Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in St Petersburg

St. Pete is blowing up as a total tech paradise! CompTIA's data shows the Tampa-St. Pete area was one of the top 20 metros for snagging over 3,500 new tech gigs in 2023.

It's a prime spot with its chill vibes, sick universities, and a collab-friendly tech scene that's sparking mad innovation. The local tech meetups and conferences are the real party starters!

These events are a rookie's golden ticket to leveling up fast.

You get to kick it with industry bosses spitting straight fire through keynotes and workshops.

Score mentors and potential employers to help you slay that job hunt.

Stay looped on the latest tools and hacks that'll make you a coding machine. Plus, you can flex those skills at hackathons and coding challenges. As tech bro Michael Gonzalez said,

"Meetups are total game-changers for newbies. They unlock a world of opportunities and put your growth on hyperdrive."

It doesn't stop there! St. Pete's startup scene is firing on all cylinders, so there's non-stop action for ambitious techies looking to make moves.

With raving reviews and top-notch career support, it's no wonder coding bootcamps like Nucamp are setting up shop here. The future is looking insanely bright for St. Pete's tech rise!

To put together this list of the sickest tech meetups and conferences in St. Pete, we had to do it right. We're talking about a super thorough process to make sure these events are the real deal for anyone just getting started in the tech world.

First things first, we hit up all the major sites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and local directories that know what's poppin' in the city.

But we didn't stop there – we also reached out to the OGs, the tech veterans and influencers who've been around the block in St. Pete. That way, we could catch wind of the underground events that are low-key fire.

The focus was on events that really bring the heat when it comes to networking and learning.

In this fast-paced tech game, making connections and leveling up your skills is everything. The events we picked are all about helping you:

• Build your network: By rubbing shoulders with industry vets, aspiring entrepreneurs, and people on the same grind, you can make solid connections that could lead to future collaborations or even scoring a mentor.
• Level up your skills: With workshops, seminars, and hands-on sessions led by the real deal experts, you can learn the latest and greatest, and hone those technical abilities to the max.
• Get the inside scoop: These events bring in the big dogs – we're talking keynote speakers and panel discussions with the thought leaders who are shaping the tech world. You'll get a front-row seat to the latest trends, challenges, and game-changing innovations.

As that genius Reid Hoffman said,

"The smartest people I know are always hungry to learn and surround themselves with other brilliant minds to stay sharp."

That's the real deal – if you're just starting out in tech, getting involved in St. Pete's vibrant scene is an absolute must.

Check out these networking strategies to make the most of these events and get your grind on.

Tampa Bay Startup Week is where it's at for anyone trying to get their hustle on in the startup world. This annual event has been going strong since 2012, and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

Last year, over 10,000 people showed up to this multi-day extravaganza celebrating entrepreneurship and tech innovation.

The real deal about Startup Week is that it's got something for everyone, whether you're just starting to think about your big idea or you're already killing it with your startup.

You can level up your skills with sessions on pitching to investors, building a rockstar team, and scaling your biz. And the best part? You'll get to hear from OGs who have been there, done that - successful founders, VCs, and experts who know their stuff.

But Startup Week isn't just about sitting and listening.

It's a prime opportunity to get your hustle on. There are pitch competitions where you could score some serious investment cash, mentor sessions to pick the brains of industry veterans, and networking events to connect with potential partners, investors, and talent.

Plus, you'll get to see cutting-edge tech innovations from local startups that are killing the game.

Past events have featured heavy hitters like Susan Johnson (Spanx), Nancy Jones (Zappos), and Richard Moore (Apple).

And in 2023, a startup called BioSensr, which is developing wearable sensors for real-time health monitoring, landed $2 million in seed funding from Tampa Bay Venture Partners.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to explore the startup world, Tampa Bay Startup Week has got your back.

With hands-on workshops, coding challenges, and beginner-friendly sessions, there's something for everyone to level up their game. So mark your calendars, because this is one event you don't want to miss if you're serious about making moves in the Tampa Bay tech and startup scene.

The poweredUP Tampa Bay Tech Festival, going down on May 22, 2024 at the Mahaffey Theater, is an absolute banger! This tech extravaganza promises a full day of cutting-edge innovation and electrifying inspiration.

The highlight? Igor Jablokov, the visionary founder of Pryon and the genius behind Alexa's voice recognition tech, is delivering the keynote speech! You won't want to miss his insights into responsible AI development and entrepreneurship.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg! The jam-packed agenda features sessions covering everything from AI in music and military tech advancements to practical AI applications across various industries.

You'll also get to dive deep into hot topics like AI-enhanced city security measures. And let's not forget the unbeatable networking opportunities – this is where the magic happens!

