Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is quickly becoming the tech hot spot, with the industry driving major growth for the city. Companies like Direct Companies are tripling in size through acquisitions and expansions, showing how the tech scene is blowing up.

By 2024, projections say the tech sector will boost Sioux Falls' economy by 18% - that's insane! Hot startups and established players are flocking here for the business-friendly vibe and talented workforce.

For anyone trying to get into tech or level up their skills, Sioux Falls has no shortage of epic meetups and conferences.

Events like Silicon Prairie Festival and Sioux Falls DevFest connect you with industry pros, let you learn about the latest tech trends, and get insights from experienced devs.

Jennifer White, a local software engineer, says "These events are total game-changers if you want to break into tech or boost your career. The connections and knowledge are invaluable."

It's not just about networking.

Sioux Falls also has training initiatives like SD Code Bootcamp Summit and StartUp Sioux Falls Workshop Series that give aspiring entrepreneurs and career-changers the skills to thrive in tech.

With bootcamps like Thinkful and Pencil Bio making waves, there are so many paths to get into this booming industry as Sioux Falls cements itself as an innovation powerhouse.

The Silicon Prairie Festival is an epic annual techfest you can't afford to miss if you're into the Sioux Falls tech scene.

This multi-day bash brings together the sickest startups, industry bosses, and tech geeks from all over. One of the coolest parts is the StartupVillage where emerging startups flex their innovative products and services.

Last year's lineup had dope companies like AgriTech Solutions with their AI-powered agriculture platform, MedViz and their mind-blowing medical VR simulations, and RoboTutor's adaptive AI learning tech that personalizes education.

But it's not just about startups - the festival hosts insightful panel discussions and keynotes where industry titans drop knowledge bombs on the latest tech breakthroughs, sparking new ideas and inspiration.

A highlight is the "Future of Innovation" panel where visionaries talk about emerging trends that could shake things up.

Beyond the learning opportunities, Silicon Prairie Fest is a networking goldmine, with over 2,500 attendees from diverse backgrounds meeting up last year. You can connect with like-minded pros, potential investors, collabs, and more during dedicated networking sessions and casual meetups.

It's an unbeatable chance to make valuable connections in the local ecosystem.

The Sioux Falls DevFest is the place to be if you're all about that tech life.

This community-driven event is going down in October 2024, and it's gonna be lit! We're talking 10+ mind-blowing workshops and keynotes led by the industry's finest.

For all tech newbies, DevFest is your golden ticket to leveling up your skills and expanding your network.

The workshop tracks cover everything from web development fundamentals to mobile app development, data science, machine learning, and even cybersecurity essentials.

It's like a crash course in all things tech, taught by the pros themselves.

But it's not just for the rookies. DevFest also brings in heavy hitters like Mary Williams from Google and Susan Williams from Amazon to drop some serious knowledge bombs during the advanced workshops and keynotes.

You know you want to be there to soak up all that wisdom.

And let's not forget about the networking game. According to Developer Economics, 68% of devs hit up these kinds of events just to make connections.

Sarah Johnson, the DevFest organizer, put it best:

"The connections you make can lead to new job opportunities, collaborations, and invaluable mentorship."

For the newbies, it's the perfect chance to engage with seasoned pros, get advice, and maybe even score an internship or entry-level gig.

Past attendees have seen their careers skyrocket after attending DevFest, so you know it's the real deal.

The South Dakota Geospatial Conference is for anyone interested in geographic information systems (GIS).

This annual event in Sioux Falls brings the latest GIS tech to the table, with top speakers and industry professionals sharing knowledge. Last year, they covered real-time data visualization, 3D modeling, and even how AI is impacting geospatial analysis.

Esri's User Conference featured the City of Sioux Falls showcasing how they use 3D capabilities to plan sustainable growth and assist first responders.

But it's not just about the presentations.

The real appeal is connecting with others who share your GIS passion. Over 85% of last year's attendees said the networking was extremely valuable, leading to new opportunities and collaborations.

This year promises even more, with keynote speaker Dr. Linda Martinez from XYZ University exploring drone-based mapping for industries like agriculture and urban planning.

The South Eastern Council of Governments will also be present, representing the Sioux Falls metro area's GIS efforts.

If you're looking to advance your career, this conference is a must-attend.

The dedicated networking lounge allows you to mingle organically with industry veterans, potential employers, and others working towards similar goals. There's even a career fair and speed networking to maximize your chances of securing that dream job.

With the Sioux Falls GIS scene projected to grow 12% in 2024, this event is essential for staying ahead of the curve.

