Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Papua New Guinea

Let's talk about the top tech meetups and conferences in Papua New Guinea.

To pick the best ones, we focused on events that are beginner-friendly and cover a wide range of topics. We scoured sites like Meetup, Eventbrite, and official event pages to find all the juicy details on formats, speakers, and focus areas.

For newbies, we looked for events with entry-level workshops, hands-on coding sessions, and chances to network with industry pros.

Variety is key, so we included everything from cybersecurity and software development to digital transformation and startup stuff. Here's what we considered:

• Beginner sessions and activities to get started
• Diverse topics like coding, cybersecurity, and innovation
• Networking opportunities to explore careers
• Reputable organizers and experienced speakers
• Affordable and accessible for students and professionals

By curating events that meet these standards, our list gives you a comprehensive guide to explore your interests, expand your skills, and make lasting connections in Papua New Guinea's buzzing tech community, whether you're just starting or a seasoned pro.

The PNG Digital ICT Cluster's Annual Tech Meet is the biggest tech bash in Papua New Guinea, drawing in the sharpest minds and coolest innovators from around the region.

Last year's event was an epic two-day conference, jam-packed with keynote speakers spilling the tea on the latest and greatest tech trends. We're talking cybersecurity masterminds, AI geniuses, and blockchain gurus dropping some serious knowledge bombs.

The topics were off the charts, covering everything from artificial intelligence and machine learning to cybersecurity and data privacy, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and the mind-blowing potential of the Internet of Things (IoT).

For newbies just dipping their toes into the tech pool, this conference is an unreal opportunity to network and soak up wisdom from the industry's heavy hitters.

Robert Rodriguez, a cybersecurity legend who keynoted the 2022 event, said it best: "This conference is a goldmine for tech enthusiasts of all levels, offering invaluable insights and fostering connections that could change your life." There are interactive workshops, panel discussions, and mentorship sessions galore, designed to give aspiring techies hands-on experience and guidance from the pros.

Past attendees have raved about the inclusive vibe, with one participant summing it up perfectly: "The Annual Tech Meet is a welcoming space where even the most clueless beginner can feel empowered to explore the fascinating world of technology." You don't want to miss out on this epic event.

The Innovation Papua New Guinea Summit is where it's at for all you tech-savvy folks out there.

This yearly bash brings together the brightest minds and coolest innovators from across the country to talk about the latest and greatest in the tech world. As PNG continues to level up in the digital realm, this summit is the spot to be if you want to stay ahead of the game.

One of the standout features of the Innovation PNG Summit is its dedication to welcoming newcomers into the tech scene.

They've got this dope Beginner's Track lined up with workshops and sessions specifically designed to introduce newbies to the world of technology. Back in 2023, they hosted killer sessions like "Coding for Absolute Beginners" – a hands-on coding crash course, "Demystifying Artificial Intelligence" – breaking down the basics of AI and its real-world applications, and "Introduction to Cybersecurity" – a beginner-friendly dive into the essentials of online security.

But it's not just about learning the ropes; the Innovation PNG Summit is also a prime networking hotspot.

The Mentorship Zone connects you with industry veterans who can share their wisdom and guide you on your tech journey. As one attendee from 2022 put it,

"The Innovation PNG Summit opened my eyes to the vast possibilities within the tech realm and empowered me to embark on my own coding journey."

By hitting up the Innovation Papua New Guinea Summit, you'll not only gain a solid understanding of the local innovation scene but also pick up foundational skills in emerging tech, all while connecting with like-minded peeps.

It's the perfect way to kickstart your journey and stay on top of PNG's digital transformation.

The PNG Software Developer Meetups are the perfect way to connect with other coding enthusiasts and industry pros.

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

For those just starting out, these meetups are a game-changer. You'll get to:

• Gain Knowledge: Experienced speakers break down the latest trends and best practices, giving you a solid foundation to build upon.
• Get Hands-On: Many meetups feature workshops and coding sessions, so you can practice your skills in a supportive environment.
• Network Like a Boss: Rubbing shoulders with industry vets and like-minded individuals can lead to valuable mentorships, job opportunities, or cool new projects.

Attendees rave about the welcoming vibe and commitment to continuous learning:

"As a newbie in tech, these meetups have been a total game-changer. The knowledgeable speakers, interactive workshops, and friendly community have helped me gain confidence and explore new areas of interest." - Susan Brown, Attendee

You can usually catch these meetups once a month, with special events sprinkled throughout the year.

Some recent highlights include:

1. Intro to Cybersecurity
2. Web Dev with React
3. Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities
4. Blockchain Fundamentals

With a focus on knowledge sharing and networking, these meetups are the perfect way to dive into the tech world and unlock new opportunities for growth.

