Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Wichita

Wichita's tech scene has been on fire lately! According to the Greater Wichita Partnership, our city is ranked #15 nationwide for digital service job growth and is home to over 110 thriving tech companies like NetApp, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and Integra Technologies.

With opportunities popping up left and right, networking has become essential for anyone looking to level up their career. That's where Wichita's insane lineup of meetups and conferences for techies comes in clutch.

Seriously, joining these events can be a total game-changer.

According to a survey by Workforce Partnership Kansas, attendees who networked actively secured new gigs 37% faster than those who didn't. Even crazier, 68% of respondents credited their current roles to connections made at local meetups and conferences.

One person nailed it -

"These events are catalysts for personal and professional growth. The knowledge sharing and networking are unparalleled."

With opportunities like top coding bootcamps in Wichita, the sky's the limit for anyone willing to put themselves out there.

Get ready to dive into the hottest tech scene in Wichita! The Wichita Technology Forum is where all the cool kids gather to talk code, swap startup stories, and build their networks.

It's like a tech party, but with way more brain power and way less red solo cups.

These meetups are all about learning from the pros and making connections that could take your tech game to the next level.

You'll get to pick the brains of experienced data nerds, entrepreneurs, and investors who've been there and done that. Plus, with events like "Women Tech Meetup: Fundraising & Growth", you can gain insights into the nitty-gritty of raising capital and scaling your business.

But it's not just about the knowledge bombs – Tech-O-Tuesday is all about fostering that entrepreneurial spirit.

You'll meet like-minded risk-takers and dream-chasers, swap ideas, and maybe even find your next co-founder or mentor. Your next big business idea could be born over some free tacos and networking!

The ICT Game Jam is where it's at if you're into making games or just wanna have a blast. This epic party goes down twice a year, and in August 2024, it's hitting Wichita hard! Imagine this: a 48-hour gaming marathon where developers from all over the region come together to create insane new games from scratch.

It's like a coding bootcamp on steroids, but way more fun!

The best part? You get to team up with other gamers and coders to brainstorm, design, and build playable games from the ground up.

It's a total creative frenzy, and you'll be swapping ideas, skills, and techniques like nobody's business. Whether you're a coding ninja or a total newbie, this jam is the perfect place to:

• Test your coding skills by putting them to the ultimate challenge.
• Experiment with game engines and the latest dev tools available.
• Tap into genius by harnessing the collective knowledge of your peers.
• Connect with the dev community and elevate your networking on a whole new level.

If you're just starting in game design, the ICT Game Jam is your chance to dive headfirst into the deep end, with industry pros and mentors guiding you every step of the way.

A whopping 72% of first-timers in 2022 said the jam boosted their confidence and game dev skills like crazy!

"The ICT Game Jam was a total game-changer for me," said Linda Williams, a recent computer science grad. "Collaborating with experienced developers and seeing our vision come alive in just 48 hours was an incredibly empowering experience."

With workshops, networking sessions, and an epic showcase to cap it all off, the ICT Game Jam is shaping up to be one unforgettable weekend that'll leave its mark on Wichita's up-and-coming game dev scene.

Let's talk about DevICT, the coolest tech community in Wichita that's keeping it real for all the code nerds and tech geeks out there.

These guys are legit, hosting regular meetups that cover everything from web dev and mobile apps to data analytics and cloud computing.

No matter what your jam is, DevICT has got you covered.

One of the best things about DevICT is the chance to learn from the OGs in the game. Their meetups often feature top-notch speakers who drop some serious knowledge bombs on the latest tech trends and best practices.

If you're a newbie, these sessions are a game-changer – they'll help you level up your skills and stay ahead of the curve. As Susan Gonzalez, a DevICT member, puts it, "The meetups have been an invaluable resource for me as a beginner developer. The knowledgeable speakers and the supportive community have accelerated my learning curve tremendously."

But it's not just about learning.

DevICT is all about building that network and making connections that count. They've got monthly social events for some chill networking, hackathons and project sprints where you can team up and flex those coding muscles, and even a mentorship program that pairs newbies with seasoned devs.

Plus, they've got a job board and career counseling resources to help you land that dream gig. According to their 2023 member survey, 83% of respondents said DevICT helped them expand their professional network, and 68% credited the community for opening up career advancement opportunities.

Alright, let me break it down for you about the Kansas Professional Communicators Conference - it's the spot to be if you're trying to level up your tech comm skills.

This annual shindig, going down in Wichita come October 2024, is a total game-changer for anyone looking to make waves in the tech communication world. They've got a killer lineup of workshops and speakers that'll give you all the tools you need to crush it.

