Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Tulsa

As a fresh face in Tulsa's tech scene, you might be wondering how I curated the must-attend meetups and conferences for this epic list. Here's the inside scoop: For an event to make the cut, it had to tick some major boxes like fostering a kickass community, offering hands-on learning opportunities, and showcasing the latest and greatest innovations.

It drives job growth and startups in our backyard, keeping Tulsa's tech game strong. To uncover these prime meetups, I dug deep into legit sites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and local community calendars.

My go-to sources were:

• Community calendar, Tulsa Tech: The Tulsa Tech Community Calendar catalogs essential tech happenings.
• Meetup groups for learning, Networking: Groups like Tulsa Area Techlahoma and Tulsa Web Devs offer networking opportunities.
• Bootcamp events, Skill Building: Event listings on coding bootcamp sites like Nucamp keep you informed about skill-building events.

As that tech legend Bill Gates once said, "Innovation is a renewable resource if you keep energizing it." By hitting up these standout events, you'll tap into that endless flow of fresh ideas and connections.

Buckle up as we dive into Tulsa's top 10 tech happenings – your gateway to learning, networking, and fueling your passion for all things digital.

The Tulsa Tech Fest is going to be great this year! From August to September, it's the place to be for all you tech enthusiasts out there.

This massive event is all about celebrating the cutting-edge world of technology and how it's shaping our future.

The lineup of speakers is impressive, with major figures like Satya Nadella (the boss of Microsoft), Gwynne Shotwell (who runs SpaceX), and Andrew Ng (the legend behind DeepLearning.AI).

Nadella's going to share valuable insights on how tech is revolutionizing industries. Shotwell's going to provide information on using AI for space exploration, and Ng's session is all about making AI education accessible to everyone.

But that's just the beginning.

There are over 100 sessions across 12 different tracks, covering everything from Web3 and the decentralized future (think NFTs, DeFi, and DAO governance) to sustainable tech and green computing (because saving the planet is important, too).

And if you're into DevOps and cloud computing, they've got you covered with sessions on Kubernetes and site reliability engineering.

The best part? There are hands-on workshops where you can get your hands dirty with the latest tech like generative AI, edge computing, and even quantum technology.

And if you're a total beginner, no worries! They've got a Beginner's Lounge with mentors, resume reviews, and mock interviews to help you break into the industry.

The Tulsa Tech Fest is going to be amazing.

It's a melting pot of ideas and innovation, where you can network with like-minded people and level up your skills. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of Tulsa's booming tech scene!

OKC Coffee and Code is the place to be for any of you code junkies out there. They've got this super chill vibe where you can grab a coffee, flex your coding muscles, and hang with some seriously rad people.

Whether you're a total noob or a coding wizard, they've got your back.

These guys switch it up between Coffee and Code sessions, where you can bring your laptop and grind away on some projects, and Meet and Greet hangouts for those who just wanna kick back and chat about all things tech.

They've got some epic events lined up too, like the "Back to School" Social on August 23rd at Angry Scotsman Brewing.

It's gonna be a total blast with multiple user groups coming together to mingle and network.

These guys are tight with the crew over at OKC WebDevs, another sick group that's all about web dev and hosting talks, workshops, and social events.

They've got sponsors like Atlas School and Clevyr supporting their mission to build up the local tech scene. If you're looking to level up your coding game and connect with some seriously awesome people, OKC Coffee and Code and OKC WebDevs are the meetups you need to hit up, no cap!

Tulsa's annual Energy Tech Showcase is the place to be for anyone hyped about the latest innovations blending energy and tech. Happening in October 2024, this three-day event is a sweet opportunity for industry pros, entrepreneurs, and tech geeks to dive deep into groundbreaking advancements reshaping the energy game.

The primary goal? Foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and adoption of mind-blowing technologies that drive sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the energy industry.

Get ready to feast your eyes on wild new stuff like next-level solar panels boosting efficiency by 25%, and novel wind turbine blade coatings slashing maintenance costs by 40%.

But that's not all – you'll also get a sneak peek at game-changing energy storage solutions, like solid-state batteries packing a whopping 300% more energy density than regular lithium-ion batteries.

And let's not forget the cutting-edge applications of AI and machine learning in predictive maintenance, optimizing energy distribution networks, and streamlining oil and gas exploration.

Attending this showcase in Tulsa is a no-brainer:

• Gain invaluable insights: Stay ahead of the pack by learning about the hottest innovations straight from industry leaders and experts.
• Networking opportunities galore: Connect with like-minded peeps, potential partners, investors, and prospective employers.
• Hands-on experiences: Get up close and personal with interactive workshops, demos, and immersive exhibits showcasing emerging technologies.
• Skill development: Level up your tech expertise by attending specialized training sessions and masterclasses.

