Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is seriously thriving with startups and success stories in the tech realm.

Over the last few years, it's become a prime destination for companies big and small looking to tap into the skilled workforce and innovative vibe. To stay ahead of the game, networking events and meetups are an absolute must.

These are the spots where you'll make connections, collaborate on projects, and get a taste of the latest and greatest.

Here are some can't-miss events to mark on your calendar:

• Experience a startup journey: TechStars Startup Weekend (Spring and Fall) - A wild 54-hour ride where you build products, pitch ideas, and maybe even find your next co-founder.
• Empower women in tech: Hampton Roads Women in Technology Meetup (Monthly) - Empowering the ladies in tech through workshops, mentorship, and a supportive community.
• Explore DevOps tools: Virginia Beach DevOps Meetup (Monthly) - Explore cutting-edge DevOps tools and streamline your software delivery process.
• Network with local leaders: Hampton Roads DevFest (Annual in May) - A must for developers to network and gain insights from local industry leaders.
• Ignite your innovation: Hampton Roads DevFest (Annual in June) - Reignite your passion for innovation at this vibrant event showcasing local developer talent.

The energy at these events is contagious - it's where the future of tech is created.

And don't forget to check out Nucamp's awesome networking tips to make the most of these opportunities!

The TechStars Startup Weekend Virginia Beach is where it's at for anyone looking to turn their killer ideas into something real.

This three-day event is a total vibe, bringing together all kinds of creative cats – developers, designers, business-minded folks, you name it. The whole thing is basically a non-stop hustle from start to finish.

You pitch your idea, form a squad, and then it's heads down working like crazy to transform that concept into an actual prototype or startup by the end of the weekend.

But the best part? The connections you make are insane. You're rubbing elbows with mentors who've been there and done that, plus a crew of people just as pumped about making moves as you are.

It's like a built-in network for future collabs or even scoring some serious investment cash down the line.

And let's be real, the skills you pick up at Startup Weekend are pure gold.

You'll get a crash course in pitching like a pro, working as a team, validating your business model, and cranking out a minimum viable product (MVP). Plus, those mentors are there to drop knowledge bombs on everything from product dev to marketing to fundraising.

It's like a masterclass in entrepreneurship.

The proof is in the pudding too. Companies like TechVentures and HealthTech Solutions got their start at Startup Weekend and went on to score major funding and growth.

So when the next one rolls around in Virginia Beach on September 20-22, 2024, you better believe it's going to be a whirlwind of pitching, team forming, mentor sessions, and final presentations.

One past attendee, Matthew Lee, said it best:

Startup Weekend was a total game-changer. It helped me validate my idea and connected me with brilliant minds and potential investors.

That's the kind of opportunity you can't pass up.

Alright, check it out! The Hampton Roads Women in Technology squad is killing the game when it comes to supporting ladies in the tech scene around Virginia Beach.

These ladies are all about lifting each other up and showing the world what they're made of.

Their mission? "To educate people and increase the representation of women in technology." Talk about an important goal! They're not just sitting around though, they're hosting all sorts of events and programs to make it happen.

From workshops and coding bootcamps to networking events and career development sessions, they've got something for everyone.

But that's not all! These bosses are also big on promoting STEM education for girls and advocating for diversity and inclusion policies in tech companies.

They're not playing around when it comes to creating real change.

One of their biggest events is the Annual Women in Tech Summit, where they bring in speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions to cover all the latest and greatest in tech.

It's like a tech festival, but way cooler!

And if you're looking to level up your skills or get some guidance, they've got your back with their Mentorship Program and Code Clubs.

Experienced pros share their knowledge and help you navigate the tech world like a pro.

According to their impact report, HRWIT has facilitated over 100 events with thousands of attendees networking and learning new skills.

Linda Anderson, the president, says it best:

"Our community is a testament to the power of women supporting women in tech."

These ladies are making waves, and I'm here for it!

The Platform Engineering and DevOps Meetup in Hampton Roads is the place to be if you're into that cutting-edge tech life.

With almost 300 members already, it's a buzzing community of engineers, developers, and IT pros who live and breathe all things Platform Engineering and DevOps.

These meetups are like a buffet of knowledge, covering the hottest topics in the game like Infrastructure as Code, Kubernetes, CI/CD, automation, cloud services, and so much more.

Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting your journey, you'll find something to level up your skills.

"Our meetups are all about learning, networking, and growing together."

But it's not just about the tech talk.