First up, let's talk about the workshops.

You'll get to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of crafting top-notch API documentation, honing your content strategy for technical products, and mastering visual communication for complex concepts.

Seriously, these sessions are like a cheat code for becoming a tech comm rockstar.

But that's not all. The speaker sessions are where the real fire is at.

We're talking heavy-hitters like the legendary Jane Marshall, who's dropping gems on simplifying technical info.

Then there's Daniel Martinez, sharing his secrets on user-centric documentation. And let's not forget Sarah Johnson, who's dishing out the scoop on leveraging AI in tech comm.

It's like a front-row seat to the future of the industry.

"Missing out on this conference would be like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. The knowledge and connections you'll gain are invaluable." - Kimberly Lee

If you're just starting out in tech communication, this conference is an absolute must.

As Kimberly Lee, a seasoned pro, puts it, "Missing out on this conference would be like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. The knowledge and connections you'll gain are invaluable." So, mark your calendars, grab your notebooks, and get ready to level up your game at the Kansas Professional Communicators Conference.

Alright, let me tell you about this awesome group called Code for Wichita.

These people are all about using tech to make a real difference in the community. They're tackling problems like public safety, education, and transportation with some sick open-source solutions.

One of their recent projects that caught my eye is the "Wichita 311" app.

It lets citizens report non-emergency issues straight to the city, making it super easy to flag things that need fixing. This open-source platform is turning heads across Kansas for its slick design and killer features.

Here's the real deal – Code for Wichita is a fantastic place for beginners to get their hands dirty.

They've got tons of volunteering gigs where you can contribute code, test apps, or even help with documentation. And you'll have experienced mentors guiding you every step of the way, creating a chill learning environment.

According to their 2023 impact report, over 75 volunteers dedicated a whopping 3,500+ hours to civic tech projects, showing just how committed this community is.

Beyond the hands-on experience, Code for Wichita hosts regular networking events and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Their quarterly "Civic Tech Meetup" brings together professionals, students, and enthusiasts to explore the latest tech trends and how they can impact society.

As Jennifer Pahlka, a civic tech pioneer, said,

"Code for America's success is rooted in the passion and skills of local volunteers."

By getting involved with this community, beginners can build valuable connections while contributing to Wichita's digital transformation.

The Women In Technology - Wichita Chapter is seriously leveling up the game for ladies trying to make it in the tech world. In 2024, they're going all out with dope events and resources to help girls get their foot in the door and slay those career goals.

Check it out:

Back in March, they hosted the "Women in Tech Kickstarter" which gave over 200 people a solid intro to coding, DevOps, and data science.

They also launched the "She Codes" mentorship program in January, hooking up 75 newbies with mentors who've been there, done that. Apparently, their survey showed that 92% of beginner members felt way more confident about pursuing tech careers after attending those networking sessions.

Matthew Wilson, a web dev newbie, said "The sense of community and shared experiences have been invaluable in my journey. The chapter's resources and mentorship opened doors I never imagined." That's some serious empowerment right there!

Q4 2024 is packed with awesomeness:

1. Innovative solutions: The "Women Who Code" hackathon on October 12th, where teams will create innovative solutions for social impact. Talk about using tech for good!
2. Diversity and inclusion: A career fair on November 18th featuring top tech employers who are all about that diversity and inclusion life.
3. Trailblazers in Innovation: The "Trailblazers in Innovation" speaker series, spotlighting the badass ladies disrupting various tech domains. Major inspo alert!

With all these incredible initiatives empowering women and nurturing the next gen of tech leaders, the Women In Technology - Wichita Chapter is seriously crushing it in the region's thriving tech scene.

If you're just starting to get into the whole Agile thing, the Wichita Agile Enthusiasts group is where it's at.

These guys host some seriously cool meetups and workshops that'll help you wrap your head around Agile methodologies and learn skills that'll make you a total rockstar in today's fast-paced tech world.

Check out their upcoming events calendar – it's jam-packed with learning opportunities that cater to everyone, from total newbies to seasoned pros.

They've got an "Introduction to Scrum" workshop coming up on August 12th, and a panel discussion on "Agile Transformations in Enterprise Organizations" scheduled for September 18th.

The real highlight is their "Agile 101" meetup series, held on the first Tuesday of every month – it's a beginner's paradise, covering all the fundamentals and real-world case studies.

What makes the Wichita Agile Enthusiasts so awesome is their vibe – it's all about creating an inclusive and collaborative environment.

James Lopez, a long-time member, says,

"This group is a total game-changer for anyone just starting their Agile journey. The supportive community and the knowledge they share have been instrumental in my professional growth."

