Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa's capital, is low-key becoming a thriving tech hub. With a booming startup scene, top-notch schools, and a growing talent pool, it's an exciting spot for techies.

Here's why you should keep an eye on Des Moines' emerging tech hub:

• Affordable Living for STEM Pros: It ranks among the top 20 most affordable cities for STEM pros, according to SmartAsset.
• Major Tech Presence: Major players like Facebook, Microsoft, and Workiva have a solid presence, meaning plenty of job opportunities.
• Rapid Job Growth: The number of tech jobs grew by 16% from 2010 to 2020, outpacing the national average (CompTIA).
• Buzzing Startup Community: The startup community is buzzing, with groups like Startup Iowa and Plains Angels fostering entrepreneurship.

The events we've lined up for you are the real deal, hand-picked for their impact, engagement, and relevance to cutting-edge tech.

Whether you're a seasoned coder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who geeks out over the latest innovations, Des Moines has a diverse lineup of meetups and conferences to feed your passion.

Don't miss out on the top coding bootcamps in Des Moines if you're looking to level up your skills.

Alright, let's talk about the TechJourney Conference, a major tech event happening right here in Des Moines! This annual gathering is a real hotspot for anyone stoked about tech, bringing together coding geeks, software wizards, and IT gurus from all around.

It's like a massive hub where you can level up your skills, connect with industry pros, and stay ahead of the game.

So, what's on the menu at TechJourney? Well, they cover a crazy wide range of topics, from software development to IT infrastructure and everything in between.

You can dive into hands-on workshops on the latest programming languages and frameworks, or explore the nitty-gritty of cloud computing and cybersecurity. Plus, they've got sessions on cutting-edge tech like AI, machine learning, and IoT, giving you a sneak peek into the future.

But TechJourney isn't just about sitting in sessions – it's a prime opportunity to grow your network and maybe even land your next gig.

With a diverse crowd of techies, entrepreneurs, and students, you can connect with like-minded people, swap ideas, and potentially score some sweet job leads.

The event's buzzing atmosphere and dedicated networking sessions make it easy to mingle and forge valuable connections within the Des Moines tech community.

Des Moines has a thriving tech scene, and one event you just can't miss is DSM Hack, a 24-hour hackathon organized by the Technology Association of Iowa.

It's the perfect chance to team up with other passionate coders, designers, and innovators to create mind-blowing solutions that could seriously impact the community.

The vibe at DSM Hack is pure adrenaline - you'll form teams, then it's a non-stop grind to code apps, build hardware prototypes, or dream up the next big thing in tech.

But don't worry, you'll have mentors from the industry guiding you every step of the way. At the end, you'll pitch your creation to a panel of judges, kind of like a tech talent show.

Past DSM Hacks have churned out some seriously cool projects that are making a real difference.

Like in 2022 when the winning team built a mobile app to help foodbanks distribute meals more efficiently to people in need. Just imagine - your hack could be the next game-changer for a local business, non-profit, or maybe even kickstart your own startup in Des Moines' booming tech hub.

But it's not just about the final product.

DSM Hack is a total networking goldmine. You'll connect with passionate devs who could become friends, mentors or even future co-workers at one of Des Moines' top tech companies.

Plus, you'll gain serious hands-on experience with the latest tools and languages, which is a major resume booster if you're looking to land a job in tech in 2024.

Alright, let's talk about the Iowa Technology Summit - it's a total game-changer for anyone who's into tech! This massive event brings together the coolest minds from across Iowa and beyond for a couple of days packed with mind-blowing sessions and networking opportunities.

You won't believe the level of expertise they've got lined up!

Get ready to dive deep into the cutting-edge world of cybersecurity with sessions like "The Future of Security: Perspectives from CISOs", where you'll hear from industry veterans spilling the tea on AI integration, ransomware combat, and upskilling the cybersecurity workforce.

And if you're more into the business side of things, you've got to check out the "Investing in Tech: Insights from Executive Leaders" panel, where bigwigs from companies like Hy-Vee and Workiva will drop some serious knowledge bombs.

But the Summit isn't just about sitting and listening - there are so many opportunities to get hands-on experience and connect with others who share your passion for tech.

Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to level up, an entrepreneur hunting for the next big thing, or a student trying to break into the scene, this is the place to be for networking your way into Des Moines' thriving tech hub.

Des Moines Web Geeks is the place to be for anyone who wants to level up their skills and connect with other tech-savvy folks.

This meetup group has been around since 2013 and has over 1,300 members who get together every month to talk about the latest web trends, technologies, and coding best practices.

Their monthly meetups are all about creating a chill vibe for learning and sharing ideas.

