Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in San Antonio

San Antonio's tech scene is absolutely on fire right now! The city has become a leading tech hub with an average salary of $112,057, showing a massive 13.3% increase from last year.

The growth is super impressive - we're talking about major developments in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences.

The city welcomes about 130 new residents daily, with tech companies actively recruiting talent who want more bang for their buck compared to other tech hubs.

Local meetups and conferences are perfect for breaking into the scene - whether you're into cybersecurity (huge here!), working on smart city tech, or launching a startup.

The city's tech community is super welcoming, making it easier for newcomers to connect with mentors and find opportunities. With major players like USAA, Rackspace, and H-E-B hiring tech talent, and cool new data centers popping up, San Antonio's tech future is looking pretty incredible.

Creating this list of San Antonio's top tech meetups wasn't just about picking the most popular events. As a young professional diving into the tech scene, I know how crucial it is to find events that actually deliver value.

We based our selections on research-backed criteria that looked at everything from networking opportunities to hands-on learning experiences.

Each event was evaluated based on real feedback from attendees and industry professionals who've been there.

When choosing which events made the cut, we looked at several key factors:

• Reputation of speakers: The quality of the experts and industry leaders presenting at the events.
• Practical learning opportunities: Focus on workshops and sessions that enhance skills.
• Welcoming environment: Ensuring that each event is inclusive, whether you're just starting out or already established in tech.
• Mentorship connections: Opportunities for attendees to engage with mentors.
• Career advancement: Real potential for attendees to grow their career, beyond simple networking.

Using modern event technology standards as our benchmark, we assessed each meetup's ability to facilitate meaningful connections and provide real learning experiences.

This meant looking at things like whether they used AI-powered matchmaking for networking, offered hybrid attendance options, and provided post-event resources.

We also made sure to include events that represented different tech specialties - from web development and cybersecurity to AI and blockchain - because the tech world is way bigger than just coding.

The Smart Cities Connect Spring Conference & Expo is set to take over the Raleigh Convention Center from May 7-10, 2024.

As the largest gathering of IoT tech companies in North America, this conference is where all the action happens for anyone interested in how cities are getting smarter.

We're talking about real solutions for energy efficiency, innovative building technologies, and data management systems that are changing how our cities work.

The conference is bringing together city leaders, tech innovators, and industry experts to tackle urban challenges head-on. What makes this year extra special is the focus on open innovation and connected infrastructure - they're hosting roundtable discussions on everything from AI-enhanced grid systems to optimizing traffic flow.

There's even a happy hour at The Haymaker for casual networking, which is perfect for meeting the right people in a relaxed setting. Whether you're into smart lighting systems, urban mobility, or just want to see what's next in city tech, this is definitely the place to be.

And if you're a student or just starting in tech, you'll get to connect with industry leaders and maybe even find your next career opportunity. These are the people and technologies that will shape our future cities.

The 2024 ASCD Annual Conference is coming to Washington, DC from March 22-25, bringing together thousands of K-12 education professionals at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

This year's conference features an impressive lineup of thought leaders discussing school reform, antiracism, and innovative teaching methods. The comprehensive program includes engaging sessions covering everything from instructional strategies to digital transformation, with special focus on student engagement and emerging technologies.

Attendees can look forward to hearing from Jessica Garcia, the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award winner, among other inspiring speakers. The conference schedule is packed with opportunities for hands-on learning, including pre-conference institutes where educators can dive deep into specific practice areas.

The exhibit hall will showcase the latest educational tools, while breakout sessions offer practical insights into topics like classroom culture, cognitive development, and educational technology.

Beyond the formal sessions, participants can explore DC's free museums and iconic landmarks during breaks. What makes this conference particularly exciting is how it combines professional development with real-world application - you can immediately implement what you learn in your classroom.

With over 4,000 education professionals expected to attend, it's the perfect place to build connections with fellow educators who are passionate about transforming education through technology and innovative teaching methods.

The Executive Women's Forum (EWF) is changing the game for women in tech leadership, especially in cybersecurity, risk management, and privacy.

With women making up just 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, this community is seriously needed right now. The EWF Leadership Academy offers next-level programs that equip women with real skills for critical roles in the industry.

Their annual conference brings together more than 500 global thought leaders for collaborative sessions, incident simulations, and working groups that actually make a difference.

What makes EWF stand out is their commitment to building a genuine sisterhood where women support each other's growth and success. The Leadership Scholarship program is taking DEI efforts to the next level, helping more women access career-changing opportunities.

Their 2025 conference in Denver will feature hands-on workshops in cybersecurity best practices, risk management strategies, and privacy law compliance. Plus, their mentorship programs and regional meetings create lasting connections that help members advance their careers.