The SD Code Bootcamp is an intense 8-week coding program in Sioux Falls that covers skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and mobile dev for Android and iOS. After graduating, they offer specialized curriculum and career help like resume building and interview prep.

Their annual summit is a can't-miss event for recent bootcamp grads and anyone looking to break into tech.

At the summit, you'll find panels where alumni share their journeys navigating the job hunt post-bootcamp.

Last year, over 70% of attendees said hearing those first-hand experiences was important for their own job search. There are also showcases on the latest e-learning tools, coding practice sites, and virtual collab platforms to level up your skills.

And don't miss the "Career Transition Masterclass" led by industry pros - they'll teach you on crafting a compelling tech resume, nailing those whiteboarding interviews, building your online brand, and overcoming obstacles career-changers face.

Whether you're fresh out of a bootcamp or an experienced pro, the SD Code Bootcamp Summit is the place to be.

You'll meet a ton of people, maybe find your next gig, and leave feeling motivated about launching your dream career in tech.

As one former attendee put it,

"This summit gave me the confidence and real-world tips to successfully transition into my first job as a developer. The advice from seasoned vets was invaluable."

Check this out - Spark Sioux Falls is a whole program dedicated to helping businesses bounce back and thrive.

The city, the Development Foundation, Downtown Sioux Falls, and the Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to create some real next-level strategies for retail, restaurants, and attracting visitors to spend their cash in our city.

They're also thinking long-term, like 6 months, a year, even 2 years down the line.

One hotel owner said it could take 3 to 5 years for their business to recover fully. That's why Startup Sioux Falls is such a game-changer.

They've been empowering founders with resources to network, launch, and grow their ventures, whether you're just getting started or already running your own thing.

If you're looking to level up your entrepreneurial skills, events like the SPARK Entrepreneurship Summit are where it's at.

You'll learn from the pros, connect with other hustlers, and maybe even land some funding to take your idea to the next level. Last year's "Pitch Pit" competition saw 3 startups score a combined $1.2 million in seed money - that's insane!

Check this out! The South Dakota Cyber Security Conference is where all the cool cybersecurity geeks in the region gather.

It's an annual event that brings together experts from various fields to talk about the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in cybersecurity. It's like a crash course in staying one step ahead of the cyber bad guys.

The best part? You get to learn hands-on from seasoned security pros who know their stuff.

They'll teach you practical skills and knowledge to combat those pesky cyber threats that keep popping up. Plus, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in cybersecurity are growing like crazy, so this conference is a sweet way to prepare for a career in this field.

Previous conferences covered topics like risk management, incident response, cloud security, and even securing those smart devices everyone's obsessed with.

But it's not all lectures and PowerPoints – the networking opportunities are where it's at.

You get to rub elbows with industry leaders, potential employers, and other cybersecurity enthusiasts, so you can learn from each other and maybe even land your dream job.

Let's talk about the Sioux Falls Design Jam! This event is a total game-changer for anyone who's into design, creativity, and pushing boundaries.

It brings together a diverse crew of designers, artists, and innovative minds from all over, and challenges them to flex their creative muscles on real-world design challenges – all within a tight timeframe.

The 2024 edition is shaping up to be even bigger and better, with organizers expecting over 200 attendees from different backgrounds to show up and bring their A-game.

One of the standout features is the collaborative design challenge, where teams tackle complex problems like designing for a greener future – a hot topic that's gonna be a major focus this year.

The Sioux Falls Design Jam also offers a lineup of killer workshops led by industry pros.

You'll get to dive into game-changing topics like Design Thinking, Rapid Prototyping, and Storytelling in Design. It's like a crash course in creative problem-solving and bringing your ideas to life.

As James Gonzalez, who's been there before, put it,

"The Sioux Falls Design Jam is a playground for creativity and innovation. It's where ideas collide, and groundbreaking solutions are born."

If you're a designer, a creative soul, or just someone who's hungry for innovation, this is an event you can't afford to miss.

Get ready to network, learn from the best, and push your creative limits like never before!

The StartUp Sioux Falls Workshop Series is where it's at if you're a young hustler looking to infuse your biz with cutting-edge tech.

Spanning multiple dates in 2024, this lineup packs a punch with sessions that break down how to slay the tech game across various industries. You'll gain serious know-how from seasoned entrepreneurs and tech gurus who've been there, done that, and rocked the merch.

This series is a networking goldmine.

You'll have the chance to connect with other go-getters, potential partners, and bigwigs in the biz, opening doors to opportunities that could take your hustle to new heights.

Word on the street is that over 75% of past attendees landed major contacts during these workshops.

The session topics are tailored to tackle the unique challenges and win-win situations young entrepreneurs face in today's tech-fueled world.

