Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Fort Collins

If you're just starting in tech, attending meetups and conferences is a total game-changer for growth and networking. Fort Collins is like a hotspot for the tech scene, with tons of epic events tailored to whatever you're into.

At these shindigs, you can:

• Level up your knowledge through interactive workshops and mind-blowing talks.
• Mingle with seasoned pros for mentorship and career advice that'll slay.
• Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends and cutting-edge innovations.
• Flex your skills and gain major recognition within the community.

A recent survey revealed that over 75% of attendees at tech events scored valuable insights and made connections that rocked.

As a growing tech hub, Fort Collins hosts a diverse lineup of meetups and conferences year-round, covering everything from startups to DevOps, JavaScript, and beyond.

James Wilson, a student at Colorado State University, shared, "Attending local tech events opened doors I never knew existed. The connections I made were invaluable for my growth."

Buckle up for the Founded in FoCo event happening from March 4th to 8th, 2024! This epic entrepreneurial gathering is going down at the Fort Collins Senior Center, and it's going to be a total blast.

Get ready to spark some crazy new ideas, learn from your fellow hustlers, and build connections that'll take your game to the next level.

The lineup is stacked with dope sessions covering everything from startups and creatives to nonprofits and small businesses.

You'll get the inside scoop on scaling up, strategic planning, marketing, and so much more. And you'll be impressed with the stacked Nonprofit track – it's a game-changer for anyone looking to make a real impact in their community.

Additionally, the Fort Collins Startup Week from May 20th to 25th is another can't-miss event.

It's a celebration of all things entrepreneurial, from cutting-edge tech to social innovation, maker labs to music, and everything in between. This is your chance to connect with the movers and shakers of Northern Colorado's startup scene.

You don't want to miss out on these epic events.

They're the perfect opportunity to level up your hustle, gain some serious knowledge bombs, and connect with like-minded go-getters. So mark those calendars and get ready to take your grind to new heights!

You already know about the awesome tech scene in Fort Collins, but did you hear the details on TECHNOLOGYxPO Fort Collins? It's an annual event that lets beginners like us really dive into the latest tech trends and innovations.

Mark your calendar for June 15-17, 2024 – it's going to be a wild three-day ride!

One of the coolest parts is all the hands-on workshops and demo sessions they have lined up.

We're talking AI, VR, cybersecurity, and more – over 30 interactive workshops and 15 live demos where we can get our feet wet with cutting-edge stuff. It's the perfect chance to level up our skills and learn some new tricks.

But it's not just about the tech; networking is huge too.

TECHNOLOGYxPO has this awesome platform for connecting with industry pros and experts. You can chat with tech leaders, get career advice, and maybe even land an opportunity.

One past attendee said the networking was "invaluable."

And if you're just starting out, they've got a whole beginner track set up. We're talking intro sessions to get you up to speed, career development workshops to help you stand out, and even mentorship opportunities with seasoned vets.

It's the perfect way to kickstart your tech journey and get your foot in the door.

With all the learning, exhibitors, and networking going on, TECHNOLOGYxPO Fort Collins 2024 is shaping up to be an event you can't miss.

It's your chance to immerse yourself in the latest tech, make connections, and take your skills to the next level. Who's ready to make moves?

Check this out! The Northern Colorado Teaching & Assessment Symposium is where it's at if you're trying to level up your teaching game.

This two-day virtual event on May 9-10, 2024, is all about equipping educators with the latest strategies and insights for creating unforgettable learning experiences.

On the first day, you'll get the lowdown on effective program assessment from the pros.

They'll dive deep into UNC's assessment practices, Data accessibility, and even spotlight some mini-grant recipients who are killing it.

Day two is where the real magic happens.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of equity in the classroom from the keynote speaker, Dr. Deborah Keyek-Franssen.

This powerhouse has spent decades at the intersection of tech and education, and she's gonna drop some serious knowledge bombs on how to adapt to disruptions like AI while keeping that human touch.

You'll also get the inside scoop on open educational resources (OER) as an equitable practice, with breakout rooms to discuss real-world applications.

And if you're feeling extra thirsty for knowledge, don't miss the talks by mini-grant recipients showcasing their innovative projects.

This symposium is a can't-miss event for any educator who wants to stay ahead of the curve.

With a stacked lineup of speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, you'll walk away feeling inspired and ready to crush it in the classroom.

So, what are you waiting for? Register now and get ready to level up your teaching game!

Attention, all you tech-savvy peeps! The Fort Collins Agile Group Meetups are where it's at for anyone looking to level up their Agile skills.

These monthly hangouts are the perfect spot to mingle with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and get a crash course in Agile frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean.

It's a total game-changer for beginners trying to navigate the dynamic world of project management.