Since 2002, EWF has been giving women a voice in tech through educational programs, leadership development, and relationship building. For anyone serious about making it in cybersecurity, risk management, or privacy, EWF is the real deal - it's where connections turn into opportunities and ambitions become achievements.

Tech Bloc has transformed into San Antonio's premier tech-focused organization, driving the city's evolution into a major innovation hub.

As a non-profit dedicated to economic development, Tech Bloc unites over 5,000 tech professionals and employers, creating a powerful collective voice for the industry.

The organization's impact is evident in their successful initiatives, including the Tech Fuel Pitch Competition, which offers $100K in funding to promising startups.

Their three-pillar approach - networking, economic development, and advocacy - has helped build a tech ecosystem now valued at $10.8 billion. Through dynamic events and strategic partnerships with government, private industry, and academia, Tech Bloc creates genuine opportunities for professionals to connect and grow.

The organization actively shapes policy decisions affecting the tech community while providing resources for startups and established companies alike. Their monthly meetups and annual Tech Day showcase emerging technologies in AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain, featuring speakers from industry leaders like Rackspace and IBM. For anyone looking to break into San Antonio's tech scene, Tech Bloc offers an unmatched platform for building connections and accessing resources that can jumpstart their career or business venture.

The Geeks and Drinks Developer Meetup has grown into one of San Antonio's coolest tech gatherings since its founding in 2021.

Meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at Pinkerton's, this group has expanded to over 2,000 members who come together to chat about coding, share project wins, and build real connections.

Co-founders Monty Morgan and Jessica Anderson started this community to create a safe and inclusive space for developers from all backgrounds to network and grow.

What makes this meetup amazing is its zero-pressure vibe - there's no formal agenda, just genuine conversations about tech, career challenges, and industry insights.

The monthly gatherings feature special events like tech talks from local experts, coding workshops, and even fun activities like ugly Christmas sweater contests.

• Pro tip: Show up before 5:30 PM if you want to grab food without the wait.
• Parking benefits: Don't worry about parking - it's validated at Pinkerton's when you purchase something.
• Inclusivity: Whether you're a coding newbie or a seasoned developer.
• Accessibility: It's totally free, making it accessible for students and early-career developers looking to break into San Antonio's growing tech scene.

Overall, this meetup offers a perfect blend of professional networking and casual hangout vibes.

The DigiMarCon South 2025 is coming to San Antonio this October, and honestly, it's going to be next level.

The two-day conference will feature over 30 cutting-edge topics including AI-powered marketing, content strategy, and viral marketing techniques. What makes this event super valuable is how it combines practical learning with real networking opportunities.

The conference schedule includes interactive sessions covering everything from ChatGPT applications to data science, plus hands-on workshops where you can actually practice what you're learning.

As someone just starting in digital marketing, I'm particularly excited about the dedicated zones they've set up - there's an Exhibition Hall for checking out new tech, a Training Theater for live demonstrations, and even a Podcast Studio for real-time content creation.

The Digital Summit series format means you're not just sitting and listening - you're actively participating in workshops, networking events, and strategy sessions.

What's really cool is that whether you're there for one day or both, you get access to on-demand content for a full year after the event, so you can revisit any sessions you found particularly useful.

They're even offering virtual passes if you can't make it in person, though being there for the networking opportunities seems worth it. Plus, with speakers from major companies like Meta and Google sharing their expertise, this is definitely the place to be if you want to stay ahead of marketing trends.

The Agendia Product Theater at SABCS 2024 is shaping up to be a game-changing event for anyone interested in the future of breast cancer research and genomic technology.

During the December symposium, Agendia will present groundbreaking findings focusing on their early-stage breast cancer genomic tests. The highlight is a crucial session titled "How can genomic information from a single core biopsy sample inform multiple therapy decisions for early stage ER+ Breast cancer?" scheduled for December 11 at 5:30 PM. New research developments will showcase MammaPrint and BluePrint tests, which are revolutionizing treatment selection processes.

For tech enthusiasts and healthcare professionals, the Product Theater sessions offer an intimate setting to connect with industry leaders and learn about the latest innovations.

The event brings together over 11,000 attendees both in-person and online, making it an essential networking opportunity for anyone looking to understand how technology is transforming cancer care.

The presentations will cover everything from genomic profiling to real-world evidence studies, demonstrating how digital solutions are becoming increasingly crucial in healthcare decision-making.

This event perfectly combines scientific advancement with practical applications, making it a must-attend for those interested in the intersection of technology and medicine.

