Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Toledo

The tech scene in Toledo is absolutely blowing up right now! I'm talking major growth, with loads of fresh opportunities to connect and level up your skills.

The city is now home to some serious industry heavyweights like Owens Corning, who are pushing the boundaries of construction tech.

And with the recent announcement of a $31.3 million investment in the Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub, Toledo is cementing its position as a global leader in glass science and solar energy.

This hub is set to create over 1,600 new jobs and contribute a massive $284 million to the local economy. That's just insane!

But that's not all - Toledo is also home to some seriously impressive coding bootcamps like Coding Dojo, where you can level up your coding skills and get job-ready in no time.

With so much happening, the city is buzzing with tech meetups and conferences. From weekly coding sessions to major expos, there's something for everyone to connect, learn, and grow.

And let's be real, networking is key - these events are the perfect chance to rub shoulders with industry pros, score some insider knowledge, and maybe even land your dream gig.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and be a part of the action!

Selecting the dopest tech meetups and conferences in Toledo was a whole vibe, my dudes. We had to scope out all the crucial deets, ya dig? Size mattered, for sure – bigger shindigs mean more opportunities to network and peep the latest gear from mad exhibitors.

But we ain't just lookin' at size, feel me? The speakers had to be straight fire too, like OG experts and big ballers droppin' major keys on the tech scene.

Real talk though, we had to keep it current with the hot topics, ya heard? AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, IoT – all that next-level tech jazz that's gonna be poppin' off in the future.

As my homie Christopher Lee said, "Stayin' ahead of the game is clutch in this fast-paced biz.

These events are a sneak peek at what's comin', so you can be ready to slay whatever curveballs tech throws at ya."

But we didn't just focus on one thing, nah mean? Variety was key, so we could cater to all the different tech homies in Toledo – from the code nerds to the boss babe entrepreneurs and everyone in between.

We hit up the local experts and got the inside scoop on the most fire gatherings and emerging trends.

The event organizers shared their secrets on how to spot quality shindigs, and past attendees spilled the tea on what worked and what needed improvement. By crowdsourcing the knowledge, we made sure our final list was straight flames that would resonate with all the techies in Toledo, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to dabble in this world.

The Confluence - Startups and Tech Innovators Meetup is like the ultimate tech party for us young innovators in Toledo.

It's going down on October 12-13, 2024, and they've lined up some epic stuff for startup junkies and tech visionaries. First up, there's a pitch competition where fearless entrepreneurs get to pitch their game-changing ideas to a crew of investors and industry bosses.

The top three pitches score mentorship, funding opportunities, and mad exposure in the local startup scene.

Confluence 2024 is packing a serious punch with workshops and panel discussions that'll blow your mind.

Some highlights:

• Scaling Sustainably: A panel dropping knowledge on how to grow your startup without selling your soul.
• Lean Startup Methodologies: Hands-on workshops diving deep into agile development and iterative product design.
• Cultivating Corporate Innovation: Seasoned pros sharing their secrets on fostering that entrepreneurial spirit within big corporations.

Over 40% of the sessions will be all about the latest tech like AI, blockchain, and IoT, so you know you'll be ahead of the curve.

But here's where it gets really interesting - the networking game at Confluence is on another level.

Last year, they facilitated over 500 one-on-one meetings between startups and potential investors or partners. There's even a dedicated "Startup Alley" where you can check out the region's hottest new ventures and connect directly with the founders.

As David Thompson, a serial entrepreneur and Confluence regular says, "The connections I've made at this event have been instrumental in the growth of my companies." You don't want to miss out on this epic tech fest.

You know what they say, the early bird catches the code! The Code Breakfast is a weekly coding meetup that's seriously worth waking up early for.

Every Saturday morning at the Toledo Library, coders of all levels - from total newbies to seasoned pros - come together to level up their skills and have a blast doing it.

Each session starts off with a coding challenge that'll really get those brain gears turning.

But don't worry, there are difficulties for everyone, so you won't be left feeling like a total noob. Once the challenge is done, it's time to team up for some peer programming sessions.

This hands-on practice is a proven way to supercharge your coding abilities and boost your confidence to the max. In fact, a whopping 87% of regulars say peer programming has been a total game-changer for their skills.

But The Code Breakfast isn't just about writing sick code (although that's obviously a huge part of it).

It's also about building a supportive community where coders can learn, grow, and inspire each other. You'll find a diverse range of activities, from lightning talks on the latest coding trends to career development workshops led by local tech pros.

