Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Minneapolis

Real talk, when it comes to finding the sickest tech meetups and conferences in Minneapolis, you gotta keep a few things in mind. Sure, the big-name events are cool and all, but they can be pricey and kinda overwhelming if you're just starting out.

That's why it's key to mix it up with some local meetup groups like JavaScriptMN too.

These more chill gatherings let you really connect with other tech heads and stay up-to-date with the latest trends without breaking the bank.

And networking is where it's at.

A study by LinkedIn showed that folks who get out there and attend events are three times more likely to score new job opportunities. So why not join the vibrant Minneapolis tech community where collaboration fuels growth and innovation? Plus, with startups like When I Work making waves, you'll be in the know about the hottest companies to watch.

At the end of the day, just focus on events that align with your interests, whether that's web dev, cybersecurity, or data analysis.

Look for opportunities to connect with people who share your passion, and don't sleep on those speaker lineups – you might just learn something game-changing from an industry pro.

And if the cost or location is a factor, no worries – many events offer virtual options or discounted tickets for students these days.

Minnebar is a rad annual event that's been shaking up the Minneapolis scene since 2006. It's not your typical conference with a rigid schedule - this is an "unconference" where you, the attendee, call the shots.

Imagine a space where you can lead sessions on any tech topic that excites you, from the hottest programming languages to the latest AI breakthroughs. It's a creative playground for sharing knowledge and sparking innovative ideas.

But Minnebar isn't just about geeking out over code.

It's a vibrant community hub where you can connect with fellow techies, designers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts. The chill vibe makes it easy to strike up convos and build your network.

Last year, over 1,400 people joined the party, proving that Minnebar's unique approach is a total hit with the Minnesota tech crowd.

What really sets Minnebar apart is its commitment to fostering collaboration and hands-on learning.

You can propose and lead sessions on anything that floats your boat, from web development to cybersecurity.

It's a space for sharing your expertise, picking up new skills, and exploring the latest trends together. Plus, the networking opportunities are endless, connecting you with like-minded folks who share your passion for all things tech.

This IoTFuse conference is where it's at if you wanna stay on top of all the cool Internet of Things (IoT) stuff happening.

It's like a massive meetup for the biggest brains in tech, going down yearly right here in Minneapolis. This year's event is gonna be fire, packed with opportunities to learn from pros who are making IoT their playground.

The best part? You'll get the inside scoop on everything from cutting-edge IoT tech like advanced sensors and AI integration, to keeping your data secure and private in this connected world.

They'll even dive into how IoT is shaking up industries like manufacturing and supply chains. It's like a crash course in the future, straight from the innovators shaping it.

IoTFuse is the place to connect with other tech geeks and build your network.

You never know who you might meet or what groundbreaking ideas might spark. Plus, you get to check out the latest IoT products and solutions up close and personal in the expo hall.

It's like a candy store for tech enthusiasts!

Don't just take my word for it. Last year, this IoT consultant named Matthew Davis was blown away, saying "IoTFuse is a true gem for anyone eager to stay ahead of the curve. The insights shared by industry leaders are invaluable."

Twin Cities Startup Week is this epic annual event that celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in Minneapolis-St. Paul. It's organized by the Minnesota Cup and brings together the region's thriving startup community for a whole week of awesome activities.

The 2024 edition promises to be an immersive experience with a startup showcase, workshops, and panel discussions.

One of the highlights is the startup showcase, where local startups get to show off their products or services, pitch to potential investors, and network with industry legends.

Last year, over 150 startups across sectors like health tech, fintech, and cleantech participated. This year, you can expect to see some serious game-changers like BioEmbrace (medical devices), Gofair (fintech), and Revol Greens (sustainable agriculture) making waves.

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or innovator, Twin Cities Startup Week is like a treasure chest of learning opportunities.

The workshops and panel discussions are where you'll get the real deal. Some sessions you won't want to miss include:

• Startup Fundraising 101 - a comprehensive guide to raising capital for your venture.
• Scaling Your Startup: Strategies for Growth - a panel with successful entrepreneurs sharing their secrets to growth.
• Pitch Perfect: Crafting a Winning Pitch Deck - an interactive workshop to help you create killer pitch decks.

Networking is a crucial part of Twin Cities Startup Week, with over 5,000 attendees expected this year.