You'll usually have an industry pro giving a presentation, and then it opens up for Q&A and group discussions. They cover everything from front-end frameworks like React and Angular to back-end development with Node.js and PHP. Recently, they've had sessions on Progressive Web Apps, web design accessibility, and CSS Grid Layout, so you know they're keeping it fresh.

But Des Moines Web Geeks isn't just about the technical side of things.

It's also a prime spot for networking and making connections that can seriously boost your career. Michael Smith, a long-time member, says, "The people I've met through this meetup have been a game-changer for my career.

It's a supportive community where you can share ideas, find mentors, and even stumble upon new job opportunities."

• Stay ahead of the game: Keep up with the hottest web dev trends and best practices.
• Expand your skillset: Learn from experienced pros and explore new technologies and tools.
• Build your network: Connect with like-minded people, potential employers, and industry leaders.
• Find job opportunities: Discover new job openings and ways to level up your career.
• Get guidance and support: Benefit from the wisdom of seasoned devs and a supportive community.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your coding journey, Des Moines Web Geeks is the place to be for continuous learning, collaborating, and growing in the heart of Iowa's tech scene.

Code DSM is like this dope non-profit that's all about leveling up Des Moines' tech game. They hook you up with mad educational sessions and workshops to help you get those coding skills on lock.

But the real deal is their 14-week coding bootcamp that covers the full stack web dev grind. It's legit designed to prep you for crushing it in the industry.

One of the dopest things about Code DSM is their mentorship program.

You got these seasoned pros from Des Moines' top tech companies volunteering to guide you and have your back. It's not just about the learning, it's about building those crucial connections too.

Word on the street is 92% of Code DSM grads say the mentorship was key to their success.

Code DSM is straight-up changing the game in Des Moines' tech scene.

Just listen to these success stories from past attendees:

• Career Transformation: "Code DSM gave me the skills and the confidence to go from working retail to being a software engineer at this poppin' tech startup." - David Moore, Code DSM Graduate
• Industry Support: "The coding bootcamp was no joke, but the mentors and instructors had my back. Now I'm living it up as a web developer at a Fortune 500 company." - Nancy Perez, Code DSM Graduate

With a track record of churning out job-ready devs and building up Des Moines' tech community, Code DSM is straight-up driving the future of the city's tech landscape.

You gotta check it out!

Let's talk about House of Genius in Des Moines, a meetup that's seriously next-level when it comes to problem-solving for entrepreneurs and business pros.

Each event is like a think tank on steroids, with people getting split into small squads to take on challenges that real companies are facing. It's a total mind-meld where different perspectives and skills come together to craft creative solutions and game-changing insights.

The way they do things at House of Genius is straight-up innovative.

After someone lays out their biz challenge, the group goes into hardcore brainstorming mode, followed by a rapid-fire Q&A sesh. It's a setup that really pushes people to think critically, give constructive feedback, and generate fresh ideas left and right.

As one attendee put it,

"House of Genius is a melting pot of brilliant minds, where the collective intelligence of the group is harnessed to solve real-world business challenges."

For startups and entrepreneurs, hitting up House of Genius Des Moines is an absolute game-changer:

• Access to expertise: You get to tap into a diverse pool of pros, from seasoned entrepreneurs to industry gurus and subject matter experts.
• Problem-solving support: They'll lay out tailored guidance and innovative solutions to help you overcome obstacles and level up your growth.
• Network building: Make connections with like-minded hustlers, potential collaborators, and mentors who can drop some serious knowledge.

Past events have seen startups smash through roadblocks in areas like product dev, marketing tactics, and scoring funds.

By fostering that collaborative, supportive vibe, House of Genius Des Moines helps entrepreneurs unlock their full potential and crush their goals.

Alright, check this out - Pyowa, the Iowa Python Users Group, is where it's at for all you Python coders in Des Moines.

These guys are seriously dedicated to the Python game, catering to devs of all levels, from newbies to the seasoned pros. Their meetups are like a coding playground where you can share knowledge, talk shop about the latest Python trends, and get your hands dirty with some real coding action.

They've got a sweet lineup of meetup formats to keep things fresh:

• Hands-on Coding Sessions: Bring your Python projects and get guidance from mentors who know their stuff. It's like having a coding coach in your corner.
• Technical Presentations: Experts from the Python community drop knowledge bombs on everything from web dev to data analysis and machine learning.
• Coding Challenges: Put your problem-solving skills to the test and learn from the different approaches your fellow coders bring to the table.

But it doesn't stop there! Pyowa hooks you up with a ton of community resources to level up your Python game.

