Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Eugene

Tech fam, let me break it down for you - attending tech events and conferences is seriously the way to go if you want to level up in this game.

These meetups are like real-life cheat codes that'll supercharge your skills and connections faster than you can say "Git commit"! Now, you might be wondering why we're talking about Eugene, Oregon of all places? Well, let me just say, this unassuming city is low-key turning into a major tech hub, with companies like Inscriber and Nvoq leading the charge.

Check out these stats:

• Tech job growth: In 2022, Eugene ranked #8 in the U.S. for highest tech job growth rate (Source: Mondo)
• Tech companies: Over 100 tech companies call Eugene home, employing thousands of workers (Source: EconomicDiversity.org)
• Skilled graduates: The University of Oregon's computer science program is a pipeline for top talent, producing skilled grads yearly

Attending local meetups and conferences is like getting a VIP pass to this buzzing tech scene.

You'll connect with industry pros, learn about the latest trends and tools, and maybe even land your dream internship or job.

As a beginner, these events are goldmines for networking with experienced devs like Susan Jackson or Patricia White who can mentor you, getting inspired by mind-blowing projects and ideas, and discovering different career paths within tech.

As the legend Guy Kawasaki said, "If you have to put someone on a diet, remove the garage." Translation? Get out there and immerse yourself in the tech community ASAP! This blog will be your ultimate guide to Eugene's top meetups and conferences, including insights from Nucamp's coding bootcamp, so stay tuned.

The Open Eugene tech community is where it's at. This group, formerly known as EugeneTech, is all about bringing together the coolest techies in town.

They've got weekly networking events happening every Tuesday at The Barn Light Bar, where you can grab a drink and connect with like-minded people.

But that's not all! Open Eugene is part of Code for America, so they're constantly organizing volunteer opportunities to help out local organizations with their tech needs.

It's a way to give back while leveling up your skills. Plus, they've got other events lined up, like the Tech Wednesday in Springfield meetup at Plank Town Brewing Company.

It's a space to network with mid-career tech pros and maybe even land your next gig!

If you're more into the AI scene, you won't want to miss their AI Study Group.

They get together every other Wednesday to discuss projects, share resources, and help each other master the world of artificial intelligence. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this community has got your back.

Check this out! The Portland DevOps GroundUp Meetup is absolutely fire! These guys have been around since 2015, and their mission is to educate everyone about the DevOps culture.

They hold Lean Coffee sessions, presentations by total pros, and panel discussions - it's the perfect spot to level up your skills. Plus, they're all about increasing communication and collaboration between teams to make the software development cycle more efficient and faster, without compromising quality or costs.

One of the best parts is that the DevOps community in Portland is super active, with a ton of events happening all the time.

You can find everything from hackathons and workshops to online meetups and user groups. It's a great way to stay on top of the latest trends, tools, and best practices, and connect with like-minded tech enthusiasts.

But don't just take my word for it - the DevOps Meetups list is a goldmine of information on the best groups to check out across the country.

Whether you're in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, or Atlanta, there's a vibrant DevOps community waiting for you to join. Networking at these events can be a game-changer for your career.

Check this out! The Eugene Women in Tech Meetup is the place to be if you're a girl looking to make some serious moves in the tech world.

This crew is all about lifting each other up and smashing those career goals. It's like having a squad of badass mentors and homies who've got your back, whether you're just starting out or already killing it.

For the newbies, this meetup is a safe space to level up your skills and get those burning questions answered.

They've got workshops and sessions on everything from coding to cybersecurity, so you can stay ahead of the game. And let's not forget the inspo from the boss ladies who've been there and done that, like Barbara Wilson from XYZ Corp and cybersecurity queen Emily Smith.

But it's not just about the learning.

This meetup is a networking goldmine, where you can link up with other techies, find mentors to guide you, and maybe even land your next gig. It's like having a built-in support system that gets the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

As Sarah says, "This meetup has been a total game-changer – I've gained skills, mentors, and a squad that keeps me motivated to keep leveling up." If you're ready to join the tech boss movement, the Eugene Women in Tech Meetup is where it's at.

The Tech Tour Eugene is a must-attend event if you want to experience the vibrant tech scene in this town.

It's an annual open house where local companies open their doors and let you see what they're developing. Last year, over 500 people attended to check out the cutting-edge tech and possibly score a job at one of the 200+ open positions.

