Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Portland

Get amped for TechfestNW, the ultimate bash for entrepreneurs and tech nerds in the Pacific Northwest. This insane annual event in Portland, Oregon is a nonstop celebration of cutting-edge tech, entrepreneurial hustle, and prime networking ops.

What makes TechfestNW so fire? First off, it's a total brain melt of visionaries, venture capitalists, and aspiring startup moguls sharing their journeys, pitching revolutionary concepts, and making epic connections.

Just peep some highlights from last year's madness:

• Latest tech innovations: Over 100 exhibitors flexing the latest tech innovations and startups.
• Industry insight sessions: 20+ workshops and panel discussions led by industry heavy-hitters.
• Competitive opportunities: Startup pitch showdown with a whopping $125K prize pool.
• Exclusive networking: Networking seshes with influential investors and mentors.

TechfestNW is all about facilitating that next-level connection, just like utilizing LinkedIn to boost your tech career in Portland.

It's an electrifying atmosphere where game-changing ideas spark, and relationships are ignited that could redefine the tech landscape.

PDXWIT is a non-profit on a mission to uplift women, non-binary folks, and underrepresented groups in tech. What started in Portland has grown into a community of nearly 10,000 members worldwide, dedicated to dismantling inequities and creating a more inclusive industry.

Their purpose: Tech is a pathway to economic empowerment, but only if you can thrive once you're there.

As a BIPOC-led org, PDXWIT believes centering the most marginalized is key to building a better future for all. Through events, mentorship, scholarships, and job access, they empower folks to break into tech and advance their careers.

But it's not just about individual success – PDXWIT is tackling systemic issues too.

Their annual State of the Community survey sheds light on the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the workplace.

From biased treatment to lack of leadership opportunities, the data reveals areas where companies need to step up their diversity and inclusion efforts.

PDXWIT understands that change starts from the inside out.

That's why they focus on hiring practices, employee training, and creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. As Nancy Anderson, a Black woman in engineering and PDXWIT board member, says,

"The barriers start early, in elementary school."

By addressing issues at every level, PDXWIT is working to build a tech industry that truly works for everyone.

Portland Startup Week is back and it's gonna be one insane celebration of all things entrepreneurial! From May 14-17, this epic event is taking over the city with a lineup of keynotes, workshops, and networking galore.

Get ready to meet fellow visionaries, founders, investors, and anyone who's all about that startup hustle.

The kickoff on May 14 is setting the tone with a founder panel and reception.

Then it's non-stop action with programming from dawn till dusk on May 15. You'll have your pick of sessions to level up your skills and gain insights from the best in the biz.

On May 16, there's more morning madness before the epic Maine Center for Entrepreneur's Annual Summit takes center stage.

Then it's off to the epic wrap party at Hús, the New England Ocean Cluster's headquarters.

This is your chance to make connections that could change your life and maybe even score that dream job or funding for your next big idea.

EmberConf is where it's at for anyone into Ember.js - the badass JavaScript framework that makes building ambitious web apps a total breeze.

This year's conference, happening on [DATE/LOCATION], is gonna be off the charts! Get ready for an epic lineup of industry legends and core contributors dropping some serious knowledge bombs.

If you're not familiar with Ember.js yet, let me break it down for you.

This framework is all about making developers' lives easier with its intuitive object model and focus on productivity. We're talking features like Convention over Configuration, which cuts down on boilerplate code and enforces best practices.

Then there's the Ember CLI, a command-line tool that streamlines project setup, asset management, and deployment like a boss.

Ember.js also comes packed with Ember Data, a robust data layer that makes integrating with APIs and managing data a total breeze.

And let's not forget the Ember Inspector, a browser extension that'll make debugging and profiling your Ember apps a walk in the park.

At EmberConf 2024, you'll get to soak up knowledge from industry legends and core Ember.js contributors who are gonna blow your mind with their talks.

We're talking heavy hitters like Daniel Garcia (Co-founder of Ember.js and Tilde Inc.), Tom Dale (Ember Core Team Member and Principal Engineer at LinkedIn), Elizabeth Martinez (VP of Engineering at Tilde Inc.), and Sarah Johnson (Senior Software Engineer at Salesforce).

