Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is no joke when it comes to the tech world - it's transforming from an old steel city into a thriving tech hub, attracting giants like Google, Apple, and Uber.

With over 145,000 tech workers according to CompTIA, it ranks among the top 20 tech cities in the US. But what's really cool is the strong community vibe, with tons of meetups and conferences for networking and knowledge-sharing.

Staying connected is key for tech pros to level up their skills and stay ahead of the game.

Pittsburgh's tech scene is on fire, with a 16% job growth in emerging tech roles over the past 5 years.

The city's focus on innovation, combined with top universities like Carnegie Mellon, has attracted major investments and talent. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network driving breakthroughs in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and AI. With opportunities like coding bootcamps from Nucamp, it's an exciting time for techies in the Steel City.

Code & Supply is this dope tech community in Pittsburgh that's all about building software, connections, and friendships.

They've been around since 2013, hosting meetups, conferences, and other rad events for coders and techies to level up their skills and network.

One of their coolest initiatives is the monthly Build Nights, where you can work on personal projects, open-source stuff, or even build a dotfiles repo – all while vibing with other devs.

They've also got these epic conferences like Abstractions and Heartifacts that attract thousands of attendees from around the country.

But it's not just about events – Code & Supply's coworking space is a game-changer.

It's tailored for remote workers, freelancers, and startups, with killer amenities like standing desks, a private call room, and free snacks (because who doesn't love free food?).

You can even get a dedicated desk and use their address for your biz.

What makes Code & Supply really stand out is their focus on building an inclusive community for individual techies, not just companies.

They share industry insights, compensation data, and job opportunities to help keep the playing field fair. Plus, their Slack group has over 3,700 members – so you know the vibes are immaculate.

Ruby coders! If you're in the 'Burgh and looking to level up your coding skills, you gotta check out Steel City Ruby.

This annual conference is the place to be for all things Ruby.

First off, they bring in some heavy-hitters from the Ruby world to speak and lead workshops.

We're talking industry legends like the dude who created Ruby on Rails! You'll get the inside scoop on the latest trends, best practices, and game-changing innovations.

Steel City Ruby is all about building that local Ruby community.

Devs from all over the 'Burgh come together to network, collaborate on projects, and share their knowledge. It's like a Ruby fest, and you don't wanna miss out.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, there are tons of opportunities to level up your skills.

We're talking hands-on coding workshops, panel discussions with experts, and even informal sessions where you can pick the brains of other devs.

And let's not forget about the career moves.

This conference is a goldmine for meeting potential employers and making connections that could lead to your dream gig. Past attendees have landed some sweet jobs just by networking at Steel City Ruby.

So, if you're a Ruby coder in the Pittsburgh area, mark your calendars for Steel City Ruby.

It's the place to be for staying ahead of the curve and unlocking new opportunities in the Ruby world.

Pittsburgh Techfest 2024 is going to be a great event! This massive tech party goes down on September 27th at TECHWORKS in Homestead, and it's a can't-miss event for anyone even remotely interested in coding, design, or entrepreneurship.

The lineup is stacked with industry leaders like Rachael Afoloabi from Paradigm Global Innovations and William Smith from Sketch Development Services sharing knowledge on everything from AI and modern backends to team optimization and practical security.

Techfest isn't just about sitting and listening to speakers all day.

The overall atmosphere is super hands-on, with coding bootcamps, design sprints, and even a startup pitch competition where you could score some serious cash from investors.

Plus, with over 60 sessions covering a wide range of topics, there's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started.

The best part? Connecting with other techies from all over the city and beyond.

You never know who you might meet or what kind of collaboration could spark up. Mark your calendars for September 27th and get ready to level up your skills, network effectively, and have an absolute blast at Pittsburgh Techfest 2024!

ProductCamp Pittsburgh is like a whole other level of awesomeness for anyone obsessed with product management! It's this totally radical unconference where you get to call the shots and make the agenda happen.

No boring speakers droning on - it's all about attendees leading the sessions and steering the conversations. Talk about a major vibe shift!

This year, the party's going down on March 29th at Rockwell Park, and let me tell you, it's gonna be lit! You've got seasoned pros, up-and-coming hustlers, and straight-up visionaries all mingling and sharing their wisdom.