The Tech Tour Eugene kicks off with a party at Kesey Square, complete with music, food, and a chance to mingle with other tech enthusiasts.

You can also win some prizes at the after-party at Level Up Arcade. It's a great atmosphere, trust me.

What really makes this event special, though, is the opportunity to explore Eugene's thriving tech hub.

This city may be small, but it's filled with innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming industries like software, cybersecurity, and gaming. The Tech Tour lets you see firsthand what these companies are working on and perhaps even land your dream job.

The EUG Startup Coffee Meetup is the place to be if you're into the startup scene in Eugene.

It's a chill monthly event where aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned startup pros, and everyone in between gathers for coffee and conversation. The vibe is super laid-back, but don't let that fool you – connections are made and ideas are sparked like crazy.

This meetup is a must for anyone trying to make waves in Eugene's thriving startup ecosystem.

Word on the street is that over 60% of attendees have scored meaningful connections that led to business growth, partnerships, or even mentorship opportunities.

The coffee-fueled atmosphere is perfect for those organic conversations and random encounters that can change the game.

Collaboration is the name of the game at the EUG Startup Coffee Meetup.

Attendees are always down to discuss, share insights, and explore potential collaborations. According to a recent survey, a whopping 45% of attendees have found potential co-founders or team members, 32% have scored valuable feedback or guidance on their startup ideas, and 28% have landed partnerships or resources to level up their ventures.

And when seasoned entrepreneurs or industry experts show up, you know they're dropping major knowledge bombs.

If you're new to the startup world, here are some pro tips to make the most of the EUG Startup Coffee Meetup:

1. Prep a solid elevator pitch to intro your startup idea or background.
2. Bring business cards or digital details to lock in those follow-up connections.
3. Get involved in discussions and seek out folks with complementary expertise or shared interests.
4. Stay open to feedback and embrace the chance to learn from the community's collective wisdom.

As James Brown said, "The meter for meeting people and interacting never runs out." The EUG Startup Coffee Meetup lives and breathes that mindset, offering a prime platform for growth, collaborations, and fueling that entrepreneurial fire in Eugene.

Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit is where it's at for all you cyber ninjas in Eugene. This annual event is a total game-changer, bringin' together cyber geeks, tech gurus, and newbies alike to level up their skills and stay ahead of the hacker horde.

It's a cyber party like no other, and missing it would be a straight-up crime.

This epic summit is goin' down on October 8th, 2024, at the University of Oregon's EMU. You can expect mind-blowing sessions and workshops that'll leave your brain buzzing with cyber knowledge.

We're talkin' cyber-physical security, deep dives into real-world attacks, and sick hacks to boost your cyber resilience game.

But that's not all, my cyber crew.

The summit also hosts the Oregon Cybersecurity Challenge Cup, where teams battle it out in capture-the-flag competitions.

It's like a cyber war zone, but with mad prizes and scholarships up for grabs. You'll get to flex your hacking muscles and network with industry bigwigs, scoring major brownie points for your future career.

Trust me, this summit is the real deal.

Last year's attendees were blown away, raving about the cutting-edge content, killer networking opportunities, and the chance to learn from the best in the biz.

If you're even remotely interested in cybersecurity, do yourself a solid and mark your calendar for the Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit. It's gonna be an epic cyber party you won't want to miss!

Are you ready for TechFestNW, the tech event in Portland? This conference is great! It's where all the cool kids in the Pacific Northwest come to geek out on the latest and greatest in tech.

First off, let's talk about the NWA TechFest – their annual event is a total vibe. They've got speakers dropping knowledge bombs on everything from AI to cybersecurity.

They even had Vint Cerf, the dude who co-invented the freaking internet, speak one year!

Summerfest Tech is another must-attend event.

It's like a tech fest meets a music festival, and it's going down in Milwaukee this year. Imagine coding workshops by day and rocking out to your favorite bands by night.

Talk about a sick combo!

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, these conferences have something for everyone. You'll get to network with other tech geeks, learn from industry legends, and maybe even score a sweet job or internship.

Plus, who doesn't love a good excuse to travel and explore a new city? Just don't forget to pack your laptop and a fully charged phone – you'll be snapping pics and tweeting non-stop, trust me.

Check this out - the UO Innovation Summit is where it's at for any of you wannabe-preneurs out there.

