Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Rochester

Have you checked out the RocDev Meetup yet? It's a spot for coders of all levels to connect and level up their skills.

These guys host monthly sessions covering the latest tech trends, from web dev fundamentals to machine learning and cybersecurity.

Last year, they had over 20 sessions with speakers like Susan Thompson from Microsoft and Mike Johnson, an AI expert from RIT. But it's not just lectures - they also run hands-on workshops and coding challenges where you can put that knowledge into action.

Patricia Martin, a regular at RocDev, said it's been a game-changer for her growth, with informative sessions and a supportive community. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, RocDev's got something for everyone on their tech journey.

The Rochester Python Meetup (RocPy) is where the Python coders unite! This group has been going strong since 2011 and now rocks over 1,500 members, making it a massive hub for Python enthusiasts.

Whether you're a total coding pro or just getting started, RocPy is all about helping everyone level up their Python skills.

Their monthly meetups are a buffet of awesomeness with a mix of technical talks, hands-on workshops, and networking.

You'll get the inside scoop on the latest Python trends, libraries, and best practices straight from industry vets and seasoned devs. Recently they had an intro to LangChain which is this wild framework for building apps powered by language models.

They've also hosted deep dives into data science tools, web dev with Django, and Python automation tricks.

RocPy isn't just about learning, it's a whole community.

The meetups are a great chance to connect with other Python lovers, collaborate on projects, or even discover job opportunities in Rochester's thriving tech scene.

Just check out their packed events calendar with regular meetups, social hangouts, and more.

As one long-time member put it,

"RocPy has been invaluable for my growth. The support and knowledge sharing is unbeatable."

For all you data nerds and stat geeks in the Roc, the Rochester R User Group is where it's at.

This tight-knit crew has been repping R, that badass programming language for crunching numbers and spitting out sick vizzes, since 2013. Whether you're a pro, a student, or just getting your feet wet, RRUG is all about sharing knowledge and sparking fresh ideas.

Their meetups go down every other month, and they're always packed with 40-60 attendees ready to dive deep into the latest data analysis techniques and real-world case studies.

A recent survey showed that a whopping 87% of RRUG members said these meetups were clutch for leveling up their data science skills and making dope connections in the industry.

Each meetup is a whole vibe, with speakers dropping knowledge bombs, coding sessions where you can get your hands dirty, and collaborative problem-solving that'll make your brain sweat.

Recently, they had sessions like "Unleashing the Power of Tidy Data with the tidyverse Package" by Dr. Robert White from U of R, "Predictive Modeling in R: A Healthcare Analytics Case Study" by Michael Harris from Xerox, and "Visualizing Complex Data: Innovative Approaches with ggplot2" by Amy Lee from Paychex.

But RRUG isn't just about the meetups.

These folks are out here contributing to open-source R projects and dropping hot articles on data analysis techniques like it's nothing:

Year	Open-Source Contributions	Published Articles
2022	28	15
2021	19	11
2020	12	8

As Daniel Johnson, a long-time RRUG member, puts it:

"The Rochester R User Group has been an invaluable resource for me, not only in honing my data analysis skills but also in connecting with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about statistical computing."

Get ready to dive into the awesome world of WiCHacks, a 24-hour hackathon where women and gender minorities in tech come together to create mind-blowing projects! Hosted by the Women in Computing club at RIT, this event is all about empowering us to smash barriers and showcase our skills.

The vibe is super inclusive, welcoming anyone supporting the mission, regardless of gender or background.

Last year's WiCHacks was an epic success, with teams building everything from digital humanities hacks tackling social issues to wacky games that brought the fun.

They're taking it to the next level in 2024 with challenges like creating an AI-powered wellness app or revolutionizing computer vision tech. With prizes galore, including gadgets, gift cards, and even cash to kickstart your startup idea, it's a golden opportunity to flex those coding muscles.

But WiCHacks is more than just hacking away for 24 hours.

It's a whole experience packed with networking, mentorship, and chances to learn from the best in the biz. Tech talks, workshops, and even expert panels are on the agenda, so you can uplevel your skills and make valuable connections.

Plus, with sponsors like Constellation Brands and Waygate Technologies getting involved, you might just land your dream gig or snag that game-changing internship.