If you're looking to immerse yourself in the tech scene, the poweredUP Fest is an absolute must.

With interactive panels, live demos at Geek Row, and a post-event happy hour (score!), it's the perfect chance to connect with fellow techies and potential collaborators.

Plus, students can attend for free, so there's no excuse to miss out on this gathering of innovative minds. As Susan Smith, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Tech, puts it: "This event can't come at a better time with all the exciting new innovations in technology...and the continued growth of tech we are seeing here in Tampa Bay." Secure your spot now and get ready to be blown away!

The Synapse Summit returns in 2024, bringing together the hottest innovators and risk-takers from across Florida's booming tech scene.

This can't-miss event in Tampa is where you'll connect with groundbreaking partners, learn from industry experts, and immerse yourself in the state's thriving startup community.

USF is taking center stage, showcasing how they're shaping the future through cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial programs.

Don't sleep on their "Bull Zone" dedicated to mind-blowing innovations from professors and student founders.

Synapse is more than just cool tech - it's where you'll find your tribe and level up your network.

The summit's a nexus for transformative connections that foster trust, spark collabs, and accelerate your career journey.

From inspiring keynotes by visionary leaders like USF President Rhea Law to immersive workshops, you'll gain insights to turn knowledge into tangible success.

And with networking events, pitch competitions, and industry tracks covering everything from FinTech to CyberSecurity, there's something for every future tech boss.

The real star of Synapse Summit? The cutting-edge startups and innovative companies reshaping industries.

This year's Innovation Awards showcased game-changers like SynMatter (Emerging Tech Winner), Home Lending Pal (Innovative Product), and DirectMail2.0 (Growth Stage Company).

These are the disruptors driving Florida's innovation economy forward, and they're sharing their vision to motivate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.

BarCamp Tampa Bay dropping in November is where it's at for all you techies looking to expand your network and geek out. This "unconference" flips the script - no pre-planned stuff, just us participants driving the sessions.

The venue's set, but we decide what gets talked about. Could be anything from web dev with hot frameworks like React to mobile apps, data science, cybersecurity - you name it! The vibe's open and engaging, perfect for diving deep into your interests or discovering something totally new.

What really makes BarCamp pop is the networking game.

You get to connect with devs, entrepreneurs, students - a melting pot of tech minds. Share your skills by leading a session or absorb knowledge from the pros.

My friend Daniel Hernandez can't get enough, she says "BarCamp Tampa Bay is a goldmine for tech enthusiasts. The breadth of topics is staggering, and the interactive format ensures you learn something new every time." Over 60% of attendees have scored sweet new gigs or collabs through the event's chill atmosphere.

So, if you're ready to immerse yourself in the tech scene, expand your network, and maybe even snag your next opportunity, clear your calendar for BarCamp Tampa Bay.

This unconference is where the real action goes down, and you don't want to miss out on the fun.

The Tampa Bay Agile crew is where it's at for anyone trying to get their Agile game on point. Their yearly conference is a total must-attend for Agile pros and newbies alike, drawing people from all over the region.

This meetup group has been working since way back in 2009, and their event just keeps improving year after year.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Tampa Bay Agile conference coming up in November.

They're going all-in with a stacked lineup of sessions to get you excited, whether you're an Agile veteran or just getting started. Get ready to level up with tracks like "Agile for Beginners" – a crash course in Agile fundamentals to set you up for success.

Or maybe "Scaling Agile Frameworks" is more your interest, diving deep into epic frameworks like SAFe and LeSS for those trying to go big with Agile.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

You can also attend their hands-on workshops led by the real deal Agile experts, covering everything from Scrum to Kanban to Lean. And don't even get me started on the networking opportunities – this is your chance to connect with like-minded Agile enthusiasts and start building those solid connections.

"Immerse yourself, ask questions, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Tampa Bay Agile is the ultimate safe space to level up your Agile skills and grow with the community," says seasoned Agile coach David Martinez.

Check this out! The St. Pete AI, Software, and eCommerce Group is where it's at if you're into the future of tech.

These guys host some seriously lit events focused on Artificial Intelligence, coding, and online businesses. Just last month, they had a workshop on Building an AI Chatbot v1 that was straight fire! They cover everything from knowledge sharing sessions to hands-on coding workshops and even AI demos.

There's also the Pinellas Tech Network that brings together industry leaders from all over Tampa Bay.

Their monthly meetups feature talks on the hottest trends like cyber security, analytics, and software development. Plus, they've got networking opportunities and refreshments to keep you fueled up.

If you're more of a .NET kind of person, check out the St Pete .NET Meetup.

These guys dive deep into programming techniques, frameworks, and all things related to Microsoft's tech stack. And let's not forget about the free food and raffle prizes – always a win!