Here's what makes it an absolute must-attend:

• Learn What You Actually Care About: With peer-led sessions, you can deep dive into the exact topics and challenges that speak to you.
• Network Like a Boss: Connect with a crew of like-minded go-getters and expand your circle of awesomeness.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Tap into the collective brainpower and get the inside scoop on all the latest product management trends and best practices.

But don't just take my word for it - check out what this 2023 attendee had to say:

"ProductCamp Pittsburgh is a total game-changer! The participant-driven approach means the content is always on point, and the vibe is all about collaboration and soaking up that sweet, sweet knowledge."

With an atmosphere that encourages everyone to get involved and shape the experience, this unconference rocks harder than your average snooze-fest!

Peep this networking event called Built In Brews by Built In Pittsburgh.

It's the spot for techies in the 'Burgh to link up and speak about the latest industry trends. These folks host these meetups at breweries all over town, so you already know the vibe is chill AF. You can kick it with the friends, make some new connections through speed networking sessions, and get your learn on during roundtable discussions on hot tech topics.

What really makes Built In Brews great, though, is how they go all out to keep it inclusive.

These guys make sure to pull in folks from all kinds of tech roles - from devs to data nerds, product managers to UX designers. Last year's events had a spread with like:

• 28% software devs - Highlighting the importance of diversity from different tech roles.
• 19% product managers - Ensuring participation from managerial positions enhances discussions.
• 16% data scientists - Bringing in data experts enriches the conversation on tech topics.
• 12% UI/UX designers - Including designers promotes innovation and user-friendly approaches.
• 25% other tech gigs - Inviting varied roles ensures a wide array of insights and ideas.

With that kind of diversity, you already know the conversations are going to be great.

One attendee even said, "Built In Brews is the spot to link up with folks from all corners of the 'Burgh tech scene.

The talks are always on point, and I've made so many solid connections that have leveled up my career." So if you're trying to grow your network and stay ahead of the curve, you have to attend the next Built In Brews event.

Trust me, it's a great vibe.

Get hyped for Carnegie Mellon's Data Analytics Day! This annual Pittsburgh event brings data geeks together for a mind-blowing experience.

From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking panels, you'll dive deep into the latest data trends and tech. Public sector pros and data scientists share their expertise on topics like data visualization, machine learning, ethical data practices, and driving business decisions with insights.

The 2024 agenda is stacked with can't-miss highlights.

Imagine learning advanced data wrangling techniques with Python or hearing a renowned speaker discuss using data for social impact.

There's even an "IronViz Challenge" where you can showcase your data viz skills. Plus, you'll network with the region's top data analysts and professionals from companies like Sheetz, DICK'S Sporting Goods, and the City of Pittsburgh.

Data Analytics Day isn't just another boring conference.

It's an immersive experience that'll level up your data game and connect you with Pittsburgh's booming tech community. From mind-bending workshops to panel discussions on cutting-edge topics like AI and predictive modeling, this event is a must-attend for any data nerd looking to stay ahead of the curve.

If you're into this whole Agile thing and wanna level up your skills, you gotta check out the AgilePGH Meetup.

It's like a hub for all the cool kids in Pittsburgh's tech scene who are obsessed with Agile methodologies. These have been at it since 2009, and their crew has grown to over 2,700 members as of 2023.

Their monthly meetups attract around 40-60 peeps, and they dive deep into Agile frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and SAFe, giving you all the insider tips and tricks.

But it's not just about talkin' the talk – AgilePGH is all about building a solid community of Agile enthusiasts, project managers, and software devs.

They create this chill vibe where everyone can share their knowledge, brainstorm solutions, and explore the latest Agile trends. You can expect some seriously dope presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by Agile pros from all kinds of industries.

What's even cooler is that AgilePGH is serious about helping you level up your game.

Check out these rad opportunities:

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Product Owner (CSPO) Training: They team up with top-notch Agile training providers to offer these industry-recognized certs, so you can flex your Agile skills.
• Agile Coaching Circles: These guided sessions are like a support group for Agile coaches. You can share your struggles, get advice from the crew, and come up with strategies to be the best coach ever.
• Open Spaces: These interactive forums let you propose and discuss any Agile-related topic you're curious about, creating a collaborative learning environment where everyone's ideas are welcome.

According to a recent survey, 92% of AgilePGH members said they gained some seriously valuable insights from the meetups, and 87% reported scoring better networking opportunities within Pittsburgh's Agile community.

So you're trying to up your Agile game, this is the place to be.

If you're a Python lover in Pittsburgh, you gotta check out the Pittsburgh Python User Group (PPUG).