CodeRochester is the place to be for tech heads who want to level up their coding skills. It's a chill spot where devs of all levels come together to learn, collaborate, and have a good time.

In 2024, they've got a sick lineup of workshops and projects that'll take your coding game to new heights.

One of the coolest things about CodeRochester is their focus on collaborative coding.

You get to pair up with other coders, work on team projects, and learn from the collective wisdom of the group. As Jessica Davis puts it, "The collaborative coding sessions have been a _game-changer_ for me.

Working alongside mentors and fellow learners has taken my coding skills to the next level."

Here's a sneak peek at some of the fire events they've got lined up for 2024:

• Web Development Bootcamp: Dive deep into web tech like front-end frameworks, back-end servers, responsive design, and deployment. Perfect for leveling up your web dev skills.
• Intro to Data Science: Get your hands dirty with data analysis, visualization, and machine learning using Python and R. This one's a must for aspiring data wizards.
• Blockchain Demystified: Unlock the mysteries of blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralized apps (DApps) in this hands-on workshop.
• Open Source Contribution Hackathon: Contribute to real open-source projects and gain some serious coding experience while giving back to the community.

According to their 2024 schedule, CodeRochester is bringing you 18 workshops and 6 major projects to sink your teeth into.

Check out the projected attendance for some of the hottest events:

Event	Projected Attendance
Web Development Bootcamp	250
Intro to Data Science	180
Blockchain Demystified	120
Open Source Contribution Hackathon	300

The RochesterJS Meetup is where it's at for all you JS geeks in Rochester. With over 1,200 members, this crew is pumping out some seriously rad events that'll take your coding skills to the next level.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the JavaScript waters, RochesterJS has got your back.

These meetups are jam-packed with cutting-edge topics like React, Angular, Vue.js, and Node.js.

You'll be learning from the best of the best, with speakers from top-notch tech companies in the area. Just check out some of their recent sessions:

• Building Progressive Web Apps with React - A dive into the latest trends in app development.
• Mastering Asynchronous JavaScript with Async/Await - Enhance your JavaScript skills for better coding practices.
• Exploring the Power of TypeScript - Understand the benefits and applications of TypeScript.
• Securing Your Node.js Applications - Key strategies and techniques for enhancing security.

But it's not just about the technical stuff.

RochesterJS is a tight-knit community where you can share your wins, learn from others' experiences, and even snag a sweet new gig. Christopher Thompson, a long-time member, says,

"The meetup has been invaluable for my professional growth. I've not only gained valuable technical skills but also built a network of supportive peers."

Need more convincing? Check out what these folks have to say:

Member	Success Story
Susan Rodriguez	"I landed my dream job at a local tech startup after connecting with the hiring manager at a RochesterJS meetup."
Sarah Lee	"The RochesterJS community helped me transition from a frontend developer to a full-stack engineer."

So, if you're serious about stepping up your JavaScript game and connecting with some awesome devs, you better not sleep on RochesterJS. It's the place to be for all things JavaScript in Rochester.

Let's talk about TechRochester, the coolest crew fostering growth in Rochester's tech scene.

This non-profit is all about helping techies level up their skills and make connections that matter. Their monthly meetups are where it's at - a space for professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech junkies to vibe, brainstorm, and become unstoppable forces in the industry.

A study by RIT found that a whopping 78% of TechRochester members saw major upgrades in their leadership game and career paths just by showing up consistently.

These guys are serious about mentorship, case studies, and hands-on workshops that'll have you navigating the ever-changing tech world like a boss. Their 2024 lineup is fire, with gems like:

• Effective communication is crucial - The "Mastering Effective Communication for Tech Leaders" workshop series highlights its central role in tech leadership.
• Diversity and Inclusion are key topics - A panel throwing down on "Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Tech" with industry heavy-hitters underlines the importance in modern tech.
• Networking boosts career growth - Quarterly networking mixers where you can rub shoulders with big-time entrepreneurs and innovators emphasize the value of connections.

TechRochester knows how to cater to niche interests with specialized groups for areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software engineering.

