Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Reno

Reno's rapidly evolving into a serious tech hotspot, with companies like Tesla, Panasonic, and Google setting up major operations here.

The city's been dubbed a top location for scoring cush tech jobs, with an expected 7.8% industry growth rate by 2024. If you're trying to break into this field or level up your skills, attending local events is an absolute must.

According to Built In, networking at these events can seriously boost your career prospects – 79% of attendees say it's valuable for advancing professionally.

Plus, you get insider knowledge on the latest trends and tools straight from industry pros.

This Biggest Little City has a stacked calendar of tech meetups and conferences catering to all interests.

From massive hackathons to niche groups like Women Who Code Reno, there's something for everyone looking to immerse themselves in the local scene, expand their skillset, and connect with ambitious peers.

This rundown covers the top 10 can't-miss tech events in Reno, so you can start strategizing your networking game and positioning yourself for those prime gigs.

As Bill Gates famously said, "The competition to hire the best will increase...Companies that give extra flexibility will have the edge."

The Biggest Little Hacks in Reno is where it's at for any tech junkie looking to dive headfirst into the wild world of hackathons.

This 24-hour coding frenzy brings together coders, designers, and tech geeks from all around to create mind-blowing projects from scratch. For newbies, it's the perfect chance to get a taste of what hackathons are all about – teamwork, problem-solving, and turning crazy ideas into actual products, all fueled by a serious lack of sleep and an abundance of energy drinks.

But it's not just about coding until your eyes bleed.

The event is all about connecting with industry vets who've been there, done that, and grabbed the t-shirt.

You'll have mentors like Daniel Lee guiding you every step of the way, sharing their wisdom and helping you level up your skills. It's like having a personal trainer for your coding muscles, except way cooler and with way more caffeine.

Past highlights from Biggest Little Hacks include:

• Best Civic Hack: A slick app that made food donations a breeze.
• Best Hardware Hack: A wearable device that kept athletes hydrated and chill.
• Most Innovative: An epic learning game that made math actually fun.

And let's not forget the networking opportunities – you'll be rubbing elbows with potential employers, investors, and fellow tech enthusiasts who just might become your next co-founders or gaming buddies.

It's like a giant code party, but instead of cheap beer, you'll be chugging down knowledge and soaking up all the cool tech vibes that make Reno's scene so buzzing and vibrant.

Alright, let's talk about this Reno DevOps Meet. It's like a cool hangout for all the tech geeks who want to level up their skills in streamlining software development and operations.

You got developers, IT pros, project managers, and even newbies - all coming together to explore the mind-blowing potential of DevOps.

Companies that have embraced DevOps are seeing some seriously crazy benefits, according to a study by Puppet.

We're talking 63% faster software deployment, 28 times quicker incident recovery, and code deployment that's 8 times speedier. That's insane! Everyone's jumping on the DevOps train.

At the Reno DevOps Meet, you can dive deep into game-changing topics like Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD), Infrastructure as Code, and Containerization with Docker.

It's like a playground for tech enthusiasts to share ideas, learn from the pros, and unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation.

One attendee even said,

"This meetup has been a total game-changer for how we deliver software. We can iterate faster while keeping quality on point."

That's what I'm talking about!

The RenoJS Meetup is where the cool kids in Reno's tech scene hang out. It's all about JavaScript, the language that powers the web, and these peeps are insanely passionate about it.

Every month, they gather to share knowledge, talk code, and basically geek out over the latest JavaScript trends and frameworks.

At a typical RenoJS meetup, you can expect some chill networking and snack time, followed by mind-blowing presentations from local JS gurus.

But it's not just lectures – these events are all about hands-on learning and open discussions. You might find yourself diving into a collaborative coding session or a workshop on the hottest new front-end framework like React or Vue.

The coolest part? RenoJS covers the entire JavaScript universe, from front-end wizardry with frameworks like Angular to back-end magic with Node.js.

They'll break down the latest ES6+ features, share tips on performance optimization, and even dive into the nitty-gritty of tooling like bundlers and linters.

It's a one-stop shop for leveling up your JS game, no matter your skill level.

If you're an aspiring web dev or just someone who loves coding, RenoJS is an absolute must-attend.

JavaScript is the language that brings the web to life, and this community is all about helping you master it. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, these meetups are the place to network, learn from the best, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of web development.

Women Who Code Reno is where it's at for ladies looking to break into the tech world. This group is all about empowering women and supporting their journey into coding careers.

They host meetups and workshops that cater to different skill levels, so whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone.