As Tulsa's tech scene keeps thriving, the Energy Tech Showcase is the premier platform for newbies and seasoned pros alike to explore the fusion of energy and technology.

As energy tech pioneer Elizabeth Rodriguez once said,

"The future belongs to those who embrace innovation, and the Energy Tech Showcase is where that future takes shape."

Alright, let's talk about this rad spot in Tulsa called 36 Degrees North. As of the latest stats, this place has been crushing it, giving a major boost to Tulsa's growing tech scene and supporting all the innovators and go-getters in the game.

Throughout the year, they host a ton of events that'll get you hyped, whether you're a code-slinging geek or an aspiring business mogul.

We're talking workshops, bootcamps, panel talks, and networking parties galore. But the real showstopper is the 36°N Startup Summit, where hundreds of people show up to watch startups pitch their ideas, secure that sweet funding, and connect with the big dogs in the industry.

For the tech entrepreneurs out there, 36 Degrees North is an absolute game-changer.

They've got mentorship programs where seasoned pros guide you through the ups and downs of launching and scaling your tech venture. Not to mention the sick co-working spaces that let you network and bounce ideas off other like-minded hustlers.

And if you've got a killer idea brewing, you can pitch it at events like the Tulsa StartUp Series and potentially score some serious cash to make it happen. Plus, they've got a wealth of educational resources, from workshops to online courses, to help you level up your business and tech skills.

As the man himself, Charles Anderson, the Executive Director of 36 Degrees North, put it,

"Our mission is to cultivate an ecosystem where tech entrepreneurs can thrive, connecting them with the resources, expertise, and community support they need to turn their visions into reality."

With their unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, 36 Degrees North has become the heart and soul of Tulsa's tech landscape, empowering all the up-and-coming entrepreneurs to shape the future.

Tulsa Women in Technology is all about lifting up the ladies killing it in tech. Their whole deal is making sure women have what they need to crush it in this male-dominated field.

It's a solid crew on a mission to spread knowledge, build skills, and create a supportive network for female techies.

• Programs and events that help women level up: They offer a ton of awesome programs and events to assist women in advancing their careers.
• Mentorship connects newbies with seasoned pros: Their mentorship game is on point, connecting newcomers with experienced professionals.
• Workshops teach everything from coding to cybersecurity: You can learn various skills from coding to cybersecurity to data wizardry at their workshops.
• Leadership seminars help ladies shatter glass ceilings: They provide leadership seminars to empower women to ascend and break through glass ceilings.
• Annual summit attracts industry leaders: The annual summit is a platform where industry leaders gather to make an impact.

If you're a woman in tech or want to be one, this crew has your back.

They're building a tight community where ladies can thrive, grow, and lift each other up. It's a pretty awesome movement, and Tulsa is lucky to have them leading the charge.

Get ready to dive deep into the world of open source innovation with the Green Country Linux Users Group (GCLUG) in Tulsa! Since 2003, these Linux enthusiasts have been bringing together coders, tech geeks, and curious minds to explore the cutting-edge realm of open source software.

GCLUG's monthly meetups are a total game-changer, offering a space for beginners and experts alike to geek out over the latest Linux distros, programming languages, system admin hacks, and open source tools.

Whether you're just starting or already a pro, you'll find your tribe here, sharing insights, best practices, and maybe even a few inside jokes.

But GCLUG isn't just about talking the talk – they're all about hands-on learning too.

Their beginner-friendly workshops will have you installing Linux distros, mastering the command line, and navigating open source apps like a boss in no time. And if you're feeling extra ambitious, they'll even show you how to contribute to real-world open source projects and make your mark on the community.

What really sets GCLUG apart is their inclusive, supportive vibe.

As longtime member Patricia Garcia puts it,

"GCLUG is more than a meetup; it's a community that embraces and nurtures the spirit of open source, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels."

Newcomers are always welcome, with experienced members volunteering as mentors to guide you through any roadblocks or questions you might have.

Get ready to join a vibrant, passionate community that's all about pushing the boundaries of what's possible with open source tech.

Alright, check this out – the Tulsa Data Science Meetup is where it's at for all the data geeks out there! As of August 2024, this crew has over 800 members, from total newbies to seasoned pros, all hyped about exploring the wild world of data analytics.

Their monthly meetups are jam-packed with mind-blowing topics that blend data, tech, and real-world applications.

These guys aren't just about talk, though – they're all about getting hands-on experience.