It's the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and forge partnerships with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. A new addition this year is the "Founder Match" program, which sets up curated one-on-one meetings between founders and potential investors or mentors.

Since its launch in 2014, Twin Cities Startup Week has been a driving force behind the region's startup ecosystem.

"It's an incredible platform for startups to gain visibility and connect with the right resources," says Christopher Harris, founder of FitBrilliant, a Twin Cities-based health tech startup. "The event has been instrumental in our growth journey."

Techstars Startup Weekend Minneapolis is straight-up mind-blowing! It's a crazy 54-hour grind where aspiring entrepreneurs blast off from zero to a fully functioning startup.

Imagine working your butt off with a crew of like-minded hustlers, building a legit business model from just an idea. The vibe is all about collaboration, mentorship, and channeling that innovation energy.

The core concept here is rapid startup development – you're grinding non-stop, constantly iterating and refining your idea based on mentors dropping serious knowledge bombs.

It's an intense crash course in the startup game, teaching you the ropes while giving you a front-row seat to the thrill ride. By the end, you'll be a startup pro ready to take on the entrepreneurial world.

But the real showstopper is the pitch competition.

After pouring your heart and soul into your startup, you get to pitch it to a panel of badass industry leaders.

It's a total adrenaline rush, sharpening your public speaking and storytelling game – skills that'll serve you well as an entrepreneur. And if you crush it, there are dope prizes and major bragging rights on the line.

Just ask the legends from Beatrix who won big with their stress-busting app for new parents.

But even when you're not sweating bullets over your pitch, Techstars Startup Weekend is an unbeatable networking goldmine.

You'll be rubbing shoulders with all sorts of hungry entrepreneurs, forging connections that could lead to epic collaborations down the road. The energy is off the charts, with past attendees raving about the "incredible vibe" and "priceless learning experience." As one fired-up participant put it,

"It was a game-changing weekend that lit my entrepreneurial fire and gave me the tools to turn my dreams into reality."

For all my peeps out there who live and breathe UX design, you gotta check out the UXPA Minnesota chapter. These guys are all about building a dope community for user experience pros to connect and level up their skills.

They host a ton of epic events year-round, and their annual conference is where it's at.

The UXPA Minnesota 2024 Conference is gonna be off the charts, with a stacked lineup of workshops and sessions led by the baddest UX gurus in the game.

You'll get the inside scoop on the hottest trends, innovative design thinking strategies, and how to create inclusive experiences that cater to all kinds of users.

But it's not just about soaking up knowledge – this conference is a prime opportunity to network your face off.

You'll get to rub elbows with other UX rockstars and maybe even land your dream gig at the career fair, where top companies will be scoping out fresh talent.

"The UXPA Minnesota Conference is an absolute must if you're serious about leveling up your UX game," says Linda Williams, a designer at a killer tech company. "It's your chance to learn from the OGs, share secrets with your peers, and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced field."

The UXPA Minnesota crew is all about fostering that collaborative spirit and keeping the UX community tight.

By hitting up their events, you'll gain invaluable insights, expand your network, and help shape the future of user-centric design. You don't want to sleep on this one!

Calling all tech geeks! Get ready for the ultimate DevOpsDays Minneapolis event happening on August 6 - 7, 2024 at the swanky Hilton Minneapolis.

This isn't just any regular conference, it's a full-on immersion into the world of DevOps, where the coolest cats in the industry gather to share their knowledge and experiences.

Picture this: a two-day extravaganza packed with mind-blowing sessions, hands-on workshops, and endless opportunities to network with DevOps pros from all walks of life.

You'll get the inside scoop on everything from building a resilient DevOps culture to automating your infrastructure like a boss using tools like Terraform and Ansible.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

This isn't just about sitting and listening (although the speakers are fire). It's about getting your hands dirty and diving deep into the nitty-gritty of DevOps practices.

Think open spaces where you can lead your own sessions, hallway tracks for impromptu discussions, and interactive workshops that'll have you coding like a pro in no time.

It's like a giant playground for tech enthusiasts, but way cooler.

And let's not forget about the community aspect. DevOpsDays Minneapolis is all about fostering connections and collaborating with like-minded individuals.

