Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Kansas City

Kansas City's tech scene is absolutely killing it! With job growth in the industry projected to skyrocket by 11.5% by 2024, as mentioned by the Kansas City Area Development Council, attending meetups and conferences is an absolute must for networking and leveling up your skills.

Here are some key benefits that'll have you hyped:

• Connecting with potential employers, mentors, and collaborators who could change the entire game.
• Staying informed with the latest technologies and industry trends that'll keep you ahead of the curve.
• Gaining invaluable insights from expert speakers and hands-on workshops that'll take your skills to new heights.

As a tech enthusiast in KC, you're spoiled for choice with a diverse lineup of events catering to all kinds of interests.

From cutting-edge topics like cybersecurity and data science to niche communities like women in tech and WordPress, there's something for everyone. As Nancy Anderson, a local developer, puts it:

"The Kansas City tech community is tight-knit yet welcoming. Attending meetups has opened doors I never knew existed."

So gear up to explore the top 10 must-attend events that'll elevate your career and passion for tech to stratospheric levels.

Kansas City's tech sector is growing faster than the national average, contributing almost 10% to our regional economy, according to the Kansas City Area Development Council.

With companies like Garmin, T-Mobile, and Cerner leading the charge, there are endless opportunities for those seeking to make their mark in the tech world.

Let's kick things off with Techweek Kansas City, a totally lit tech event that brings together all sorts of people for a week of learning, networking, and checking out the latest innovations.

This event has been around for over a decade, and it's become the place to be for anyone in the KC tech scene, whether you're a pro, an entrepreneur, an investor, or just a student trying to get your foot in the door.

The event's lineup is packed with sessions covering everything from AI and cybersecurity to blockchain and software development.

You'll get to learn from the experts through panels, workshops, and keynotes. The 2024 edition is gonna be all about Web3 and decentralized tech, with a whole track dedicated to the pioneers and big thinkers in that space.

But Techweek isn't just about sitting in sessions all day.

It's a whole vibe for networking and connecting with the tech community. You'll have chances to check out startup pitch competitions, where aspiring entrepreneurs showcase their ideas to investors and mentors.

There's also a tech job fair, where companies show off their opportunities, and you can explore your career prospects. And let's not forget the innovation showcases, where leading tech firms and startups unveil their latest products and solutions, giving you a glimpse into the future.

The organizers have even teamed up with local organizations to host community events like coding workshops for underrepresented groups and hackathons focused on solving real-world challenges.

As Matthew Williams, a Techweek regular, put it, "Techweek Kansas City is more than just an event; it's a convergence of brilliant minds, fostering collaboration and driving innovation in our region."

The Kansas City Developer Conference (KCDC) is an epic event that draws in coding geniuses from all over! This yearly bash is a must-attend for devs, architects, project managers, and anyone obsessed with tech.

KCDC covers a smorgasbord of mind-blowing topics, like:

• Cloud Computing: Get insights on cloud architecture, DevOps, containerization, and building serverless apps that'll blow your mind.
• Modern Web Development: Dive into the freshest frameworks, frontend and backend tech, and how to craft web apps that are scalable and lightning-fast.
• Data Engineering and Analytics: Experts spill the beans on big data processing, machine learning, data visualization, and using data to unlock business secrets.
• Mobile App Development: Level up your skills in native and cross-platform app dev, UI/UX design, and integrating wild tech like augmented reality.

Past keynote speakers have been total rockstars like Lorna Jane Mitchell, an open-source champion, and Scott Hanselman, a coding legend and blogger extraordinaire.

Their mind-bending talks covered "The Future of Software Development" and "Cultivating a Successful Developer Mindset."

The hands-on workshops at KCDC are where the real magic happens.

Previous offerings included an "Introduction to Machine Learning with Python" and a "Reactive Programming with RxJS" session that blew everyone's minds. As one attendee, Christopher Garcia, gushed,

"The workshops were incredibly insightful and provided a great opportunity to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques."

Have you heard about the Into Design Systems Conference going down in Kansas City? This 3-day online event on May 15-17, 2024, is a total must-attend for anyone who's into designing sick digital experiences.

It's like a playground for designers and developers to level up their skills in building cohesive and scalable design systems.

The lineup is stacked with top experts from the design system realm, like Brad Frost, the OG who literally wrote the book on Atomic Design.

You'll also catch sessions from design system bosses at major companies like Salesforce and Airbnb. Just imagine the fresh ideas and insights you'll gain for creating rad user experiences that'll make your products shine.

But it's not just about sitting back and soaking up knowledge.

You'll get to flex your creative muscles through hands-on workshops and engage in some seriously thought-provoking discussions. And let's not forget about the networking opportunities – this is your chance to connect with other design system enthusiasts and maybe even land your next gig.