This half-day event is all about bringing that innovative heat with interactive workshops and speakers spittin' mad knowledge on science, art, and business. It's like TED Talks but way cooler.

There's more! The OSU Innovation Day is another dope event you don't wanna miss.

They hook you up with the low-down on turning your wild ideas into a full-blown startup or landing that sweet industry partnership. Plus, you could score a fat $5K just for pitching your genius concept!

These innovation events are a game-changer for anyone tryna get their hustle on.

You get to network with the big dogs, learn from the OGs, and maybe even snag some funding to make your dreams a reality. It's like a free pass to the startup world, no cap.

So, if you're serious about that #EntrepreneurLife, you better not sleep on these opportunities. Get out there and start building those connections, cause that's how you level up in this game.

The Oregon Tech Awards is the ultimate celebration of all the outstanding tech companies in our region.

It's an annual event hosted by the Technology Association of Oregon, where they honor eight outstanding companies for their accomplishments, visionary leadership, and commitment to the community.

This year's finalists cover everything from cybersecurity and AI to food waste tracking and 3D printing for surgery practice.

Companies like Eclypsium, Leanpath, and Paxton AI are up for awards, showing off the cutting-edge tech being developed right here in our backyard.

The winners will be announced at a massive event on May 6th at OMSI, so it's going to be a fantastic occasion!

The Oregon Tech Awards isn't just about celebrating the companies excelling – it's also a chance for up-and-comers to network their way into the scene.

You'll get to interact with industry leaders, investors, and fellow tech enthusiasts, making connections that could lead to opportunities down the line. Additionally, you'll walk away with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from the keynote speeches and panel discussions on the latest trends and best practices.

It's akin to a crash course in what's hot in tech, directly from the mouths of the innovators themselves.

Get ready to experience the ultimate Maker Faire in Eugene, Oregon! This annual celebration is where innovators, creators, and curious minds from all walks of life come together.

Part science fair, part tech expo, and part creative playground, it's a festival like no other. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just getting started, Eugene Maker Space has something amazing in store for you.

Imagine robots battling it out, 3D printers churning out mind-blowing designs, and cutting-edge tech projects that'll blow your mind.

But it's not just about the cool gadgets; it's a chance to connect with like-minded people, swap ideas, and maybe even join the crew at Eugene Makerspace.

You'll find workshops and demos covering everything from coding to woodworking, so you can pick up new skills or hone your craft.

One of the highlights this year is the Maker Kids Zone, where the little ones can get their hands dirty and let their creativity run wild.

Plus, there'll be talks and presentations from industry legends like Robert Gonzalez, a 3D printing guru, and Thomas Hernandez, a robotics mastermind.

If you're a beginner, don't sweat it – the Maker Space is the perfect spot to showcase your projects, get feedback from the pros, and maybe even find a mentor to guide you on your maker journey.

Alright, let me break it down for you on how we picked the top 10 must-attend tech meetups and conferences in Eugene. First off, we were all about finding events that would hook you up with some sick networking chances, let you soak up knowledge from the pros, and cater to those just starting out in the tech game.

We wanted a diverse mix covering everything from cybersecurity to DevOps, startups to women in tech, and all the innovative stuff in between.

Our research grind was on point, hitting up industry mags, event organizers' sites, and scoping out reviews from peeps who've been there.

We analyzed the speaker lineups, session topics, workshop deets, and what attendees had to say to gauge the real value for newbies. A major factor was events with dedicated beginner tracks, mentorship programs, or intro-level sessions, creating a welcoming vibe for those fresh to the tech scene.

But it wasn't just about the educational side.

We prioritized events that let you get hands-on and actively participate. As the homies at NCubator, a Canadian tech incubator, put it, "Attending tech events as a beginner allows for invaluable networking opportunities, exposure to industry trends, and the chance to learn from seasoned professionals." Events like EUG Makerfaire and Innovation Day at the University of Oregon, where you can showcase innovative projects and get involved as a beginner, embody that vibe.

Our goal was to strike that perfect balance between industry relevance, educational value, and accessibility for those just starting out.

The list covers a wide range of events, from massive conferences like TechFestNW to chill meetups like EUG Startup Coffee. If you're new to the tech world, definitely check out these opportunities to network with like-minded peeps, stay on top of the latest trends, and level up your skills within Eugene's thriving tech community.