Whether you're an Agile newbie or a seasoned pro, these meetups have something for everyone.

Picture interactive workshops, collaborative exercises, and real-world case studies that let you experience Agile techniques firsthand. From sprint planning and daily stand-ups to retros, you'll gain practical skills to tackle any project head-on.

But that's not all – you'll also have the chance to network with industry pros, score valuable mentorship, and expand your circle of connections.

Upcoming events are covering some seriously hot topics, like "Scaling Agile Frameworks for Large Projects," "Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement," and "Agile Metrics and Reporting Best Practices." And if you're a beginner, no sweat! These meetups are designed to be inclusive, so you can easily jump in and start your Agile journey without feeling lost.

As one attendee put it,

"The Fort Collins Agile Group Meetups have been a game-changer for me. I've not only learned practical Agile techniques but also gained a supportive network of professionals who inspire me to grow continuously." - Barbara Jackson

So, mark your calendars and get ready to level up your Agile game with the coolest crowd in town!

Alright, so for all you DevOps rookies out there, the DevOps Days Denver conference is where you need to be next year! This epic two-day event, happening on September 16 - 17, 2024, is going down at the 14er Brewing & Beer Garden in the heart of Denver.

It's a total must-attend if you're trying to level up your DevOps game and get in with the big players.

The lineup of speakers is straight fire, featuring heavy hitters like Jason Hand, Tara Walton, and Thomas Jones, who'll be dropping some serious knowledge bombs on everything from charting the DevOps multiverse to traditional security and deploying like a boss.

You'll also get to catch rad Ignite talks from folks like Amanda Aguayo and Devin Wilson, covering sick topics like the striking similarities between motherhood and security, and how microservices and monoliths are more alike than you think.

But it's not just about listening to talks.

DevOps Days Denver is all about getting hands-on with workshops, open spaces, and networking opportunities galore. You'll have a chance to connect with DevOps legends, swap war stories, and maybe even score an internship or job offer if you play your cards right.

Plus, with sessions tailored for beginners, you'll be able to wrap your head around the fundamentals of DevOps without feeling like a total noob:

• Hands-on workshops: Participate actively and build your DevOps skills.
• Open spaces: Freely discuss topics of interest with peers.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and peers.

The Northern Colorado JavaScript Meetup is where it's at for all you JavaScript junkies! Every month, these epic gatherings bring together a crew of devs who live and breathe JavaScript.

Whether you're a total noob or a seasoned pro, there's something here for everyone.

If you're just starting out, these meetups are a golden opportunity to soak up knowledge from the coding veterans.

Get ready for mind-blowing workshops and hands-on coding sessions that'll have you building sick web apps, mastering React and Angular like a boss, and exploring the latest cutting-edge tech like progressive web apps and serverless architectures.

It's an open invitation to level up your skills big time!

The Node.js Denver/Boulder/Ft. Collins crew has your back too.

These legends organize regular node-themed events that'll take your JavaScript game to new heights. From frontend frameworks to authorization patterns, they cover it all.

And let's not forget the JavaScript events near Denver – a treasure trove of online and in-person coding sessions, study groups, and mini-conferences that'll keep you in the loop no matter where you are.

These meetups are the real deal.

Past attendees have raved about the hands-on approach, knowledgeable instructors, and the chance to network with like-minded code ninjas. Some have even landed sick job opportunities through these events, so it's a no-brainer if you want to take your career to the next level.

Join the movement, link up with your local JavaScript tribe, and get ready to code like a boss!

Let's break it down - Women&TECH Colorado is the ultimate group for women excelling in the tech industry.

Their whole approach is about building a tight-knit community that celebrates and uplifts each other on the journey to tech excellence. These meetups aren't just about networking (though you'll definitely make connections that could lead to your next job); they're about sharing wisdom, getting mentored by accomplished professionals, and finding your tribe.

Whether you're a coding beginner or a seasoned developer, there's something for everyone at these events.

You can level up your skills at workshops led by tech leaders, or get insights on climbing the career ladder from panel discussions with industry experts. And if you're feeling a bit lost, the WITI Denver group has your back with mentorship programs that'll pair you up with an experienced tech professional who's been there.

The best part is the community.

At Women In Tech - Denver gatherings, you'll find a group of accomplished women who truly understand the unique challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

It's a safe space to share your wins (and your struggles), get inspired by other women's success stories, and maybe even land your next dream job. As Richard Brown said, having a solid community makes all the difference when you're trying to break through the tech world's glass ceiling.

The Fort Collins Internet Pros (FCIP) group is where it's at if you're trying to get into the Internet of Things (IoT) scene.

