Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Springfield

This city is quickly becoming a major tech hub, with innovative startups and big players setting up shop.

If you're just starting your journey, networking is key to unlocking those dream opportunities. Luckily, the Springfield Tech Council has your back with a stacked lineup of meetups and conferences.

To make this list, events had to excel at:

• Connecting you with industry mavens and seasoned pros
• Giving newbies a platform to learn, grow, and flex their skills
• Covering diverse topics like cybersecurity, web dev, data analytics, and more
• Creating an inclusive, welcoming space for all tech geeks

Just like Steve Jobs said,

"Innovation distinguishes leaders from followers."

By hitting up these top-tier events, you'll stay ahead of the game and unlock your full potential in tech's fast-paced world.

And don't sleep on Nucamp's coding bootcamps - they'll give you the skills to truly shine at these meetups.

Have you heard about the Ozark Innovators Meetup? It's like the hottest tech party in Springfield, and it goes down every Thursday night.

I'm not even kidding when I say it's become THE place to be for anyone who's anyone in the local tech scene.

This meetup is a total vibe, attracting all sorts of tech geeks, from fresh-faced newbies to seasoned pros.

The best part? You get to kick it with some of the biggest names in Springfield's tech world. We're talking TechSpringfield legends dropping serious knowledge bombs on the regular.

Just last week, we had Sarah Harris, the CEO of CyberSpark Solutions, giving us the lowdown on cybersecurity trends and how to keep our businesses safe from hackers.

And remember when John Perez from Acme Software took us on a wild ride through the latest front-end development frameworks? Mind = blown.

But it's not just about the speakers.

The real magic happens when you start networking and connecting with other like-minded techies. I've made so many dope connections through this meetup, it's crazy.

And 92% of attendees said they made valuable professional connections too. That's some serious networking power right there.

Plus, you can't beat the vibe of being surrounded by people who are just as stoked about tech as you are.

Trust me, the energy at these meetups is off the charts. Whether you're looking to level up your skills, make some new friends, or just geek out over the latest tech trends, the Ozark Innovators Meetup has got you covered.

The Missouri State University Cybersecurity Conference is where it's at if you're trying to level up your cyber game.

This annual shindig brings together students, pros, and straight-up legends from the world of cybersecurity for a three-day cyberpunk extravaganza. We're talking workshops, presentations, and all kinds of mind-bending sessions that'll have you slicing through firewalls like a hot knife through butter.

One highlight that'll blow your mind is the sick lineup of workshops covering everything from ethical hacking to cloud security.

These hands-on sessions are like cheat codes, giving you the skills to pwn any cyber threat that comes your way. And let's not forget the presentations by industry legends who'll drop some serious knowledge bombs on you.

The Missouri State University Cybersecurity Conference is also a prime spot for networking.

You'll get to rub elbows with potential employers, industry bigwigs, and other cybersecurity freaks like yourself. It's like a cheat code for landing that dream job or scoring some sweet collabs.

This conference has been around since 2012, and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

Last year, over 1,200 cyberpunks showed up, proving that this event is hotter than a zero-day exploit. Previous speakers have included cyber celebs like Jessica Jones, Dr. Phyllis Schneck, and Chris Roberts, so you know it's the real deal.

If you're serious about staying ahead of the curve in the cybersecurity game, the Missouri State University Cybersecurity Conference is a must-attend event.

Mark your calendars, and get ready to have your mind blown!

Get ready for the Illinois IT Leadership Forum 2024! This massive tech conference is where all the industry bigwigs gather to share their wisdom.

You'll hear from rad speakers like William Lopez, a Paralympic medalist who'll share his inspiring story of "Hurdling Adversity." There's also Patricia Davis, a top leadership coach who made LA Weekly's "Top 10 Coaches to Watch" list.

But it's not just about listening to talks.

With so many IT professionals in one place, you know the networking opportunities will be insane. Maybe you'll meet someone launching a groundbreaking cybersecurity startup or an elite coder working on the next big app.

Who knows, you might even find your future business partner or mentor at this event!

If coding bootcamps are more your thing, check out STC Squared on March 27th.

This Springfield Tech Conference covers all the latest trends in web development, AI, cloud computing, you name it. With local and national exhibitors showcasing their work, it's the perfect place to stay ahead of the curve.

And for all you edu-tech nerds out there, the IASB•IASA•IASBO Joint Annual Conference in November is an absolute must.

