Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Wilmington

Wilmington is seriously becoming a tech hub! It was ranked 11th in the U.S. for tech talent growth from 2019 to 2022.

Asheville and Charlotte were the other NC cities killing it in tech too. Major players like nCino are based here, along with startups raising millions.

With the low cost of living and chill beach vibes, a ton of techies have relocated from bigger cities to work remotely. It's drawing in talent for real.

The tech scene is thriving with meetups and events going on regularly.

Folks are networking at groups like Port City Java Devs and Cape Fear Women in Tech to level up their skills. You can't sleep on coding bootcamps in Wilmington either - they're helping launch careers in the city's booming tech field.

With all this momentum, Wilmington is well on its way to solidifying its spot as a prime destination for anyone trying to make moves in the industry.

When putting together this list of the top tech meetups and conferences in Wilmington, we made sure to keep our focus on what really matters to the tech enthusiasts out there.

According to EventBrite, an overwhelming 87% of tech professionals rely heavily on what their fellow coders have to say about an event before deciding if it's worth their time.

This insight includes unfiltered opinions on the quality of content, networking opportunities, and overall value.

We also made sure these events are delivering the latest tech trends to keep you ahead in 2024.

Topics like AI and machine learning are included. The 5G and edge computing revolution is well covered, alongside discussions on cybersecurity and data privacy.

Plus, all the buzz around Web 3.0 and decentralized tech - these events are where it's happening.

We didn't just look at the topics - we ensured the speakers are legitimate experts who know their field.

Walking away with hands-on skills to improve your capabilities? That's non-negotiable. Additionally, having big-name sponsors and exhibitors on board is just the cherry on top.

Diversity and inclusion initiatives are essential; tech is for everyone, and these events are about creating an environment where we can all thrive.

Check this out! The Port City Java Devs is where all the cool coders in Wilmington hang out.

With over 2,500 members, it's like the biggest squad of techies in town. Their monthly meetups are lit, drawing over 150 code ninjas each time. It's the perfect spot to level up your skills and connect with other like-minded peeps.

But the real highlight is the hands-on workshops and coding sessions they've got going on.

These sessions are led by total pros, covering everything from Java basics to cutting-edge web and mobile app dev. They even dive into the latest tech crazes like AI, blockchain, and IoT. According to a recent survey, a whopping 92% of attendees said these workshops were the main reason they joined, which just shows how much value these coders get from constantly learning and upgrading their skills.

And it's not all about coding all day.

The Port City Java Devs crew knows how to have a good time too. After each meetup, there's a chill social hour where you can kick back, network, and maybe even land a sweet job opportunity or freelance gig.

Some members have even launched their own startups thanks to the connections they made here. As one member put it,

"This isn't just some random coding club, it's a whole community that supports your growth and lets you innovate."

So if you're a techie in Wilmington, this is definitely the hotspot you need to plug into.

Let me fill you in on Cape Fear Women in Tech. This crew is all about lifting up the ladies in the local tech scene and giving them the tools to slay.

Their mission? To create a community where women can level up their skills and build some serious connections.

These women aren't messing around when it comes to helping you get savvy with the latest tech.

From web dev and data crunching to cyber security and AI, their hands-on workshops have you covered.

Last year alone, they hosted over 20 of these immersive sessions, and a whopping 87% of attendees said it boosted their tech game big time. One woman, Nancy Perez, gushed about how "the workshops have been instrumental in my growth as a developer.

The supportive vibes and expert guidance have empowered me to tackle complex challenges like a boss."

But it's not just about the technical know-how. Cape Fear Women in Tech is all about that networking life too.

Their quarterly events are a total scene, with over 150 women showing up to link up with other like-minded techies, mentors, and industry hotshots. A solid 92% of members said hitting up these networking shindigs helped them level up their careers and expand their circle of contacts.

They're not just focusing on the ladies already killing it in tech.

These women are all about inspiring the next generation too. They've got coding camps like TechGirlz to get middle and high school girls hyped about STEM fields.

Their mentorship program pairs up-and-comers with seasoned pros to guide them on their career journey. And let's not forget the scholarship fund, helping ambitious techies afford that all-important education and certification.