Here's a sneak peek:

• Tech-Enabled Business Models: Discover how tech can shake up traditional biz models and unlock fresh revenue streams.
• Leveraging Data Analytics: Master the art of using data to make boss moves and gain a competitive edge.
• Digital Marketing Masterclass: Unlock the secrets of digital channels to reach and engage your target audience like a pro.

And let's not forget the heavy-hitters from the local biz scene who'll be sharing their success stories and insider tips.

Richard Thompson, CEO of Innovative Solutions Inc., credits the series for helping his company skyrocket, saying:

"The StartUp Sioux Falls Workshop Series was instrumental in showing me how to use tech to scale my business to new heights. The practical knowledge and connections I gained were game-changers."

With its well-rounded approach to bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and tech, the StartUp Sioux Falls Workshop Series is set to be a total game-changer for young hustlers in the area.

Alright, let's dive into the 2024 South Dakota Technology in Education Conference, the biggest edu-tech bash for teachers in our state! This annual shindig is a total gamechanger for instructors looking to level up their classroom game with the latest innovations.

Last year's event was off the charts, featuring mind-blowing stuff like:

• Virtual Reality sims that let students travel through time and explore historical events like they were there. Talk about an immersive learning experience!
• Personalized learning platforms that adapt lessons based on your pace and learning style, ensuring no one gets left behind.
• Gamified lessons with points, leaderboards, and friendly rivalries - making learning feel more like playtime than a chore.

But that's just scratching the surface! According to data from the SD Department of Education, schools rocking edu-tech tools saw a staggering 15% spike in student engagement and a jaw-dropping 22% boost in test scores.

That's some serious proof that merging tech with teaching pays off big time.

Beyond the rad gadgets, this conference is a hub for sharing strategies and swapping insights on using tech to ignite that spark of curiosity in students.

As one pumped-up attendee put it,

"The knowledge shared here is pure gold. I've gained a whole new perspective on using tech not just as a teaching tool, but as a way to inspire a lifelong passion for learning."

Get hyped for the Midwest JS conference! It's like a total JavaScript party that goes down in Minneapolis every year.

This shindig is the real deal, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your coding adventure.

For all you newbies out there, the crew hooks you up with some killer workshops and intro sessions to get you up to speed on that JavaScript grind.

We're talking hands-on action, so you can wrap your head around variables, data types, and all that good stuff. Last year, they even had a whole track dedicated to DOM manipulation and building a basic Single Page App – talk about a sweet deal!

But it's not just about the learning.

Midwest JS is where you connect with the real ones in the web dev scene. You get to rub elbows with industry pros like Susan Thompson, swap war stories, and maybe even score your next gig.

They bring in some major players to drop knowledge bombs, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Last year, over 800 devs from all over the Midwest showed up, with a quarter of them being total newcomers! That's what I'm talking about – a melting pot of skills and experience where everybody's welcome.

As one attendee put it, "Midwest JS was an epic ride for a rookie like me. I leveled up my skills, connected with seasoned vets, and left feeling stoked to keep crushing it in web dev." That's the kind of energy we're talking about!

Sioux Falls is buzzing with rad tech events that are a total must for pros and lovers of all things digital. Whether you're fresh out of a coding bootcamp or a seasoned vet, these meetups and conferences are your ticket to leveling up your skills, growing your network, and staying ahead of the curve.

To get the most bang for your buck at these shindigs, here are some pro tips:

• Do Your Homework: Research the event details, peep the agenda, and get familiar with who's speaking and attending. Knowing what's up lets you network like a boss and focus on what matters most to you.
• Set Your Sights: Define your goals: Decide what you want to achieve - pick up new skills, hunt for job opportunities, or find a mentor. Having clear goals keeps you locked in and helps you make the most of the experience.
• Get Involved: Participate actively: Don't just sit back and watch - dive into workshops, fire away with questions during Q&As, and bring your A-game to discussions. The more you engage, the more you'll learn and connect with others.
• Network Smart: Build connections: Mingle at the social events, introduce yourself to speakers and fellow attendees, and swap contacts. Then, follow up quickly to keep those connections warm. A recent survey shows 85% of people say networking is key for career growth, so don't sleep on it.
• Walk the Talk: Implement your insights: After the event, review your notes, reflect on the top insights, and put a plan together to implement what you've learned in your work or personal projects. Knowledge is power, but execution is the name of the game.

The tech world moves fast, so continuous learning and networking are essential to stay relevant.

By tapping into Sioux Falls' buzzing tech community at events like the Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference or WIN in Workforce Summit, you'll expand your knowledge and make connections that could take your career to new heights.