As Matthew Garcia, a long-time member, puts it, "TechRochester has been key in expanding my network and unlocking crazy career opportunities throughout Rochester's tech ecosystem."

With their stacked lineup of educational resources, mentorship programs, and prime networking spots, TechRochester is the real MVP driving professional growth and tech leadership in the area.

Their meetups are a golden ticket to staying ahead of the game, making connections that count, and being part of Rochester's thriving tech community.

The NY Tech Valley is buzzing with some epic tech action! It's a hub where innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech geeks converge to make things happen.

One of the biggest highlights is the New York Tech Valley Regional, a multi-day robotics competition that brings together high school teams from across the region to showcase their engineering prowess.

But that's not all – this place is a hub for meetups and conferences galore!

Beyond the massive events, the NY Tech Valley's meetup scene is on fire. You've got groups like Tech Valley Developers, where coders unite monthly to trade knowledge and discuss the latest tech trends.

Startup Grind Albany is a sweet spot for local entrepreneurs to network, gain inspiration, and learn from seasoned founders and investors. And for the ladies in tech, Women in Tech Upstate NY provides a supportive community with mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to empower and uplift.

The NY Tech Valley has its finger on the pulse of cutting-edge initiatives.

They've teamed up with academia and industry to create the AI Solution Hub, a powerhouse for advancing AI research and development.

And let's not forget the Smart Cities Partnership, a coalition dedicated to implementing smart city tech to revamp urban infrastructure. It's like living in the future, but for real!

According to the big brains at the Brookings Institution, the NY Tech Valley's booming ecosystem has been a major driving force behind the region's economic growth, with the tech sector accounting for a whopping 12% of total employment.

As James White, the CEO of the NY Tech Alliance, put it,

"The Tech Valley's diverse and inclusive community is driving innovation that will shape the future of our state and beyond."

Check this out - Flower City AI is where you gotta be on December 4th, 2024! It's like Rochester's own little tech paradise, bringing together innovators, students, and companies for a full day of mind-blowing AI talks and workshops.

We're talking cutting-edge stuff that'll make your head spin!

There's more! This shindig isn't just about sitting and listening. They've got interactive sessions lined up where you can get your hands dirty with some serious coding action.

And if that's not enough, they're showcasing the sickest AI projects from around the city. It's a chance to see what the future has in store, and maybe even get inspired to create something dope yourself!

Now, I know what you're thinking - "Where do I sign up for this epic event?" Well, lucky for you, tickets are already up for grabs on Eventbrite.

And the best part? It's a non-profit gig, so every penny goes towards making it an unforgettable experience. Plus, they've got early bird discounts, so you can save some cash and splurge on those limited-edition Flower City AI merch instead!

That's not all! Flower City Comic Con is also happening in September, bringing together all the geeks, nerds, and pop culture enthusiasts under one roof.

It's a multi-genre extravaganza where you can indulge in your love for comics, gaming, cosplay, and everything in between. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this one either!

RocGrowth Candids is the place to be for all you driven and ambitious entrepreneurs in Rochester, NY. This meetup series brings together the city's sharpest minds to share their real-life stories of building successful businesses and overcoming challenges.

It's a chance to connect with fellow hustlers, exchange ideas, and gain some serious knowledge from those who've been there and done that.

According to their website, RocGrowth Candids has hosted over 75 events since 2016, attracting a diverse crowd of professionals, students, and community members all eager to level up their entrepreneurial game.

These gatherings are more than just talks – they're opportunities to engage with local and visiting entrepreneurs who've made it big, pick their brains, and get inspired by their journeys.

From fundraising strategies and product development to team building and growth hacking, RocGrowth Candids covers all the bases.

You'll hear from the likes of Wegmans, Paychex, and Datto, as well as rising startups shaking up the local scene.

And let's not forget the invaluable networking opportunities – you never know who you might meet or what connections you might make.

As someone who's been to a few RocGrowth Candids events, I can attest to the value they provide.

One attendee summed it up perfectly:

"RocGrowth Candids has been an incredible resource for me as an aspiring entrepreneur. The insights shared by successful business leaders have been eye-opening, and the networking opportunities have been invaluable."

So, if you're serious about making moves in Rochester's tech scene, RocGrowth Candids is a must-attend.