I went to one of their "Intro to JavaScript" workshops a while back, and it was absolutely packed with over 50 people! The vibe was super chill, and the experienced devs leading the session made coding feel super approachable.

Plus, it was an amazing opportunity to connect with other aspiring techies.

But Women Who Code Reno isn't just about workshops. They're building a genuine community for women in tech.

They have this mentorship program where experienced pros volunteer to guide and support members on their career journeys. There are also eye-opening tech talks by industry leaders covering everything from data science to cybersecurity to entrepreneurship.

And if you're on the hunt for a job, they have a board that hooks you up with openings at companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Nancy Moore, the co-director, said it best:

"Our mission is to empower women and create a supportive network that fosters growth, confidence, and success in the tech industry."

With over 1,200 members and counting, Women Who Code Reno is truly making waves in promoting inclusivity and nurturing the next generation of female tech leaders.

It's a movement to be a part of!

Alright, so check this out - if you're just getting into the tech game, Tech Tuesday at The Innevation Center in Reno is an absolute must.

Every Tuesday, they host this weekly event that's perfect for newbies and seasoned pros alike. It's like a massive melting pot where industry vets share their wisdom, creating a space for continuous learning and growth.

One of the best things about Tech Tuesday is the lineup of presentations and hands-on workshops they offer.

We're talking everything from the latest programming languages to cutting-edge tech like AI and blockchain. You can expect to gain some seriously practical knowledge from experienced speakers, giving you the skills to stay ahead of the game in the ever-changing tech world.

According to the event's organizers, recent workshops have covered areas like:

• Web Development: Mastering front-end frameworks like React and Angular, as well as back-end technologies like Node.js and Python.
• Data Science: Exploring machine learning algorithms, data visualization techniques, and popular tools like TensorFlow and Pandas.
• Cybersecurity: Diving deep into ethical hacking, secure coding practices, and the latest cybersecurity trends.

But it's not just about the educational stuff.

Tech Tuesday is also a prime spot for networking and connecting with the local tech community. Newbies can mingle with like-minded people, seek out mentorship opportunities, and maybe even land a job or find someone to collaborate with.

As stated on their website, "Tech Tuesday is where ideas collide, collaborations spark, and innovative solutions are born."

With its inclusive vibe and diverse offerings, Tech Tuesday at The Innevation Center has become a cornerstone event for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and aspiring learners in Reno.

Whether you're a total coding newbie, a seasoned developer, or someone who's just curious about technology, this weekly gathering promises to expand your horizons and immerse you in the vibrant local tech scene.

Don't sleep on it.

If you're into the whole Agile thing, you gotta check out this sweet conference called Agile Reno. It's like a total immersion into the latest Agile and Scrum trends, tools, and success stories.

You'll get to learn from the pros in interactive workshops and trainings, plus listen to some mind-blowing keynotes from industry experts.

This year's Agile Reno is gonna be epic.

They're diving deep into the core Agile and Scrum principles, and you'll get to see real-life case studies from companies that killed it with Agile. Like, you'll learn how Acme Corporation boosted their productivity by 40% and cut their time-to-market by 25% after going full Agile.

Insane, right?

• Agile tools: You'll get hands-on experience with popular Agile tools like Scrum and Kanban.
• Scrum: Scrum is all about efficient project management, team collaboration, and transparency.
• Kanban: Kanban helps you visualize your workflow, manage tasks better, and optimize your resources.

One previous attendee named Jennifer Garcia said,

"Agile Reno opened my eyes to the transformative power of Agile methodologies. I left feeling empowered to implement these practices in my organization and drive real change."

So whether you're a total Agile pro or just starting out, this conference is a must.

It'll hook you up with all the tools and knowledge you need to slay in the Agile world.

Let me tell you about this dope Reno Graphic Design Meetup! It's like the ultimate hangout spot for all you creative minds out there trying to level up your design game.

These guys got a crazy lineup of events that'll keep you connected with the latest industry trends and tools.

You'll get to kick it with some heavy hitters in the design world, like legit pros who've worked at places like Microsoft and are certified Adobe masters.

They'll be dropping mad knowledge on how to slay with the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Sketch, Figma, and all the hottest design software.

Plus, you'll learn the secrets of creating slick user experiences that'll make your designs pop off the screen.

But it's not just about leveling up your skills.

This meetup is the spot to expand your network and get connected with other designers who are killing it. You might even catch wind of some fresh job opportunities in the area.