You'll have the chance to rub elbows with industry legends, swap war stories with fellow DevOps warriors, and maybe even join a local Meetup group to keep the party going long after the event ends.

Mark your calendars, grab your notebooks (or tablets, we don't judge), and get ready to experience the epicness that is DevOpsDays Minneapolis.

It's no wonder this is one tech event you won't want to miss!

Check this out, Code Freeze is the real deal for coders who want to switch up the usual scene. It's an annual tech fest in Minneapolis that brings the best of coding and the great outdoors together.

This epic event, hosted by the University of Minnesota Software Engineering Center, is all about sharing fresh ideas and keeping ahead of the curve while kicking it in nature.

The 2024 edition is hyped as "AI for SE for AI" and will go deep on the mind-blowing tech that's redefining software engineering and society itself.

You'll get to jam with industry leaders on topics like:

• AI writing code: How AI is writing code (mind = blown)
• Evolving AI: Building software to evolve AI capabilities
• Future prospects: The future of this wild feedback loop

But it's not just about sitting in sessions all day.

The deets on their site show there'll be sick networking events, hands-on workshops, and even a concert by rock legend Richard Harris to wrap things up in style.

Last year they had a "Coding in the Wild" workshop where you could code on a frozen lake! Talk about a unique vibe.

With big names like Code for America backing it, Code Freeze is quickly becoming a must-hit event for anyone serious about tech.

It's the perfect mix of learning, connecting with awesome people, and getting inspired by incredible surroundings. If you're in Minneapolis next February, don't sleep on this one-of-a-kind experience!

Agile Day Twin Cities is the place to be if you want to level up your skills in the agile game.

This epic conference brings together all the big players in the industry to share their knowledge and experiences with agile methodologies. You'll get a chance to learn from the pros, network with like-minded individuals, and get hands-on with the latest tools and techniques.

The agenda is stacked with sessions covering everything from agile project management and software development to building high-performing teams and fostering an agile mindset.

You can expect workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions that will give you a deep dive into the world of agile.

One of the coolest things about Agile Day Twin Cities is the wide range of topics they cover.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something for everyone. You'll learn about agile frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean, as well as best practices for continuous integration and delivery, adaptive planning, and effective collaboration.

But it's not just about the learning – Agile Day Twin Cities is also a great place to connect with other agile enthusiasts and expand your network.

You'll have the chance to swap stories, share ideas, and maybe even find your next opportunity. Plus, the event has a reputation for being super engaging and hands-on, so you'll walk away with practical skills you can apply right away.

Can you believe SPS Commerce hosts numerous events and trade shows? Their retail event brings all the big players in retail tech together to talk about the latest innovations and trends.

Last year they had major keynote speakers like Sarah Tavel, a executive at Pinterest, and Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, sharing knowledge on emerging tech, consumer behavior, and why innovation is key.

But it's not just the speakers.

The panel discussions at this event are where it's truly valuable. They cover everything from optimizing supply chains to creating seamless omnichannel experiences, using data analytics to make smarter decisions, and even sustainability in retail.

It's a wealth of information.

Furthermore, 92% of attendees said they gained valuable insights to implement in their companies, while 88% felt they had a better grasp of the latest retail tech trends.

That's significant! If you're serious about staying ahead of the game in the fast-paced retail world, this event is an absolute must-attend.

The Health:Further Festival in Minneapolis is where it's at for anyone stoked about healthcare and tech.

This multi-day bash is like a playground for innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who wanna shake things up in the industry. You get to rub shoulders with the big dogs, pick their brains, and maybe even spark some game-changing collabs.

One of the main draws is the stacked lineup of speakers and sessions exploring the latest and greatest in health tech.

Previous fests had heavy hitters like Dr. Kevin Johnson from Vanderbilt dropping knowledge bombs on biomedical informatics and experts from Salesforce, Enosis, and chnnl sharing their visions for the future of patient-centric care and mental health support.

But it's not just about listening and learning – this shindig is a prime networking hotspot.

You can mingle with movers and shakers, swap ideas, and maybe even land your dream gig or find your next co-founder. As one attendee put it,

"Health:Further is where the magic happens – it's a melting pot of brilliant minds redefining what's possible in healthcare."

Keep an eye out for these Minneapolis killer networking events and rising startups too – this city's tech scene is on fire!