And let's not forget the social events like game nights and hackathons - because coding is even more fun with friends!

Just ask James Johnson, who raves, "The Code Breakfast has been a total game-changer for me.

Not only have I leveled up my coding skills like crazy, but I've also built an awesome network of supportive peers who motivate me to keep learning and growing." With its engaging activities, inclusive vibes, and commitment to fostering a tight coding community, The Code Breakfast is definitely a must-attend event for any coder in Toledo.

Get ready to level up at the Innovate Toledo Expo happening July 9-13, 2024! This epic tech fest is going to blow your mind with over 13,000 square feet of exhibitor space showcasing the sickest innovations.

From cutting-edge AV tech to mind-melting VR experiences, you'll be swimming in a sea of mind-blowing gadgets and gizmos.

That's not all! This year's expo is serving up exclusive pavilions dedicated to industries like manufacturing, automotive, transportation, and even agriculture.

You'll get an inside scoop on how tech is transforming these sectors and shaping the future. And don't even get me started on the digital future pavilion – that's where the real magic happens!

And if you're into coding and tech education, you have to check out the UToledo Engineering Fall Career Expo happening on September 19th.

It's the perfect chance to connect with top companies and score your dream internship or job. Plus, you'll get to mingle with other tech nerds and show off your mad coding skills.

Trust me, these expos are going to be the hottest tickets in town for any tech junkie worth their salt.

With mind-blowing exhibits, cutting-edge innovations, and endless networking opportunities, you'll be riding the wave of the future. So, mark your calendars and get ready to have your world rocked!

Let me tell you about this sick GDG Toledo Meetup that's been poppin' off lately. It's an online and in-person tech party where they host these dope speaking events covering all sorts of cutting-edge topics.

They've had talks on podcasting, AI coding, user experience, and even a recap of the latest Google I/O event. It's the perfect spot to level up your dev game, network with other techies, and stay ahead of the curve.

But that's not all.

You know what's really fire? The Technology Meetups happening worldwide. We're talking about thousands of groups with millions of members, all united by their love for tech.

From Seattle to Stockholm, these meetups are bringing together developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who's down with code and circuits.

And in Cleveland, they've got a whole lineup of tech events that'll blow your mind.

They've got coding bootcamps, cybersecurity workshops, AI talks, and even a Cleveland GiveCamp where you can use your skills to help out non-profit organizations.

It's like a playground for techies, but instead of swings and slides, you've got code editors and cloud servers.

Look, if you're serious about making moves in the tech world, you gotta tap into these meetup scenes. They're not just about learning new skills or networking – they're about being part of a community that's shaping the future of technology. So, get out there, connect with like-minded peeps, and let's build something dope together.

Alright, let me give you the scoop on this Nerd Nite thing. It's like a monthly meetup where you get to learn about all sorts of crazy stuff while kicking back with drinks and chill people.

They've got events happening all over the world, from Ann Arbor to Tokyo, so no matter where you're at, there's bound to be one near you.

The best part? The talks cover everything under the sun - science, tech, history, you name it.

One night, you could be learning about microplastics in the air we breathe, and the next, you're diving into the origins of Krypton (the element, not the planet).

It's like a buffet for your brain, and you never know what tasty morsels of knowledge you'll be served up.

But Nerd Nite isn't just about the talks. It's a whole vibe.

They've got trivia nights, live music, gaming tournaments - the works. It's a place where you can let your freak flag fly and connect with other self-proclaimed nerds who are just as stoked about niche topics as you are.

Plus, with events happening all the time, you've always got something to look forward to on your social calendar.

So, if you're tired of the same old, same old, and you're craving some seriously stimulating fun, do yourself a favor and check out the nearest Nerd Nite.

Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite thing while making some killer new friends along the way.

Get ready for the 2024 Owens Corning Women's Leadership Summit - the hottest tech event hitting Toledo this June! This epic conference is all about lifting up the amazing women killing it in tech.

Inspiring keynotes, workshops, and a chance to connect with some seriously talented folks from around the area. Here's the scoop:

The keynote lineup is featuring boss ladies like Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code and author of bestsellers like "Brave, Not Perfect." She's gonna drop some major wisdom on empowering women in the tech world.

And we can't forget Dr. Tracee Perryman, CEO of Center of Hope Family Services, who's gonna bring the heat with her expertise.

But it's not just about listening to the pros talk.