One member, Jennifer Williams, put it best:

"The Reno Graphic Design Meetup has been a total game-changer for me as a designer. The support from the community and the insane knowledge these experts drop has helped me take my craft to the next level and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced industry."

So if you're serious about your design hustle, you gotta check out this Reno Graphic Design Meetup.

It's the real deal, plain and simple.

Startup Reno is the place to be if you want to get in on the action with these cutting-edge companies and entrepreneurs. This vibrant community brings together the brightest minds, innovative thinkers, and game-changers from all over.

As Nevada's startup scene continues to soar, events here give you an inside look at the hottest trends shaping the tech world.

For newcomers eager to dive in, Startup Reno is bursting with opportunities.

You can:

• Network with seasoned founders and hear their mind-blowing success stories
• Learn about groundbreaking tech and business models that'll blow your mind
• Explore investment prospects with local angel investors and VCs
• Discover accelerator programs, co-working spaces, and other startup resources tailored to help you crush it

One standout is Filbin, a Reno-based AI software platform revolutionizing manufacturing.

After going through the Innevation Center's accelerator and securing funding from local investors, Filbin has expanded to over 20 states and raised a staggering $8 million in Series A. As Karen Garcia, Filbin's CEO, puts it: "The support from Reno's startup community was invaluable early on, providing mentorship, resources, and connections that propelled our growth."

With trailblazing startups in cleantech, healthtech, fintech, and more, Startup Reno is set to be an entrepreneurial powerhouse in 2024 and beyond.

If you're an aspiring founder or just tech-obsessed, immersing yourself in this ecosystem can be a total game-changer. You'll forge valuable connections, ignite your creativity, and drive the next wave of innovations that'll shake up industries.

The Reno Virtual & Augmented Reality Meetup is where it's at for anyone stoked about exploring the mind-bending worlds of VR and AR. Since its inception in 2016, this crew has been lighting a fire under the local community, hosting a crazy amount of hands-on VR and AR sessions that let you get up close and personal with the cutting-edge tools and tricks.

But it's not just about the tech; this meetup is a breeding ground for sharing industry insights and peering into the future.

You'll rub shoulders with visionary thought leaders and innovators pushing the boundaries of mixed reality. As one longtime attendee, Joseph Johnson, put it, "The Reno Virtual & Augmented Reality Meetup is a total game-changer, expanding our collective understanding of just how far mixed reality can go."

Brace yourselves for some epic session highlights:

• VR development with Unity and Unreal Engine: Getting your hands dirty with VR development using heavy-hitters like Unity and Unreal Engine.
• AR product demos from local startups: Mind-blowing AR product demos from local startups that'll make your jaw drop.
• Insider panels on VR and AR impact: Insider panels dishing out the latest on how VR and AR are revolutionizing sectors like healthcare, education, and entertainment.
• Collaborative AR art installations: Collaborative AR art installations and immersive storytelling experiences that'll bend your brain.

With the VR and AR industries exploding (we're talking a projected $209 billion global market by 2022, according to Statista), the Reno Virtual & Augmented Reality Meetup is at the forefront of this technological revolution, giving enthusiasts and professionals alike the keys to unlock the boundless potential of mixed reality.

Let me break it down for you on how we picked the sickest tech meetups and conferences in Reno. We wanted events that were straight fire, giving you killer insights and connections to level up your career.

According to this survey, like 92% of tech pros agree that industry events are clutch for keeping your skills on point and getting ahead of the game.

So we focused on events with a track record of serving up the hottest trends, actionable strategies, and prime networking opportunities.

But it's not just about the content, you feel me? We made sure the events were accessible and inclusive, 'cause that's how you foster innovation and empower people, just like this study says.

Events that were down with accessible tech and catered to diverse needs got major props. And diverse teams can outperform by like 35% compared to homogeneous ones.

Crazy, right?

At the end of the day, these events are all about leveling up your game and staying ahead of the curve. You'll get to:

• Expand your knowledge: Learn from industry heavyweights and subject matter experts.
• Upskill and reskill: Attend workshops and hands-on training on the latest tech and best practices.
• Network and collaborate: Connect with like-minded pros, build valuable relationships, and maybe even find a dope partnership.
• Stay ahead of the curve: Get a glimpse of the future with emerging trends and innovative solutions shaping the tech landscape.

We made sure to prioritize events that not only drop serious knowledge but also give you a platform to grow personally and professionally.

These events will have you thriving in your career and contributing to Reno's killer tech scene and beyond. Check out these Reno success stories and networking strategies from Nucamp for even more insight.