a safe space where even the newbies can ask questions and get guidance from mentors without feeling awkward.

Just ask Daniel Miller, a bootcamp grad who says Women Who Code Denver gave him the confidence boost he needed to dive into coding headfirst.

Those study groups and mentors? Total game-changers for his learning journey.

With over 4,000 tech-savvy ladies repping Denver and Boulder, Women Who Code Denver is the real MVP when it comes to empowering women and making sure they thrive in the male-dominated tech world.

These boss babes are all about that inclusive community life, and they're crushing it.

The Denver Salesforce User Group is where it's at for anyone who's into the Salesforce game. It's a tight-knit community that brings together the pros and the newbies who are stoked about learning and growing together.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just getting started, this group has got your back.

These guys have a killer lineup of workshops and learning sessions that cover the whole spectrum.

From the basics for those just dipping their toes in, to deep technical dives that'll blow your mind – they've got it all. And the best part? These sessions are led by the real deal, certified pros who've been around the block.

You'll get the inside scoop on the latest trends and best practices straight from the source.

If you're new to the Salesforce world, the Denver User Group is your golden ticket.

Here's what you can expect:

• Real-world examples: See how companies are using Salesforce to crush it and give their customers an awesome experience.
• Mentorship: Connect with the seasoned vets who can guide you and drop some serious career wisdom.
• Resources galore: From coding challenges to learning materials, they'll hook you up with everything you need to level up.
• Networking: Get to know other folks who share your passion and maybe even land your dream job.

As the great Albert Einstein once said, "Experience is the only source of knowledge."

By getting involved with the Denver User Group, you'll be immersed in a world of hands-on learning and gain a deep understanding of the Salesforce ecosystem.

It's the ultimate way to kickstart your journey and become a part of the Salesforce community.

Alright, let's talk about the cool events Built In Colorado has planned for 2024. They've got this dope lineup that'll get you pumped about tech whether you're a total newbie or a coding wizard.

The Colorado Digital Government Summit is where all the government tech gurus come together to discuss the latest innovations.

And for the ladies in STEM, the Women in Tech Conference is a must-attend, with inspiring keynotes and workshops to uplift and empower.

But Built In Colorado isn't all about the big fancy events.

They've got Built In Brews, which is like a chill tech happy hour where you can check out some of the coolest startup offices in town and mingle with other techies.

And if you're looking to level up your skills, they've got workshops and bootcamps through places like Nucamp Coding Bootcamp where you can learn everything from web dev to cybersecurity.

The best part is, Built In Colorado really wants to make tech accessible to everyone, regardless of your experience level.

They've got beginner tracks, mentorship programs, and a ton of networking opportunities to help you get your foot in the door. Plus, some of their events even explore how tech can be used for social good, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.

So whether you're a total tech nerd or just curious about the industry, Built In Colorado has something for everyone.