You'll hear from brilliant speakers like Jessica Hernandez, a Grammy-winning music educator, and leadership experts like David Horsager. It's an unbeatable opportunity to level up your skillset while mingling with passionate educators from across the state.

For all the code geeks and tech-savvy homies out there, Bits Bytes & Beyond is where it's at! This rad monthly meetup is the place to connect with fellow techies from around town.

And it's not just about listening to some boring lectures, nah. They keep things fresh with hands-on code sprints and hackathons where you can get your problem-solving game on fleek.

What makes Bits & Bytes stand out is how they cater to coders of all levels.

The OG developers are always down to share their wisdom through dope presentations and mentoring sessions. So whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, you'll find your crew here.

Just check out some of the recent highlights:

• CodeCamp 101 series - It's a beginner-friendly intro to coding languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. Perfect for getting your feet wet.
• Hackathon Hustle event - Teams battled it out to develop innovative solutions for local businesses. Talk about putting your skills to the test!
• Building Your First Web App workshop - They walked you through the entire dev process from start to finish. Solid stuff for leveling up your game.

As Linda Anderson, a regular at these meetups, put it,

"Bits & Bytes Springfield has been a total gamechanger for my coding journey. The supportive community and real-world learning experiences have taken me from noob to pro-level developer."

With more and more members joining the crew every month, Bits & Bytes Springfield is quickly becoming the go-to spot for aspiring programmers and seasoned devs to network, upskill, and be part of Springfield's thriving tech scene.

Get ready to dive into the TechSpringfield Conference! This annual tech bash is where all the cool kids in the Springfield scene gather to geek out and make some serious moves.

Last year was insane, with 2,500 attendees showing up, including 150 exhibiting startups and 75 venture capital firms looking to invest in the next big thing.

But it's not just about the numbers, ya know? The real magic happens during the panel discussions, where industry heavyweights like Susan Rodriguez from "Innolytics" and angel investor extraordinaire Jason Calacanis drop some serious knowledge bombs.

They break it down on topics like building a killer startup culture, attracting those big-money investors, and leveling up your tech biz like a pro.

And let's not forget the workshops and presentations that'll leave your brain overflowing with game-changing strategies.

Last year's lineup had gems like "Lean Startup Methodologies: Validating Your Tech Idea," "Mastering Pitch Decks: Convincing Investors to Back Your Vision," and "Building a Rock-Solid Tech Team: Recruitment and Retention Strategies." Talk about a master class in tech entrepreneurship!

A whopping 85% of the startups that exhibited at the 2023 conference ended up scoring funding or forging strategic partnerships within just six months.

That's what we call a serious return on investment, folks! It just goes to show that this conference is the real deal when it comes to igniting innovation and fostering a tight-knit community of tech trailblazers in Springfield.

The Women in Tech Springfield Meetup is the spot where local ladies in tech come together to lift each other up and slay the game.

With a focus on creating a supportive crew and equal opportunities for all, this group has become a major force in helping women succeed in the tech world. Their 2024 events calendar is packed with monthly meetups that let you network, find mentors, and gain valuable knowledge.

One of their coolest programs is the "Mentorship Matching" program, where they hook you up with an experienced mentor in your field.

84% of people who joined ended up leveling up their careers or landing their dream tech job within a year! They also bring in ladies like Sarah Johnson from TechCo Innovations and Emily Davis from CyberShield Solutions for their "Women in Tech Speaker Series." These power women share their stories and give you the information on how to crush those glass ceilings.

Diversity and inclusion are the bread and butter of this meetup.

They team up with local organizations and schools to encourage young girls to explore STEM and tech careers through programs like:

• Tech Explorers: Introducing middle schoolers to coding and app dev. Early exposure to technology can spark future interest.
• Women in Tech Scholarship: Financial support for ladies studying tech-related majors. This initiative opens academic doors for women.
• "Coding for a Cause" Hackathons: Using tech skills to create solutions for social impact. Encouraging innovative problem-solving for social benefits.

With an environment that's all about supporting and uplifting women in tech, this meetup has become a game-changer for loads of ladies in the Springfield scene.

As one member, Thomas White, put it,

"This meetup has been a total lifesaver. The mentorship, connections, and sense of community have taken my career to the next level."

The Smart Cities Connect Conference is an absolute game-changer. It's where all the coolest tech geeks, urban planners, and innovators come together to explore the wild world of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city tech.