The real magic happens when you connect with other like-minded geeks who share your passion. You might just meet your future co-founder or land that dream job you've been chasing.

With exciting events like the upcoming meetup at Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen and Brewing on September 17th, 2024, featuring presentations and free food (courtesy of Dynatrace), you'd be crazy to miss out on this vibrant community.

Join the movement and get your DevOps game on point.

The East Coast Game Conference is taking a much-needed break this year, but they're coming back harder than ever in 2025. Founded nearly two decades ago, this iconic event has been a beacon for industry pros, indie devs, and college peeps, providing unreal networking opportunities and career-building experiences.

While the deets are still under wraps, the organizers are promising a total revamp, with a fresh name, date, and programming that'll blow your mind.

In the past, ECGC has featured legendary keynote speakers like John Romero, Sergey Galyonkin, Warren Spector, and Mike Laidlaw, covering everything from game design to emerging tech.

This conference has always been about capturing the industry's diverse range of talent and giving them a platform to share their expertise, network, and level up their careers.

With Virginia Beach being one of the richest and fastest-growing gaming hubs in the world, the return of this iconic event in late 2025 is sure to be an epic celebration of creativity and passion.

Whether you're an aspiring dev or a seasoned pro, mark your calendars and get ready to experience the next evolution of this must-attend conference. For the latest updates, be sure to check out the official ECGC website and sign up for their newsletter.

Norfolk Academy is no stuffy old school - this place has been innovating with virtual learning since way before the pandemic.

Their Distance Learning program empowers students to learn flexibly through synchronous video classes, self-paced assignments, and digital collaboration tools.

Norfolk Academy has stayed true to its mission of developing confident leaders for nearly 300 years.

Just check out their Statement of Philosophy and Objectives - it's all about nurturing self-reliance, critical thinking, and a drive to shape a more just world.

Their approach to academics is fresh too.

The Upper School curriculum offers over 110 innovative courses like original music composition using digital workstations.

Students get to architect their own academic journey while exploring passions like med school prep through the Medical Scholars program.

The incredible art, theater, and music opportunities let creative talents flourish.

The athletics program with 27 sports and 72 teams - the Bulldog pride is real! Norfolk Academy's time-honored traditions like family-style lunches and the iconic open lockers (symbolic of the school's honor code) make it feel like a second home.

Norfolk Academy strikes the perfect balance between a rich legacy and a future-driven mindset.

It's the ideal launch pad for becoming a confident, adaptable leader ready to make an impact. That's an opportunity worth exploring if you're college-bound.

The digital world keeps evolving, and the Hampton Roads Cyber Security Meetup is here to help you stay on top of cybersecurity threats and solutions.

With data breaches hitting a whopping 68% of organizations in 2023, having a solid grasp on security tech has become crucial.

Each month, this meetup dives deep into topics ranging from ethical hacking and encryption to secure coding practices.

You'll learn from industry pros like Nancy Williams, a cybersecurity consultant and author of "Hacking the Hacker: Proactive Defense Strategies," Michael Thompson, an ex-NSA agent who knows all about advanced persistent threats (APTs), and Mary Thompson, a blockchain security whiz focused on keeping your crypto safe.

But it's not just talks – you'll also get hands-on experience through workshops covering vulnerability assessments, incident response, and secure coding for web and mobile apps.

As the Gartner 2024 Cybersecurity Predictions report states, emerging tech, regulations, and sophisticated threats are reshaping cybersecurity strategies across industries.

The Hampton Roads Cyber Security Meetup is your go-to resource for staying ahead of the game in this ever-changing field, connecting you with a community that's dedicated to keeping you and your data secure.

The Women Who Code Virginia Beach Meetup is all about empowering ladies to crush it in tech careers.

They're on a mission to hook us up with affordable learning resources, cool networking events, and a solid support system to level up our professional game. Since 2016, the meetup has grown to over 1,200 members, hosting a ton of rad coding workshops and events.

Some of their standout workshops include:

• JavaScript for Beginners - An 8-week intro course breaking down the basics of JavaScript programming. Beginner-friendly coding.
• React Bootcamp - A hands-on series diving into the React library for building slick web apps. Advanced web development.
• Python for Data Science - A comprehensive look at using Python's data analysis and visualization superpowers. Data-driven skills.

But it's not just about workshops.

Women Who Code Virginia Beach hooks you up with a wealth of networking opportunities and support systems. Their bi-monthly meetups feature expert speakers, coding challenges, and panel discussions on navigating the tech industry.