Their online forums are the spot to ask questions, share code snippets, and get advice from other Python enthusiasts. Plus, they've got a stacked list of learning materials, from tutorials to books and online courses, to help you become a Python master.

According to the organizers, "Pyowa is more than just a meetup; it's a supportive community where developers can grow, collaborate, and make meaningful connections." With over 500 Python fanatics on board, you'll find a solid network to boost your professional game and connect with the Des Moines tech scene.

One member, Jessica Jackson, even said, "Pyowa has been instrumental in my growth as a Python developer. The supportive community and access to knowledgeable mentors have helped me tackle complex coding challenges with confidence."

Check this out - Des Moines Data & Analytics is a meetup for anyone into data science, analytics, and all that cutting-edge stuff.

These guys are all about connecting the data nerds of Des Moines, no matter what tools or technologies you're into.

Some of the cool topics they cover include data wrangling, visualization methods, analytics culture, and building skills in areas like machine learning and AI. They even had a recent event on using Generative AI and data science to reduce resolution time for IT tickets at EMC Insurance - that's some next-level stuff right there!

But it's not just about the technical side.

Iowa Data Professionals Association - Des Moines is another group that's all about networking and connecting with other data pros in the area.

They've got meetups, workshops, and even collaborate with other local groups like I-380 PASS Data Professionals and Quad Cities Data Professionals.

If you're more into the leadership and strategic side of data analytics, there's the Analytics Leadership Forum of Iowa.

These guys focus on topics like talent development, data-driven cultures, and driving impact with analytics in organizations. Pretty cool stuff for anyone looking to level up their leadership game in the data world.

Let's talk about EntreFEST, the epic mashup of a conference and festival that's a total must-attend for all the entrepreneurial bosses out there in Des Moines.

This insane event is going down on June 13-14, 2024, and it's going to be an absolute game-changer. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur trying to kickstart your hustle, an established business owner looking for fresh ideas, an investor scoping out the next big thing, or a community leader supporting local biz growth, EntreFEST has something for everyone.

Attending this event offers significant benefits for your personal and professional growth.

Past attendees have scored over $2 million in funding for their startups and made countless connections leading to partnerships and collaborations. The conference side is stacked with insightful keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops led by experts sharing knowledge on entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, finance, and more.

But it's not all just talk – the festival vibes celebrate the local entrepreneurial spirit with live music, food trucks, and interactive exhibits, creating the perfect atmosphere for networking and building that community.

David Smith, the founder of Acme Innovations, said, "EntreFEST is a game-changer for anyone looking to take their business to new heights. The perfect blend of education and entertainment, it's an event that truly inspires and empowers." If you're serious about leveling up your game, snag your tickets and get ready to experience the ultimate entrepreneurial extravaganza.

Alright, check this out! Iowa Code Camp is a coding event that goes down every year, and it's totally free! It's like a massive gathering of programmers, developers, and tech geeks from all corners of the state.

They've got sessions for every skill level, from beginner workshops that cover the basics of programming to advanced tracks exploring cutting-edge stuff like machine learning and cybersecurity.

The variety of session topics is insane! For the newbies, you can learn the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.

If you're an intermediate coder, they've got sessions on web dev frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, as well as database management and software design patterns.

And for the real pros, they dive into AI, data science, cybersecurity, and all the latest tech trends.

But it's not just about the learning – Iowa Code Camp is also a prime spot for networking and making connections in the local tech scene.

Past attendees rave about the collaborative vibe and the chance to mingle with industry experts. One person said,

"Iowa Code Camp was an incredible experience. I gained coding skills and made valuable connections that have seriously boosted my career."

Another attendee gushed,

"As a beginner, I was nervous about going, but the welcoming environment and knowledgeable speakers made the experience super rewarding. I left feeling pumped and motivated to keep leveling up my coding game."

Des Moines is where it's at for tech geeks like us! The city's tech scene is seriously lit with all kinds of meetups and conferences that'll take your skills to the next level.

From coding bootcamps to start-up showcases, there's something for everyone. And networking is key to landing that dream job or scoring that sick side project.

But it's not just about the career gains, Des Moines' emerging tech hub is a thriving community where you can geek out with like-minded peeps and stay on top of the latest trends.

Speaking of trends, have you checked out Nucamp's coding bootcamps? They've got programs covering everything from web development to cybersecurity, so you can level up your skills and get job-ready.

And if you're looking to break into the tech world, their resources on landing a tech job in Des Moines are clutch.

Immersing yourself in this community is the way to go – you'll gain mad knowledge, make connections, and have a blast doing it.