You can expect to dive into workshops and speaker sessions led by industry legends who'll share their insights on game-changing techniques like:

• Machine Learning: Unleash the power of algorithms to uncover hidden patterns and make data-driven predictions that'll blow your mind.
• Data Visualization: Transform complex data into visually stunning stories that even your grandma could understand.
• Big Data Analytics: Harness the potential of massive datasets to make killer business decisions that'll give you a serious competitive edge.

The Tulsa Data Science Meetup isn't just about theory – they'll hook you up with hands-on coding sessions and guided projects to level up your skills in essential tools like Python, R, and SQL. As Lisa White, a regular attendee, puts it,

"This meetup has been a total game-changer for my career as a data analyst. I've gained real-world experience with industry-standard tools, preparing me for any challenge that comes my way."

Whether you're a curious newbie or an experienced pro looking to stay ahead of the curve, the Tulsa Data Science Meetup is the place to be.

With its diverse lineup of workshops, speaker sessions, and skill-building activities, this dynamic community is shaping the future of data analytics in Tulsa, one mind-blowing meetup at a time.

The Techlahoma Conference is the ultimate tech event in Oklahoma, bringing together coders, designers, and everyone passionate about technology from all over the state.

Since 2009, Techlahoma has been building a vibrant community for tech enthusiasts to learn, connect, and explore the latest innovations. Mark your calendars for September 2024 because this year's conference is gonna be fire!

Get ready to dive into the cutting-edge world of:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Discover mind-blowing AI applications like natural language processing and computer vision that will blow your mind.
• Web Development: Stay ahead of the game with the hottest frameworks, tools, and best practices for building sleek and responsive web apps.
• Cybersecurity: Learn how to code securely, detect threats, and protect your data like a pro.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Explore the future of connected devices and how they're revolutionizing industries.

But it's not just about the sessions – the Techlahoma Conference is where you'll make connections that could change your life.

You'll rub shoulders with industry leaders, innovators, and fellow techies from across Oklahoma.

As the organizers say,

"Our goal is to bring together the brightest tech minds, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing that drives innovation forward."

If you're just starting out, this is your chance to learn from the pros, find mentors, and explore exciting career paths in tech.

Check it out! The Tulsa UX/UI Designers Meetup is the spot for all you future design legends out there.

Whether you're just starting out or already killing it in the game, this meetup has got your back. It's all about leveling up your skills in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, and staying on top of the latest trends in the ever-changing digital world.

One of the coolest things about this meetup is the collaborative projects they've got going on.

You get to team up with other designers and work on real-life design challenges, like revamping websites or apps for local businesses and startups. It's the perfect way to flex your creative muscles, build up that portfolio, and connect with like-minded folks in the industry.

Some of the recent projects they've tackled include redesigning a non-profit's website to make it more user-friendly, and conducting UX research to optimize a fitness app's mobile experience.

Talk about hands-on experience!

The Tulsa UX/UI Designers Meetup also brings in industry pros to drop some knowledge bombs. You'll get to attend workshops and talks on everything from designing voice interfaces for smart home devices to creating visually stunning mobile apps.

It's like a masterclass in design, where you can pick up tips and tricks from the best in the biz, no matter if you're a total newbie or a seasoned vet.

Speaking of newbies, this meetup is a total godsend for anyone just starting their design journey.

Just ask Barbara Wilson, a recent design grad who's been attending the meetups. She says, "The vibes at these meetups are so welcoming, and I've learned so much from the experienced designers.

The collaborative projects and workshops have helped me build a killer portfolio and gain real-world experience, all while being part of an awesome community."

Alright, check this out! Code for Tulsa is all about using tech to make our city even better. These tech-savvy folks team up with community partners to tackle local issues with innovative solutions.

Pretty cool, right?

Some of their awesome projects include:

• Tulsa County Assessor Data Portal: This open data platform gives you access to property assessment data, so you can make informed decisions and see what's really going on.
• Tulsa Transit Tracker: Ever missed the bus? This real-time tracking app helps you plan your commute like a pro and encourages using public transit.
• Tulsa Food Compass: Finding food assistance just got easier with this resource that maps out all the programs and services in the city.

If you're a beginner techie looking to get involved, Code for Tulsa is the place for you.

They host regular meetups and hackathons where you can collaborate on civic tech projects, network with professionals, and gain hands-on experience.

As their Executive Director William Smith says,

"Our doors are open to anyone passionate about using technology to make a positive difference in our community."

Just join their Slack, attend meetups, and explore their GitHub repos to find opportunities that match your skills.