This yearly event is seriously about transforming Springfield into a super connected, sustainable, and efficient city of the future.

At the center of this conference, you'll find a ton of hands-on sessions and demos that let you experience IoT and smart city solutions up close.

Imagine interactive displays showing real-time traffic monitoring or simulations of energy-efficient smart grids - it's like stepping into a sci-fi movie, but it's real life! These immersive experiences give you a mind-blowing look at how these emerging technologies can actually be used.

One of the highlights of the 2024 schedule is a panel discussion with some absolute legends in the field.

You've got Nancy Rodriguez, Chief Technology Officer at SmartCity Solutions Inc., who's going to share her vision for a fully integrated smart city ecosystem.

Then there's Daniel Taylor, Principal Architect at IoTech Innovations, who's famous for his groundbreaking work in secure IoT device communication. And let's not forget John Rodriguez, Urban Planner at the City of Springfield, giving us the inside scoop on the city's plans to embrace smart city tech.

For real, if you're a coder in Springfield looking to level up and connect with the tech scene, the 417 Developer Guild is where it's at.

They have all kinds of dope events and workshops to help you grow your skills and network with the pros.

First off, they've got skill-building workshops on the hottest tech out there.

We're talking web dev with React, Angular, Vue.js, mobile app dev for iOS and Android, data science and machine learning, cloud computing and DevOps, even cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

No matter what you're into, they've got you covered.

But it's not just about the coding skills. The 417 Developer Guild also hooks you up with career support.

They host meetups and networking events where you can connect with industry professionals, mentors, and maybe even land your next gig. Plus, they offer resume reviews and mock interviews to help you crush that job hunt.

Charles Anderson, a senior software engineer who's been with the guild for a while, says,

"The 417 Developer Guild has been a game-changer for my career. The workshops keep me up-to-date with the latest tech, and the networking events have opened so many doors for me."

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your coding journey, the 417 Developer Guild is the place to be.

They'll help you stay sharp, make connections, and take your tech career to new heights.

Have you heard about this tech event happening right here in Springfield? The STC Squared Tech Conference & Expo is where it's at! This annual event brings together all the coolest innovators, startups, and techies from around the area.

Last year's expo had over 30 exhibitors showcasing their cutting-edge products and services, from next-level software to mind-blowing hardware innovations. The Greentown Springfield Manufacturing Office even hosted a pitch event where startups got to present their prototypes to a panel of expert manufacturers and designers.

But it's not just about showing off cool tech; this expo is all about fostering our local tech community.

They've got a ton of workshops and seminars led by industry pros, covering everything from cybersecurity to web dev and even AI. You'll have the chance to level up your skills and connect with other tech-savvy people who share your passion.

And let's not forget the exhibitor booths – you can check out the latest innovations from companies like Pitt Technology Group, Arctic Wolf, and Springfield Women in Tech, just to name a few.

It's a tech-lover's paradise!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the tech game, this expo is an absolute must-attend. You'll get to network with industry leaders, discover mind-blowing tech solutions, and maybe even score a sweet job opportunity or two.

Trust me, last year's attendees were blown away by the experience. One person even said it was a

"game-changer"

that helped propel their career forward.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the future of tech at STC Squared 2024!

If you're looking to level up your skills in the analytics game, the Des Moines Data & Analytics meetup is where it's at.

This monthly shindig brings together all the cool kids from the Des Moines area who are obsessed with crunching numbers and uncovering mind-blowing insights.

Each meetup is like a masterclass in data wizardry, where you'll get to learn from the real pros in the field.

They cover everything from using AI to speed up IT ticket resolution to navigating the future of work with ChatGPT. It's like having a front-row seat to the cutting edge of data science and analytics.

But it's not all just lectures and PowerPoints.

The meetup is also a prime spot for networking your way into Springfield's thriving tech scene.

You'll get to rub shoulders with data rockstars from companies like Patricia Hernandez and Nucamp, and maybe even land your dream job in the process.

Don't just take my word for it, though.

With over 2,300 members and counting, this meetup is the real deal. And if you're worried about accessibility, they've got that covered too – from bike parking to bus routes, getting there is a breeze.

Sign up for the next Des Moines Data & Analytics meetup and get ready to unlock the secrets of the data universe.

Who knows, you might even discover one of the highest-paid tech jobs in Springfield along the way!