As a beginner, you can look forward to:

• Hands-on learning: Interactive workshops and coding sessions to help you apply Agile principles in real-life scenarios.
• Mentorship opportunities: Experienced Agilists volunteer as mentors, offering guidance and career advice.
• Networking galore: Connect with like-minded people, potential employers, and industry experts.

With a rapidly growing membership of over 800 enthusiasts and an epic lineup of events, the Wichita Agile Enthusiasts are quickly becoming a driving force in shaping the region's Agile ecosystem.

If you're all about that DevOps life, the Wichita DevOps User Group is where it's at in 2024. These guys have a stacked calendar with monthly meetups that'll blow your mind.

Doesn't matter if you're a total noob or a seasoned pro, you'll fit right in with this inclusive crew. Recently, they've been dropping some seriously fire knowledge on containerization with Docker and Kubernetes, automating deployment pipelines with Jenkins and GitLab CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform and Ansible, and monitoring and observability with Prometheus and Grafana.

Crazy stuff!

But it's not just about the meetups. The Wichita DevOps User Group is like a one-stop shop for networking.

You can link up with experienced pros, collaborate on dope projects, and get some legit industry insights. One longtime member, Nancy Thompson, said, "This group has been instrumental in my professional growth.

The knowledge-sharing sessions and hands-on workshops have given me the tools and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving DevOps landscape like a boss."

If you're a total newbie, don't sweat it! The crew at Wichita DevOps User Group has your back.

They host beginner-friendly events that break down the fundamentals, intro you to essential DevOps tools, and give you a safe space to ask all the noob questions you want.

By getting involved with this group, you can level up your learning curve, make some solid connections, and set yourself up for success in the booming DevOps game.

Get ready to dive into the awesome world of manufacturing with the Innovation in Manufacturing Conference happening in Wichita, Kansas! This epic event is all about showcasing the coolest advancements and trends shaping the industry.

With tech like automation, robotics, and AI taking over, this conference is a prime spot for beginners to connect with industry legends and get a glimpse into manufacturing's future. Here are some highlights to look out for in 2024:

• Smart Factory Solutions: Manufacturers are going all-in on smart factory tech powered by the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and big data analytics. You'll get to see real-life case studies and demos of these cutting-edge techs, so you can understand how they're being put into action.
• Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Eco-friendly is the way to go, and this event will explore green manufacturing processes, energy-efficient machinery, and strategies for reducing waste. It's a big deal, as IEEE GreenTech reports that "sustainable manufacturing" is a top trend for 2024.
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): 3D printing is revolutionizing how we develop and produce products. Get ready to dive deep into the latest advancements in 3D printing tech, materials, and applications. It's a game-changer, so you won't want to miss out.

If you're a beginner looking to connect with industry pioneers, this conference is your golden ticket.

With networking sessions and expert panels, you'll have the opportunity to engage with experienced pros, seek out mentorship, and gain valuable insights. As the Kansas Manufacturing Summit emphasizes, "fostering collaboration between veterans and newcomers is key for driving innovation." It's a chance to have one-on-one convos, pick their brains, and learn from the best.

Alright, let's talk about how we picked the dopest tech meetups and conferences in Wichita, shall we? We weren't messing around - we went all in to make sure only the most fire events made it.

First up, we made sure they had that super chill and welcoming vibe, open to anyone who wants to level up their tech game, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro.

But it's not just about feeling good, you know? These events have to bring the real deal - edu-tainment at its finest, mixing learning with hands-on fun, and networking on steroids to help you land that dream gig.

What makes a good tech conference? Yeah, that's what we're talking about - the whole package to fuel your career growth.

And we didn't stop there, oh no.

We dug deep to find events covering everything from game dev to civic tech, because Wichita's tech squad is diverse AF. Whether you're into the latest trends or niche interests, we got you covered.

These specialized events are like a cheat code for learning, exposing you to new perspectives and getting those innovation juices flowing. As that legend Linus Torvalds said,

"Intelligence is the ability to see opportunities that others don't, and then take advantage of it."

For all the newbies out there, our top picks are like a golden ticket to growth and mentorship.

We're talking dedicated beginner tracks, workshops where you can get your hands dirty with code, career guidance, and the chance to connect with industry vets who've been there, done that.

Key features we hunted for include hands-on learning, job search support, mentorship programs, and lineups showcasing all kinds of talent.

By carefully curating this list, we're helping Wichita's tech squad, from the freshest faces to the seasoned pros, unlock their full potential and thrive in this ever-evolving digital world.