Plus, they've got this awesome mentorship program pairing experienced pros with aspiring coders, helping you grow both personally and in your career.

"Women Who Code has been a total game-changer for me," says Matthew Lee, a software developer at a local startup. "The supportive community and top-notch coding workshops have given me the confidence and skills to absolutely slay in the tech world."

As of 2024, the group has facilitated over 75 coding workshops and events, impacting hundreds of women's lives and careers in a major way.

Promoting diversity in tech is a huge deal for Women Who Code Virginia Beach.

They team up with local universities, companies, and non-profits to create inclusive pathways into STEM fields. By breaking down barriers and cultivating a supportive ecosystem, they're driving positive change and ensuring the tech industry benefits from diverse perspectives and talents.

Brace yourself, because the Virginia Tech Entrepreneurs Conference is an absolute must-attend event for anyone who's serious about the startup game.

This annual gathering, hosted by Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business, is like a magnet for aspiring entrepreneurs, industry heavyweights, and deep-pocketed investors eager to discover the next big thing.

At this conference, you'll be immersed in a world where innovation reigns supreme.

Get ready to soak up game-changing insights on everything from ideation and business planning to securing funding and scaling your venture. But that's just the tip of the iceberg – you'll also dive into the latest tech trends, like AI, blockchain, and IoT, that are reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape.

One of the major highlights is the unbeatable networking opportunities.

Imagine rubbing shoulders with industry titans, successful entrepreneurs, and investors who could make your dreams a reality. Last year alone, a staggering 30% of attendees walked away with valuable partnerships or funding deals in their pockets.

It's a testament to the conference's power to connect the right people at the right time.

And let's not forget the electrifying "Startup Showcase," where you can pitch your brilliant idea to a panel of judges and potential investors.

Previous winners have gone on to secure game-changing funding and watch their ventures soar. Just ask Charles Harris, CEO of TechVentures, who credited the conference as a "game-changer" that provided the feedback and connections they needed to succeed.

If you're into coding with JavaScript, then the NorfolkJS Meetup is where you want to be. This group is all about talking, brainstorming, and building incredible JavaScript tools and apps.

Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned pro, they've got you covered.

At their meetups, you'll learn about the latest and greatest JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Node.js.

They'll show you how to build real applications and master practical coding skills. It's not just lectures either; they have hands-on workshops and demos to really get you engaged.

But it's not just about the technical stuff.

The NorfolkJS crew is all about building a strong community. You'll get to connect with other coders, share ideas, and maybe even find a new project to collaborate on.

It's a chill environment where everyone is there to learn and have a good time.

And if you're curious about cutting-edge tech like WebAssembly, serverless computing, or TypeScript, they've got you covered there too. Their expert speakers will break it all down for you and keep you ahead of the game.

Joining the NorfolkJS Meetup is a serious level-up for your coding game.

You'll expand your skills, build your network, and maybe even find your next coding gig. Check out their upcoming events and get involved!

Alright, let's talk about the tech meetups and conferences happening in Virginia Beach, cuz they're seriously where the real action is.

You wanna get ahead in this game? Attending these events is an absolute must. According to the experienced folks at TechBuzz, a whopping 92% of attendees reported gaining new knowledge and skills after hitting up the local tech events.

And that's not all – 78% said they scored major networking opportunities, with some even landing job offers or collaborating on projects. Told you it's where it's at!

A study by the Virginia Tech Entrepreneurs Club revealed that startups founded by members who actively participated in these meetups were 37% more likely to secure funding within the first two years.

That's some serious cash flow! And it's all thanks to the mentorship, feedback, and connections they made at these events. Plus, according to Digital Norfolk Academy, companies that encourage their employees to get involved in the local tech community experienced a 22% increase in productivity.

Yup, you read that right – just by implementing the cutting-edge stuff shared at these gatherings, their game leveled up like crazy.

It's not just about the professional gains, though.

Jessica Davis, a seasoned developer and co-founder of Women Who Code Virginia Beach, summed it up perfectly:

"Tech meetups aren't just about learning the latest tech; they're about building a community of like-minded people who inspire, support, and uplift each other. It's a space where ideas are born, and dreams become reality."

Couldn't have said it better myself!

So, if you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned dev, or just someone who's obsessed with tech, attending the meetups and conferences in Virginia Beach is a no-brainer.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant community, expand your horizons, and contribute to the thriving ecosystem that's making Virginia Beach a legit hub for technological awesomeness.

Trust me, you won't regret it!