The PNG Women's Forum is the place to be if you're a girl looking to make moves in the tech world.

This epic event brings together ladies from all over the country to talk about everything from developing the next generation of women leaders to helping women get into business and using technology to empower women.

But it's not just about talking the talk - they're all about that action too! The forum has this killer mentorship program where experienced pros in different tech fields volunteer to guide and support aspiring women in STEM. It's like having a personal coach in your corner, helping you level up and build those vital connections.

One attendee named Jessica Jones said the mentorship was a total game-changer, giving her the confidence to chase her dreams in software engineering.

Big names like ExxonMobil PNG are getting involved too, supporting programs that provide training, networking opportunities, and even scholarships for women in tech.

They're all about creating those economic opportunities and breaking down barriers.

If you're serious about making moves in the tech scene, the PNG Women's Forum is a must-attend event.

It's a space to learn, connect, and get inspired by other boss ladies who are killing it in STEM fields. This is where you want to be if you're looking to take your tech game to the next level.

The Port Moresby Tech Expo is that annual event you can't miss if you're into all things tech in Papua New Guinea. This year's edition, happening on July 3-4, is gonna be straight fire! Imagine an epic gathering of the coolest tech companies and startups, all under one roof.

Get ready to be blown away by the exhibitors lined up.

You'll see big names like PNG DataCo, the country's data center and cloud service kings, flexing their cutting-edge solutions.

And don't sleep on Bemobile, PNG's telecom titans, who'll be flaunting their latest 5G and IoT offerings. But that's not all – keep an eye out for Digilabs PNG, a renowned tech incubator showcasing the sickest startups and projects you've ever seen.

Beyond the exhibits, get ready for a jam-packed schedule of demos and workshops that'll blow your mind.

We're talking an AI and Machine Learning Workshop where you can get hands-on with the future of tech. Or how about some live Cybersecurity Demos that'll teach you how to keep your digital life secure? And if you're a coding newbie, the Mobile App Development Bootcamp is the perfect way to dive into the world of app-building.

If you're just starting your tech journey, the Port Moresby Tech Expo has your back with a dedicated Learning Zone.

You'll find workshops, seminars, and mentorship sessions tailored specifically for beginners. So whether you're a student, a career-changer, or just curious about the tech world, this expo is the place to kickstart your learning experience and get that knowledge flowing.

Check this out! The PNG Software Developer Meetups are like the coolest spot for coders and techies to hang out and level up their skills.

These meetups happen pretty regularly, and they're all about bringing peeps together to connect, collab, and just straight-up geek out over coding.

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, these meetups got something for everyone.

They cover everything from programming languages to frameworks to dev methodologies, so you can nerd out on whatever tickles your fancy. For the rookies just starting their coding journey, these meetups are an absolute must:

• Hands-on coding workshops: Get your hands dirty with interactive sessions that walk you through coding exercises, tools, and best practices. Perfect for solidifying that foundation.
• Expert talks and panel discussions: Industry vets drop some serious knowledge, sharing their insights, experiences, and the latest cutting-edge tech. Stay ahead of the game, my friend.
• Project showcases: Devs show off their personal or professional projects, giving you a sneak peek into the real-world dev process. Major inspiration alert!

According to the IQGeo's Meetup events, these gatherings are seriously popular, with over 50 active members in Port Moresby alone.

One attendee, Elizabeth Taylor, said, "As a self-taught programmer, these meetups have been a total game-changer. The supportive community and access to experienced mentors have accelerated my learning curve like crazy."

If you're hyped to take your coding skills to the next level, you gotta check out the Developer Meetup chapters.

It's where all the action's at!

If you're all about staying ahead of the digital curve, then the Oil & Gas Digital Transformation Conference is an event you can't miss.

This mega-gathering in Houston is where industry bigwigs and tech wizards converge to discuss game-changing innovations. We're talking cutting-edge stuff like AI, blockchain, and IoT that'll revolutionize how we do business in the oil and gas sector.

But it's not just about flashy tech – they're also digging deep into sustainable practices and resource optimization strategies to keep our planet thriving.

And if that's not convincing enough, the Digital Transformation Summit 2024 in Papua New Guinea is all about empowering those Digital Transformation Officers (DTOs) who are driving the country's digital revolution.

This summit is a melting pot of academia, industry pros, and government bigwigs, all coming together to share their insights and collaborate on shaping PNG's digital future.

It's the perfect platform for DTOs to level up their knowledge, forge connections with other organizations, and ensure academic curricula are prepping the next generation for the digital workforce.