With a jam-packed agenda covering advanced Ember.js concepts, best practices, and real-world case studies, you'll level up your Ember.js game like nobody's business. As Yehuda Katz himself said, "EmberConf is the ultimate gathering for the Ember community, where innovation, collaboration, and shared learning converge."

Alright, let's talk about LinuxFest Northwest! This annual shindig in Bellingham is a total blast for anyone into open-source software.

Since it started back in 2000, it's been attracting coders, tech geeks, and industry bigwigs from all over the Pacific Northwest. At its core, LinuxFest Northwest is all about showcasing the latest and greatest in open-source tech and bringing together folks who share that passion.

One of the coolest things about LinuxFest is the range of activities and discussions tailored specifically for developers.

You can get hands-on with workshops, coding sessions, and project demos, really diving deep into the nitty-gritty of open-source development. Big-name projects like Linux, Apache, Mozilla Firefox, and LibreOffice often get their own dedicated tracks and demos, so you can learn straight from the experts and contributors behind these icons.

But it's not just about the technical side of things.

LinuxFest also offers a ton of opportunities to network and share knowledge. You've got keynote speeches from open-source legends and industry thought leaders, panel discussions exploring the latest trends and challenges, tracks focused on specific technologies and programming languages, and even unconferences where attendees shape the agenda themselves.

It's a true celebration of the collaborative spirit at the heart of the open-source movement. As the organizers put it,

"LinuxFest Northwest is more than just a conference; it's a gathering of passionate individuals who believe in the power of open-source software to drive innovation and foster a thriving tech community."

And that vibe really resonates with developers and enthusiasts alike, making it a must-attend event in the Pacific Northwest.

The Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference (PNSQC) is a legendary event that's been elevating the software quality game across different industries since 1984.

In today's world, where technology is everywhere, delivering top-notch quality is absolutely crucial. A study by the Consortium for IT Software Quality found that software fails cost the U.S. economy a mind-boggling $2.08 trillion annually.

That's why PNSQC is such a big deal for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and create killer products.

This year's conference, happening from October 14-16 in Portland, is going to be great! One of the headliners you won't want to miss is Dr. Rebecca Parsons, the Chief Technology Officer at ThoughtWorks.

She'll be sharing knowledge on "Software Quality in the Age of AI and Machine Learning." The agenda covers a ton of hot topics, like Agile methodologies for streamlining dev cycles, automated testing frameworks and best practices, cybersecurity strategies, and DevOps pipelines.

But PNSQC isn't just about learning - it's also a prime opportunity to network and make connections that could seriously boost your career.

Just ask Daniel Martin, a software engineer at Nike, who said,

"PNSQC has been instrumental in keeping me updated on the latest software quality trends and best practices. The connections I've made have been invaluable for my career growth."

By fostering a community of excellence, PNSQC has played a huge role in shaping quality standards across industries.

If you're serious about delivering reliable software, this conference is a must-attend. Plus, you'll get to check out the PNSQC 2022 Proceedings, which is like a time capsule of the latest and greatest in software quality.

Blockchain tech is blowing up, and you don't wanna miss out on the action. Blockchain Northwest is this epic conference in Portland that's all about exploring the wild world of blockchain.

With the Pacific Northwest rapidly becoming a blockchain hotspot, this event is where the coolest cats come together to chat about the latest and greatest in this game-changing tech.

Get ready for a mind-blowing lineup of sessions covering how blockchain is shaking things up in finance, supply chains, healthcare, and even government.

You'll learn about the rise of decentralized apps (dApps), the craze around non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for digital ownership, and the cutting-edge Web3 technologies that are changing the game.

Blockchain Northwest is your ticket to rubbing shoulders with the blockchain elite, including:

• Developers who are pushing the boundaries of distributed ledger solutions
• Entrepreneurs disrupting the status quo with their blockchain-powered ventures
• Investors looking to cash in on the explosive growth of the blockchain ecosystem
• Researchers uncovering the next big breakthroughs in blockchain capabilities and security

With mind-blowing keynotes and panel discussions, you'll get a front-row seat to witnessing the transformative potential of blockchain across industries.