As a student interested in tech security, I'm excited about the Everyday Defense: Cybersecurity Essentials event happening on February 6, 2025, at IBT Inc.

in San Antonio. This one-day intensive runs from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM and is perfect for anyone looking to level up their cybersecurity game. What makes this event stand out is its practical approach - you'll get to see real-world applications of essential security concepts, including live demos of cutting-edge protection systems and actionable strategies to defend against cyber threats.

The 70-hour comprehensive curriculum covers crucial areas like endpoint security, network defense, and cyber threat management. The best part? You'll learn ten simple steps to build a resilient cybersecurity program that won't break the bank.

The event includes food, drinks, and networking opportunities with security experts who can share their real-world experiences. Whether you're a business owner worried about protecting your data or someone interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, this event offers valuable insights into the latest security trends and practical defense strategies.

Just remember to reserve your spot early since space is limited and it's first-come, first-served. The hands-on experience and direct interaction with industry experts make this event a must-attend for anyone serious about understanding modern cybersecurity challenges.

iFLY San Antonio's STEM program is transforming how we experience science education. Through their innovative STEM field trips, over 400,000 students and 15,000 organizations have discovered the exciting connection between indoor skydiving and STEM principles.

The program combines hands-on learning with real physics applications, making complex concepts actually interesting and easy to understand. Students get to participate in interactive presentations, conduct experiments in the wind tunnel, and even experience one-on-one flying sessions with certified instructors.

What makes this program stand out is that high school students can dive deep into advanced concepts like terminal velocity calculations and engineering principles, while younger students explore basic STEM foundations through age-appropriate activities.

The program has gotten amazing feedback - teachers are consistently impressed with how the curriculum aligns with their classroom goals and helps students retain what they've learned.

Whether you're into physics, engineering, or just curious about how things work, this program offers a fresh take on STEM education that beats sitting in a classroom any day.

The best part? Every student walks away with practical knowledge they can apply in their studies and future careers. For educators looking to spark interest in STEM subjects, iFLY's program offers that perfect mix of education and excitement that actually gets students engaged and eager to learn more.

The NIRYO Workshop is changing the game in education through innovative robotics programs that are already making waves in schools across the US. At Newton College & Career Academy, students are getting hands-on experience with 6-axis robotic arms, proving that complex tech can be accessible when taught right.

The workshop introduces educators to Niryo Academy's comprehensive learning platform, which includes everything from basic programming to advanced robotics control.

Teachers can test out these robots in real-time during the sessions, making it easier to understand how to bring this tech into their own classrooms. Real success stories from places like Newton College show these robots aren't just sitting around collecting dust - students are using them for actual engineering projects and automation tasks that connect directly to what's happening in the industry.

The Ned2 and Ned3Pro robots are specifically designed to be user-friendly while still teaching serious tech skills, which means students can quickly level up from basics to more advanced stuff.

Teachers who've tried these programs say their students are more engaged and actually excited about learning complex concepts when they can see them in action through robotics.

The workshop breaks down exactly how to implement these tools effectively, showing how schools can create a modern learning environment that prepares students for real-world tech careers.

The whole system is designed to grow with students as they develop their skills, making it a solid investment for any school looking to level up their tech game.

San Antonio's tech events are honestly game-changing for anyone looking to level up their career. Tech meetups open incredible doors for career growth and professional connections.

What's really cool is that these events aren't just about sitting and listening - they're interactive spaces where you can actually build relationships that matter.

Joining a tech community gives you access to industry updates, mentorship opportunities, and real job prospects that you might not find elsewhere.

I've noticed that participating in these events makes it so much easier to stay on top of what's happening in tech.

The best part about these gatherings is that you can learn actual skills while connecting with others.

Tech recruiters actively seek talent at these events, which makes them perfect for finding job opportunities.

Plus, when you're learning from people who are actually working in the field, you get insights that you can't find in online tutorials. Whether you're into coding, cybersecurity, or AI, there's usually someone there who's been through it all and is willing to share their experience.

The hands-on workshops and collaborative projects make learning feel natural and way less intimidating than trying to figure everything out on your own.

• Real-world insights: Getting insights from experienced professionals enhances your industry knowledge significantly.
• Genuine connections: Making connections with other tech enthusiasts can open new career opportunities.
• Mentorship guidance: Finding mentors provides direction and guidance in shaping your career path.
• Practical skills: Learning practical skills through interactive sessions accelerates your tech proficiency.

Bottom line: jumping into San Antonio's tech scene through these events is basically essential if you want to grow in tech.

It's not just about what you know - it's about who you know and how you can work together to create something awesome. The community here is super welcoming, and every event is a chance to learn something new or meet someone who might help shape your future in tech.