It's like the coolest spot for Python nerds to connect and level up their skills. According to their website, they meet up every fourth Wednesday of the month for some seriously epic events.

These Python meetups are jam-packed with awesomeness.

You can attend technical workshops to get hands-on with Python for web dev using Flask or Django, or dive into data analysis with Pandas and NumPy.

If you prefer a more chill vibe, they've got Code Nights where you can collaborate on projects and learn from your peers. And let's not forget the guest speakers who drop mind-blowing insights on the latest Python applications and best practices.

By joining PPUG, you'll be part of a vibrant community of Python enthusiasts.

It's the perfect place to network, find mentors, and stay up-to-date with the hottest Python trends and tools. One PPUG member summed it up perfectly:

"The Pittsburgh Python User Group has been instrumental in my professional growth as a developer. The wealth of knowledge shared at the meetups is invaluable, and the connections I've made have opened doors to new opportunities."

If you're a Python geek in the 'Burgh, make sure to check out PPUG. It's a game-changer for leveling up your Python skills and connecting with like-minded techies.

Pittsburgh is a hotspot for all the AI enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts out there! The Gen AI Pittsburgh crew is where it's at if you want to stay on top of the mind-blowing advancements happening in the artificial intelligence domain.

With industries getting transformed by AI, this vibrant community gives you the inside scoop on the hottest trends and game-changing developments.

Their events are excellent, putting the city's thriving AI scene on full display.

Not too long ago, they had Dr. Jessica Burgner-Kahrs from the University of Toronto sharing knowledge on how AI is revolutionizing healthcare.

And that's just the beginning – Anima Anandkumar from NVIDIA also graced the stage, taking us on a mind-bending journey through the wild world of large language models.

These meetups are an absolute must for anyone even remotely interested in AI. As the legendary Andrew Ng put it,

"Being around like-minded people who share your passion for building AI systems is transformative. You'll learn from each other, inspire each other, and ultimately produce work that can change the world."

Gen AI Pittsburgh is all about that, fostering a community of innovators and trailblazers who are shaping the future of this mind-bending tech.

Here's what you can expect:

• Industry Titans: Rubbing shoulders with industry titans and AI gurus.
• Latest Trends: Getting the scoop on the latest AI trends and real-world applications.
• Hands-On Learning: Leveling up your skills with hands-on workshops and tutorials.
• Career Opportunities: Scoping out career opportunities in the booming AI landscape.

With AI disrupting everything in its path, staying ahead of the game is crucial.

By plugging into this electrifying community, AI enthusiasts and professionals can unlock invaluable knowledge, build a solid network, and play a role in shaping the future of this mind-blowing technology.

Check it out, the Pittsburgh WordPress meetup is the place to be for anyone into WordPress! This group's got like 800+ members and they're always putting together events.

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

They've got monthly meetups where you can learn about all sorts of stuff, from beginner tutorials to advanced developer sessions.

They've covered the new WordPress editor Gutenberg, customizing themes, and even SEO for your WP sites. Seriously, these meetups are super helpful for leveling up your WordPress game.

But that's not all! Every year, they host WordCamp Pittsburgh, this huge multi-day conference with speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities galore.

In 2022, over 300 people showed up, which just goes to show how active the WordPress community is in the 'Burgh.

If you're trying to break into WordPress development, the Pittsburgh WordPress meetup is the place to connect with others and get the support you need.

One member said,

"The community has been a total lifesaver for me. The meetups and workshops helped me go from a total newb to a confident developer."

If you're into WordPress, definitely check out this group – it's the real deal.

When putting together the top 10 must-attend tech meetups and conferences in Pittsburgh, we wanted to highlight events that really matter to the local community.

We looked for opportunities where you can connect with like-minded people, build your network, and level up your skills.

Here's how we narrowed it down:

• Expand your circle: Focus on meetups and conferences that gather developers, designers, and entrepreneurs. These are prime spots to make valuable connections and learn from industry leaders.
• Hands-on learning: Priority on events with coding workshops, technical talks, or career development sessions. These allow you to gain practical experience and stay ahead of the curve.
• Discover hot tech companies: Attend events that provide insight into the city's hottest tech companies

With community, learning, and networking as our benchmarks, we curated a list of events that truly unlock the potential of Pittsburgh's tech ecosystem.

Get ready to level up your career and have a blast along the way.