If you're a UI/UX designer, front-end dev, product manager, or just someone obsessed with design systems, this conference is an absolute must.

Learning from industry legends, getting your hands dirty with practical workshops, and expanding your professional network is the perfect blend.

Don't sleep on this opportunity to level up your design game!

Alright, let's talk about the Code BEAM Lite Virtual conference! This online event is all about bringing Erlang and Elixir devs together to share their skills and inspire each other.

It's a digital meetup for the BEAM community, where you can catch talks from experts like José Valim, the creator of Elixir himself! Last year, they had sessions on everything from game engines in Elixir to building Android apps on Erlang intelligence.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone to learn and explore. And the best part? You can join from anywhere, no travel required.

It's the perfect way to connect with like-minded coders and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the BEAM universe.

Let's talk about this Midwest Tech Connect event, it's honestly a vibe! It's all about bringing together the best and brightest from across the Midwest to collab on the latest tech.

You've got people coming from St. Louis, Omaha, Des Moines, Tulsa, and beyond to network and share their genius ideas. It's a melting pot of innovation, kinda like a massive digital powwow.

But it's not just about talking a big game, this event is where the magic happens.

You've got sessions to pitch your mind-blowing concepts, link up with potential partners, and even find your next squad of coding wizards.

And let's not forget the Connect Lounge, where you can lock in those one-on-one meetings and make connections that could level up your game.

Need proof that this shindig is the real deal? Check out these success stories:

• Startup scored major funding: After making the right connections.
• Developer landed dream gig: Through some serious networking.
• Idea genius found co-founder: To turn their vision into reality.

It's like a tech fairy godmother granting wishes left and right!

Sarah Thompson, CEO of a local software company, sums it up perfectly:

"Midwest Tech Connect has been a total game-changer for our biz. The connections we've made and the knowledge we've gained? Priceless. If you're serious about leveling up your tech venture in the Midwest, this is a must-attend, no questions asked."

Alright, so Kansas City Women in Technology is this seriously awesome group that's all about getting more ladies into tech careers in KC. They've got this whole mission to provide education, mentoring, and networking opportunities for women at all levels – from young girls just starting to explore STEM fields to experienced professionals looking to level up their skills.

Their events calendar is always packed with cool stuff like Coding & Cocktails workshops (you get to learn coding basics while sipping on drinks, how fun is that?), tech talks with industry experts, and discussion groups on topics like intersectional feminism.

They even have meetups specifically for data science enthusiasts and front-end developers.

But it's not just about gaining technical knowledge; KCWiT creates a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and lift each other up.

They offer mentoring programs, career development sessions, and chances to get involved through volunteering or leadership roles. It's an incredible resource for anyone feeling a bit isolated or overwhelmed in the male-dominated tech world.

Honestly, joining this group was one of the best decisions I've made since moving to KC. The women I've met through KCWiT are some of the most driven, talented, and welcoming people I know.

With their support and the skills I've gained from the workshops, I feel so much more confident in my abilities as a developer. If you're a woman in tech (or interested in getting into tech), definitely check out Kansas City Women in Technology – it's a total game-changer.

Strange Loop is the place to be if you're a techie trying to stay on top of the latest trends and connect with the brightest minds in the game.

This yearly conference in Kansas City brings together developers, programmers, and tech geniuses from around the world to share their brilliance and explore the cutting-edge of software development, emerging technologies, and everything in between.

At Strange Loop, you'll dive deep into topics like:

• Software Development: Get the inside scoop on the latest coding languages, tools, and best practices for building killer apps.
• Emerging Tech: AI, machine learning, blockchain – it, they've got sessions on the future of tech that'll blow your mind.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Learn how to lead technical projects and teams like a boss, while fostering an environment for innovation to thrive.

The conference lineup is always stacked with industry legends and academic superstars who are changing the game.

In the past, speakers like Martin Odersky and Brian Cantrill have graced the stage to share their groundbreaking work and inspire attendees.

But Strange Loop isn't just about the talks – it's a chance to connect with developers from diverse backgrounds and explore the creative side of tech.

With events like interactive fiction workshops and after-parties at the iconic City Museum, you'll get to experience the cutting-edge of tech in a whole new way.

Kansas City's tech scene is buzzing with events, and Futurecon Cybersecurity Event is a must-attend for anyone serious about cyber security.

This annual conference brings together the minds in the game to share their knowledge and demo the latest tech. You can earn up to 10 CPE credits while immersing yourself in the dynamic threat landscape.

Learn from Richard Lopez, the CISO of the Kansas Information Security Office, during the keynote.

But Futurecon isn't the only event in town. KC Cyber Security Conference is another event designed for IT execs and professionals looking to level up their skills.