But let's not forget the homegrown action! The PNG Software Developer Meetups are where you want to be if you're serious about coding.

These gatherings are all about sharpening your skills, networking with fellow devs, and staying in the loop with the latest trends in the programming world. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to climb the ranks in PNG's tech scene.

Get ready for the ultimate entrepreneurial experience - Startup Weekend Papua New Guinea! This epic 54-hour event is where aspiring founders like you come to pitch mind-blowing ideas and form killer teams.

It's a wild ride from start to finish, packed with workshops, coding sprints, and mentorship from industry pros.

The excitement kicks off on Friday night when you get to share your game-changing concept with the crew.

If your idea sparks fire, you'll build a squad of talented folks ready to make it happen. Over the next few days, you'll be cranking on your business model, conducting market research, and developing strategies to disrupt the game.

But it's not just about crunching numbers and planning.

The real magic happens when you start building your minimum viable product (MVP).

That's right - you'll be coding and iterating like crazy with your tech wizards to bring your vision to life.

Throughout the journey, you'll have access to some of the most brilliant minds in the biz.

We're talking seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors who've been there, done that. They'll share their hard-won wisdom, helping you navigate the twists and turns of the startup world.

Past participants have had life-changing experiences at Startup Weekend PNG. Take Nancy Garcia, who said,

"It opened my eyes to the startup scene. I gained invaluable knowledge and connected with like-minded hustlers, propelling my entrepreneurial dreams."

Or Robert Davis, the student entrepreneur who left with

"a solid business plan and the confidence to chase my startup ambitions."

With its high-energy atmosphere, expert guidance, and hands-on approach, Startup Weekend PNG is a must-attend event for any aspiring founder looking to turn their groundbreaking idea into a thriving business.

Get ready to dive in headfirst and embrace the startup life!

Get ready for the Digital Transformation Summit 2024 in Port Moresby! This epic event, happening from August 12-14, is all about empowering Digital Transformation Officers (DTOs) and driving PNG's tech revolution.

They'll hook you up with the latest knowledge and tools to stay ahead of the game. This summit is a collab fest, bringing together government organizations, academia, and industry professionals to work together on enhancing academic curricula and showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

It's like a massive networking party where you can connect with the movers and shakers of the tech world. On Day 1, get ready for mind-blowing presentations from government leaders and the Department of ICT. Day 2 is all about partnerships and collaboration, where you can explore exciting opportunities with stakeholders.

And on Day 3, you'll hear success stories straight from the public bodies that are killing it in the digital transformation game. Whether you're a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, this summit is a must-attend event.

You'll get to expand your network and learn from the best in the biz.

Plus, with sessions like PNG Software Developer Meetups, you'll level up your coding skills and collaborate with fellow devs.

It's the perfect opportunity to kickstart your tech career or take it to new heights.

The PNG Tech Innovators Meetup is where all the coolest techies in Papua New Guinea gather to showcase their mind-blowing projects and ideas.

It's like a hub for creativity and innovation, bringing together brilliant minds to collaborate and share their knowledge. If you're just starting out in the tech world, this meetup is an absolute must-attend event.

It's your gateway to networking, learning from the pros, and getting a front-row seat to the latest and greatest innovations.

One of the best things about this meetup is the incredible range of innovative projects on display. You'll witness mind-bending AI solutions, game-changing sustainable tech, and everything in between. Some of the standout projects from past meetups include SmartFarm, an IoT platform that helps farmers optimize their operations with real-time data and insights. Then there's MedTech PNG, a telemedicine app that's bridging the gap in healthcare access for remote communities. And let's not forget EduTech, an e-learning platform that's making education more accessible through interactive digital content.

But the PNG Tech Innovators Meetup isn't just about checking out cool projects – it's also a prime opportunity for beginners to level up their skills.

With interactive workshops, coding sessions, and panel discussions covering everything from web dev and mobile app creation to data analytics and cybersecurity, you'll gain invaluable knowledge and insights from industry experts.

Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on entrepreneurship and startup essentials, setting you up for success if you ever want to take the plunge and launch your own venture.

And let's not forget about the networking game! This meetup is a breeding ground for connections, allowing you to link up with like-minded individuals, industry veterans, and potential mentors who can guide you on your tech journey.

Who knows, you might even score an internship or land your dream job! As Lisa Brown, one attendee, put it, "The meetup opened my eyes to the vibrant tech community in PNG and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for coding." So, if you're serious about making moves in the tech scene, the PNG Tech Innovators Meetup is an absolute must – don't sleep on it!