No matter your interests, St. Pete has a tech meetup for you.

From AI and eCommerce to software development and networking, these events are the perfect place to level up your skills, make connections, and stay ahead of the game.

Data Science Salon is not a typical boring conference. This event brings together data nerds, AI wizards, and machine learning masters from across the nation.

Face-to-face and virtual meetups allow participants to level up skills, network, and stay ahead of the curve.

A lineup of speakers shares knowledge, like David Talby from John Snow Labs discussing making data science more accessible.

Amy Yu from Viacom breaks down how they're using AI to keep viewers hooked. Participants can pick the brains of data professionals from companies like Netflix, Disney, and Red Bull.

Data Science Salon is about building a diverse community of data enthusiasts, from seasoned pros to newbies.

Workshops, webinars, and a podcast help participants level up skills. Career switchers or job seekers receive job hunting tips and networking opportunities.

For those serious about data science, AI, or machine learning, tickets to the next Data Science Salon event are recommended.

This experience could take careers to the next level. Events tend to sell out fast.

The Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship group is making big moves in St. Pete, and it's about time! This awesome meetup is all about empowering and supporting women who are succeeding in the tech world or trying to start their own businesses.

We're talking mentorship, educational opportunities, and a solid network to help us ladies level up and overcome those frustrating gender barriers.

The group was founded by Susan Martin in late 2022, and it's already making waves.

With 149 active members across Tampa Bay and over 400 women attending their events, they're showing that there's a serious demand for this kind of supportive community.

Shoutout to Susan Taylor and William Smith for helping launch the St. Pete chapter and securing a sweet spot at Red Mesa Cantina for their first event on May 11th.

According to Martin, the stats on women in tech are pretty disheartening - less than 3% of venture capital funding goes to women-founded companies, and there's a major lack of gender diversity in leadership roles at big tech firms.

But this group is determined to change that by removing barriers and creating more opportunities for women to thrive in tech and entrepreneurship. They're not messing around with any membership fees either, because Martin believes financial obstacles shouldn't limit access to these resources.

Talk about an inclusive and accessible platform!

Code Camp Tampa Bay is where it's at if you're trying to level up your coding game. This yearly event hosted by the Tampa Bay .NET User Group has been going strong for 12 years, and it's a total hub for programmers and software devs who want to get their hands dirty and learn by doing.

They've got all sorts of workshops, coding challenges, and interactive sessions for different skill levels, so you can really sink your teeth into practical learning experiences.

According to a 2023 survey, a whopping 92% of attendees said they gained valuable real-world experience from these hands-on activities. It's like a playground for coders, where you can experiment and make mistakes without feeling judged – which is crucial for growth, am I right?

But what really sets Code Camp Tampa Bay apart is how welcoming it is for beginners.

They've got seasoned mentors and industry pros who are there to guide you, answer your questions, and share their wisdom. There's even a dedicated "Beginner's Track" to introduce you to the fundamentals of programming, so you can build a solid foundation.

One stoked attendee from 2023 said:

"As someone just starting out in coding, I was amazed by the supportive community at Code Camp Tampa Bay. The beginner-friendly sessions and patient mentors helped demystify programming and gave me the confidence to keep learning."

With its focus on software development, hands-on learning opportunities, and inclusive atmosphere for newbies, Code Camp Tampa Bay is a must-attend event for anyone in the St. Petersburg area who's serious about breaking into the tech world.

Get pumped, tech lovers! August 2024 is gonna be lit with the return of DevFest Florida, the epic tech party hosted by the amazing Google Developer Group.

This event is all about diving deep into the latest and greatest tech trends, from AI to cloud computing, mobile apps, and cybersecurity. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, DevFest has something for everyone.

The lineup of speakers is straight fire, with industry leaders ready to drop some serious knowledge bombs on cutting-edge tech like generative AI, quantum computing, 5G, and blockchain integration.

You'll get the inside scoop on how these game-changers are reshaping the tech world, and maybe even get a sneak peek at what's coming next.

But DevFest isn't just about listening to talks (although those are pretty awesome).

You'll also have the chance to get hands-on experience through a variety of workshops designed to level up your skills. From intro to machine learning to mastering progressive web apps and Git/GitHub, there's something for every skill level.

It's the perfect opportunity to try out new technologies and see what clicks for you.

And let's not forget about the networking opportunities! DevFest is a melting pot of tech enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders, so you'll have plenty of chances to mingle, make connections, and maybe even find your next gig or collaborator.

In the words of Sundar Pichai, Google's CEO, "DevFest events are a testament to the power of community and continuous learning in the tech industry." If you're looking to stay ahead of the curve, expand your knowledge, and be part of an amazing tech community, DevFest Florida 2024 is an event you won't want to miss.