You'll explore cutting-edge solutions from top sponsors, build your network, and learn best practices for overcoming current and future challenges. Plus, with content shaped by alumni input, you know it's going to be relevant.

If you're more into the public sector side of things, check out the Kansas Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit.

This event brings together government tech leaders from across the state to discuss the latest efforts in defending against cyber criminals. You'll hear from experts like Susan Rodriguez, the Deputy CISO of Kansas, and learn strategies for incident response, malware analysis, and more.

Kansas City is buzzing with a data science community, and at the core lies Big Data KC. This meetup series is about keeping you ahead of the game when it comes to data tech and trends.

Whether you're a pro or just starting to explore data, Big Data KC has your back with mind-blowing sessions and a network of fellow data geeks.

Their recent events have been an absolute blast, diving deep into the hottest topics like:

• Machine Learning wizardry across different industries
• Insane Big Data Analytics tools for predicting the future (kinda)
• Slick Data Visualization tricks to make your data look smoking hot
• Cloud Computing madness and how it's changing data storage/processing

These sessions are led by experts and industry legends, so you know you're getting the real deal.

But it's not just about learning (although that's a massive part of it).

Big Data KC is also a hub for connecting with other data-obsessed folks. You can swap ideas, build your network, and maybe even score a new gig or collab opportunity.

Just ask Michael Thomas, a seasoned data pro who says,

"Big Data KC has been a game-changer for me. The people I've met have opened so many doors and leveled up my data science skills like crazy."

If you're anywhere near Kansas City and care about data science, you have to check out Big Data KC's upcoming events.

It's a way to stay fresh and build a network in the data world.

Let me drop some knowledge about the Kansas City WordPress Meetup. This crew is straight fire if you're trying to level up your WordPress game.

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned vet, these dudes got your back with hands-on learning sessions, expert guidance, and a tight-knit community that'll have you feeling right at home.

First off, their monthly educational sessions are where it's at.

From mastering the basics to crafting custom themes and plugins, these interactive workshops will take your skills to new heights. And the best part? They're led by some seriously talented WordPress wizards who know their stuff inside and out.

One homie said,

"The beginner workshops break it down in a way that even a total noob like me can understand."

But it's not just about learning.

The KC WordPress Meetup is all about that community vibe. You'll get to connect with other WordPress enthusiasts, swap war stories, and maybe even find your next coding partner or gig.

One member spilled,

"I've met so many dope developers and designers through this group, and it's led to some epic collabs."

If you're just starting out, this meetup is a goldmine:

• Beginner-friendly workshops: They'll walk you through the fundamentals step-by-step, no sweat.
• Mentorship opportunities: Get paired up with a WordPress pro who'll guide you through the trenches.
• Networking prospects: Rub elbows with potential employers, partners, or just some cool cats who share your passion.
• Community support: A squad that's got your back, whether you need advice, answers, or just some encouragement.

One newbie, Mary Gonzalez, summed it up perfectly:

"The KC WordPress Meetup has been a game-changer for learning WordPress. The supportive community and wealth of resources have accelerated my progress like crazy."

Putting together a kickass list of the dopest tech meetups and conferences in KC ain't no joke. We gotta keep things fresh and on point for all you techies out there.

That's why we got a solid game plan that combines community vibes and industry cred:

1. Industry Relevance: We stay locked on the latest tech trends, game-changing innovations, and skills that'll keep you ballin' in the job market.

Our picks cover cutting-edge topics that'll level up your knowledge and get you ready to slay those tech conferences.

We do our homework, tap into the minds of tech bosses, and study the job scene to make sure we're on point.

2. Community Engagement: Building a tight-knit tech fam takes teamwork.

That's why we're all ears when it comes to feedback from local techies, enthusiasts, and event organizers. We're scrolling through socials, forums, and hitting folks up directly to get the 411 on what you want to see, what's tripping you up, and how to make these events the GOAT.

3.

Measurable Impact: Numbers don't lie. We analyze key stats like attendance numbers, speaker and sponsor diversity, networking opportunities, and post-event feedback to see which events are really crushing it.

The ones that consistently pack the house, connect people, and leave attendees pumped make the cut.

4. Continuous Evaluation: Our list is a living, breathing thing that evolves with the tech scene.

We're always re-evaluating our criteria, gathering insights from industry pros, organizers, and attendees to make sure our selections stay fresh and relevant.

New events pop up, old ones switch it up, and we're on it, keeping this list a trusted source for techies at every level.

By balancing industry cred, community love, and measurable impact, our process curates a legit guide to the can't-miss tech events in KC. As Mary Martinez, event curator and tech scene queen, puts it, "This list represents the fire brewing in our city's tech community, and we're committed to keeping it lit for years to come." So stay tuned, KC techies, 'cause we're just getting started!