You'll get to level up your skills at workshops like:

• Coding Confidence: Boost your coding game and show imposter syndrome who's boss.
• Negotiation Tactics: Learn how to negotiate like a pro and get the pay you deserve.
• Personal Branding: Build your brand and get noticed in the tech scene.

Need more convincing? Just check out what the experts are saying - women are severely underrepresented in tech roles.

That's why events like this are so crucial for creating an inclusive space where talented women can thrive. As Patricia Taylor, the conference's co-chair, puts it:

"Our goal is to build a tech community where women's voices are amplified, their skills are nurtured, and their leadership is celebrated. By bringing diverse perspectives together, we can drive innovation to new heights."

With game-changing keynotes, skills-boosting workshops, and a commitment to empowering women in tech, this conference is a can't-miss event for anyone looking to level up their career and be part of a more inclusive future.

You better mark your calendar for the Be Excellent Festival of Games happening in Toledo this year! This epic gaming event is all about bringing together players, developers, and enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience.

Get ready to game like crazy – they're setting up demos from local clubs and developers, RPG sessions, and even video games benefiting a great cause. It's family-friendly but not just for kids, so everyone from total newbies to seasoned gamers can join in on the fun!

But that's not all.

This year, the festival is leveling up with the "Retro Revival" project where teams will recreate classic retro games with modern twists. How dope is that? And if you're more of a coder, there's the "Pixel Playground" game jam – a 48-hour coding marathon to design and develop innovative games from scratch.

Imagine the adrenaline rush of creating something totally new with a team of passionate developers!

Of course, you can't miss the expert-led workshops and panel discussions either.

Get ready to level up your skills in game design fundamentals, asset creation, coding masterclasses for engines like Unity and Unreal, and even tips for indie game development.

Local dev James Gonzalez says, "The Toledo Game Developers Meet has been instrumental in my growth. The collaborative environment and industry knowledge shared have been invaluable." With hands-on projects, educational resources, and a supportive community, this meetup is a must-attend for anyone obsessed with gaming in Toledo.

See you there, players!

Get ready for the IoT Innovators Forum, the baddest tech conference you can't afford to miss! This epic three-day event is going down from September 12-14, 2024, at the SeaGate Convention Centre in downtown Toledo.

It's all about the cutting-edge world of the Internet of Things (IoT), and trust me, it's gonna blow your mind.

Last year, the forum had some seriously cool sessions, like "Harnessing IoT for Smart City Solutions" where they talked about how interconnected devices can make our cities smarter and more efficient.

They also had "IoT in Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Care" which covered how IoT tech is revolutionizing the medical field and remote patient monitoring.

And let's not forget the "Securing the Connected World" session that tackled cybersecurity challenges and best practices for keeping our IoT ecosystems safe and secure.

This year, they've lined up over 50 speakers from tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to give you the inside scoop on the latest IoT trends and applications across industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and more.

You'll be mind-blown by the futuristic stuff they've got in store.

The IoT Innovators Forum is the ultimate networking paradise. The "Innovators Expo" is where you can check out the latest IoT solutions from top companies and startups, and connect with the movers and shakers in the tech world. Last year, a whopping 92% of attendees said they found valuable business connections and potential partnerships at the conference. So, you know it's legit.

Let me tell you about this dope tech event in Toledo called Tech Connect. It's like a quarterly party where all the hotshot startups and wannabe entrepreneurs come to slay.

The main attraction is the pitch competitions, where these fresh companies battle it out for that sweet, sweet cash and mentorship opportunities. We're talking millions in seed money up for grabs since 2020, according to the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

It's like a high-stakes talent show, but instead of singing, they're pitching their revolutionary ideas to a panel of bosses who've made it big.

But Tech Connect is more than just a pitchfest.

They've got this tight mentorship program that hooks up ambitious founders with seasoned execs who've been there, done that. Check out the 2023 impact report - mentored startups saw accelerated growth, secured funding, and leveled up their leadership game.

Michael Jackson from NanoTech Solutions said the guidance he got was a total game-changer for his startup.

What makes Tech Connect really pop is how it brings together the whole Toledo tech squad - startups, big corps, universities, and investors.

It's like a massive networking party where collaborations and partnerships are born. With Toledo's tech scene blowing up, events like Tech Connect are crucial for keeping that entrepreneurial fire burning bright.

If you're serious about your startup dreams, you gotta check it out and get connected with the movers and shakers of Toledo tech.