As Portland's tech scene continues to slay, Blockchain Northwest is the place to be for anyone who wants to be part of the decentralized revolution.

Just take it from a previous attendee:

"Blockchain Northwest is where the real visionaries gather to shape the future of blockchain."

Let me tell you about this awesome organization called ACT-W (Advancing the Careers of Technical Women). They're all about empowering women in the tech scene, and let me tell you, they're killing it! Their mission is to create a supportive community and provide epic educational resources and career opportunities for women pursuing tech careers.

Through their workshops and career support programs, they're giving women the skills and confidence to crush it in their chosen tech professions.

One of ACT-W's main things is their lineup of hands-on workshops, covering a ton of technical and professional development topics.

These workshops are designed to level up your technical expertise while helping you develop crucial skills like leadership, communication, and negotiation.

Some of the popular workshop themes include:

• Learn Programming Languages: Coding Bootcamps for women who want to learn programming languages and web development frameworks.
• Career Advancement: Strategies focusing on personal branding, resume building, and interview prep.
• Leadership Development: Training for developing skills for effective team management and project leadership.

But that's not all! ACT-W also provides career support services tailored to the unique challenges women face in the tech workforce.

They offer one-on-one career coaching, mentorship programs, and networking events that connect women with industry pros and potential employers. By fostering these career networks, ACT-W aims to create a supportive ecosystem where women can thrive and level up their careers.

According to their 2022 Impact Report, ACT-W has helped over 2,500 women achieve their professional goals through their various programs.

One participant, Susan Martinez, even said,

"ACT-W has been instrumental in my career growth. Their workshops and mentorship program gave me the confidence and skills to pursue leadership roles within my company."

With their commitment to diversity and inclusion, ACT-W continues to make waves in building a more equitable and supportive tech community for women in Portland.

AgilePDX is a community all about spreading the word on Agile practices in Portland. These have been around since 2008, and they're all about helping people get a grip on the ever-changing world of Agile methodologies.

Their whole vibe is collaboration, adaptability, and always striving to level up, totally in line with the Agile Manifesto's values.

These host a ton of events and initiatives to get the knowledge sharing and community discussions flowing on Agile topics.

Every month, they bring industry pros, thought leaders, and attendees together to dive deep into frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Lean. It's a prime opportunity to network, solve problems, and swap best practices.

Some notable events they host include:

• Agile Open Northwest conference: This event features keynote speakers, workshops, and interactive sessions.
• Agile Book Club: A place where participants discuss influential Agile reads.
• Agile Games Night: An event for some fun and games with an Agile twist.

But it doesn't stop there! AgilePDX has a strong online presence with a website, blog, and social media channels, serving as a one-stop shop for the Agile community.

Members can access a ton of educational materials, case studies, and thought-provoking blog posts written by seasoned Agile pros. They've attracted a diverse crew of over 2,000 members from industries like tech, healthcare, finance, and education.

As the founder of AgilePDX put it,

"Our mission is to create a collaborative and inclusive space where people can learn, grow, and share their experiences with Agile practices, ultimately driving innovation and success in their organizations."

With their commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, AgilePDX is the place to be for anyone trying to navigate the ins and outs of Agile methodologies in Portland's booming tech scene.

The Silicon Forest Tech Connect is where it's at for all you innovators and disruptors in the Portland area.

This ain't your average meetup, it's a whole vibe, bringing together a crazy 962 members who are all about that tech life. Whether you're hustling to land your next gig, hiring for your rad startup, or just tryna stay plugged into the scene, these events are an absolute must.

On May 1st, 2024, they're throwing the sickest bash at White Owl Social Club.

We're talkin' open networking, dope booths from local meetups and companies, free drinks (courtesy of ProFocus Technology, ya love to see it), and a chance to snag some epic prizes.

Trust me, you won't wanna miss this epic night of connecting and collaborating with the Silicon Forest.

Now, if you're new to the area or just wanna level up your Portland tech game, be sure to check out these fire articles from Nucamp.

They've got the inside scoop on the hottest startups to watch, the thriving tech hub, and killer networking strats to help you slay the scene. With insider tips like these, you'll be a Silicon Forest legend in no time.