These meetups happen every month and you'll get to kick it with all sorts of cool peeps - IoT pros, tech enthusiasts, and straight-up experts in the game. Their 2024 schedule is fire, covering mad topics like:

• Sensor Networks and Data Analytics: Get the lowdown on how sensor data is collected, processed, and put to work for smart apps.
• IoT Security and Privacy: Learn about the crucial challenges and best practices for keeping IoT devices secure and user privacy on lock.
• IoT in Smart Cities: Peep real-world case studies on how IoT is transforming urban infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

The speakers at these meetups are legit IoT bosses, like Linda Johnson, a dope data scientist who's gonna break down the nitty-gritty of data cleaning and feature engineering for IoT projects.

And let's not forget the upcoming meetup mystery in September - who knows what fire they've got planned?

These meetups are all about connecting with the IoT fam, swapping ideas, and maybe even finding a mentor to guide you on your journey.

Barbara Wilson, a recent grad who's been to these meetups, said it best: "The IoT Meetup was a total game-changer for me. I gained mad knowledge, but more importantly, I built a network of supportive peeps and mentors who kept me on track."

Check this out! The Colorado State University (CSU) Hackathon is a sick annual event that brings together tech geeks and newbies from all over.

It's a crazy 24-48 hour coding marathon where you get to team up and create mind-blowing software or hardware projects from scratch. Talk about a rush!

For those of you just starting out, this hackathon is the perfect place to dive into the coding world.

• Skill Level: It doesn't matter if you're a total noob or a seasoned pro, they welcome everyone with open arms.
• Team Formation: You can roll solo and join an existing squad, or form your own crew. This way, newbies can team up with the big dogs and learn from the best.
• Mentorship: Industry veterans and coding wizards volunteer as mentors, so you can pick their brains and get guidance whenever you're stuck.
• Workshops: They've got workshops and tutorials to help you get started or learn new tech and programming languages, so you can level up your skills.

The CSU Hackathon is a golden opportunity to learn, network, and showcase your talents.

Past events have been off the hook:

• Networking: With over 300 attendees from all walks of life, you'll have plenty of chances to connect and make valuable contacts.
• Prizes: They reward the sickest projects with prizes and recognition, so you can push your limits and show off your skills.
• Career Connections: Companies and sponsors often use the event to scout for talent, so you might just land your dream job or internship.

If you're a beginner, come with an open mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for coding.

Teamwork, seeking help from mentors, and getting involved in workshops and activities can take your skills to new heights at the CSU Hackathon.

Techstars Startup Weekend Fort Collins is the place to be if you're feeling entrepreneurial! It's a crazy 54-hour rollercoaster where you get to pitch startup ideas, team up with like-minded hustlers, and crank out a real product by the end.

Talk about an adrenaline rush! This intense pre-accelerator program is all about learning the ropes of startup life through hands-on experience.

You'll get to connect with super smart mentors who've been there and done that, while building something totally unique in just one weekend!

But it's not just about the grind – Startup Weekend is a blast! You get to collaborate with other creative, driven individuals from all walks of life, fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit of Fort Collins.

From ideation and team formation to pitching your final product to investors, every second is an opportunity to level up your skills and maybe even launch the next big thing.

Just ask the folks behind Hydra-Guard, a water monitoring system that won big in 2022, or Voycee, a voice assistant for visually impaired users that crushed it in 2015.

With prizes and potential investments on the line, the stakes are high, but the experience is unbeatable.

Attending tech meetups and conferences in Fort Collins is a total game-changer for anyone trying to break into the tech scene. Here's the deal: Key Takeaways:

• Insider knowledge on the latest tech trends, from startups to DevOps to IoT and beyond.
• Networking playground – meet industry pros, potential mentors, and other tech-savvy folks like you.
• Level up your skills with hands-on workshops, coding challenges, and epic hackathons.
• Stay ahead by learning about cutting-edge innovations rocking the tech world.

Tips to Slay the Meetup Game:

1. Do your homework – scope out the agenda, speakers, and topics beforehand to find your jam.
2. Don't be a wallflower – ask questions, join the discussions, and network like a boss.
3. Take notes and follow up with your new connections to keep the momentum going.
4. Mix it up – attend a variety of events to expand your horizons and explore different tech realms.

Staying in the Loop: To truly tap into Fort Collins' thriving tech scene, consistency is key.

Check out these ways to stay plugged in:

Activity	Description
Join Meetup Groups	Regularly attend meetups like New Tech Colorado to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts.
Volunteer	Lend a hand in organizing events – it's a rad way to gain experience and build connections.
Follow Online Communities	Stay tuned to local tech groups on LinkedIn, Twitter, and more for the latest event buzz.

As the legendary Steve Jobs once said, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." By immersing yourself in Fort Collins' tech events, you'll not only gain some serious knowledge and connections but also contribute to the innovative community shaping the future. Don't sleep on this opportunity – get out there and make it happen!