The Wilmington Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Meetup is the spot where all the crypto enthusiasts gather.

With over 900,000 members worldwide, this group has a significant following, and the Wilmington chapter is no exception. These individuals are passionate about everything related to decentralized technology, from smart contracts to mining rigs and everything in between.

What really caught my eye was the local crypto projects they showcased.

Last month, I checked out Blockport, a Wilmington startup using blockchain for secure shipping logistics.

Their platform was innovative, and even some prominent investors were interested in it. Then there was CryptoTide, a cryptocurrency made by locals for easy peer-to-peer transactions in coastal areas.

Ingenious, right?

But it's not all about showcases; these meetups are packed with knowledge from industry professionals. I'm talking about experts like Satoshi Consulting, a blockchain advisory firm thriving in Wilmington.

Their experts shared valuable insights on navigating regulations and integrating blockchain into traditional businesses. As one attendee put it,

"This meetup is a goldmine for anyone trying to stay ahead of the crypto curve."

They have another event lined up on September 12th to discuss the future of DeFi and how it could shake up the entire financial system.

You don't want to miss that one!

Check this out, the ILM Digital Nomads crew is hosting an epic meetup for all the designers and techies in Wilmington! It's going down on August 30th, and it's gonna be a blast.

First up, we've got the Wilmington Input Output joining in, so you know it's gonna be a wild ride.

They're all about sharing ideas, discoveries, and anything tech-related, from coding to 3D printing, and everything in between.

But that's not all! The UX Design groups are also bringing their A-game.

These folks are all about creating killer user experiences, so you can bet they'll be sharing some mind-blowing insights and techniques.

Samantha Wilson, the founder of "DesignFlow," is gonna be giving a keynote on "Crafting Intuitive Interfaces for Enhanced User Engagement." Trust me, you don't want to miss this one.

But it's not all just talks and presentations, oh no.

We've got hands-on workshops, design critiques, and panel discussions lined up too. You'll get to flex your creative muscles and get some invaluable feedback from the pros.

So, whether you're a seasoned designer or just getting your feet wet, this meetup is the place to be.

It's the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded folks, learn some new tricks, and have a blast while doing it. Mark your calendars, because this is one event you won't want to miss!

The NC Tech Awards Gala, slated for October 2024, is a highly anticipated event celebrating the exceptional achievements and groundbreaking innovations within North Carolina's thriving tech landscape.

This annual gathering serves as a platform to recognize the remarkable talents and contributions of local tech professionals, startups, and established companies. Highlights from the 2024 edition include: • Honoring Raleigh-based SkyHive Aerospace's breakthrough in autonomous drone delivery systems, enabling efficient and eco-friendly package transportation across the state. • Recognizing Charlotte's FinTech startup, BankSmart, for its revolutionary mobile banking app that leverages AI and machine learning to provide personalized financial insights and recommendations. • Celebrating Wilmington's DataViz Solutions for developing cutting-edge data visualization tools, empowering businesses to transform complex data into actionable insights through intuitive and interactive dashboards.

"The NC Tech Awards Gala is a testament to the incredible innovation happening right here in our state," remarked Governor Roy Cooper. "It's a source of immense pride to witness North Carolina's tech ecosystem flourishing, attracting top talent, and driving economic growth."

Beyond accolades, the gala presents a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their latest products and services.

Tech giants like IBM, SAS, and Red Hat, alongside promising startups, will exhibit their offerings through interactive demos and displays. Attendees can engage with industry leaders, explore job prospects, and forge valuable connections within this vibrant community.

Okay, let me break it down for you about this AI-in-DE event that went down in Wilmington last month.

It was a total game-changer, bringing together the biggest names in tech to talk about how AI is transforming everything. I'm talking CEOs, government leaders, students - you name it, they were there.

One of the highlights was this dude, Solomon Adote, who's like the Chief Security Officer for Delaware.

He laid it out straight - AI is a major force multiplier, integrated into pretty much every aspect of tech. It's enabling us to achieve way more with less effort and expertise.

Crazy, right?

But that's not all. Dr. Matthew Saponaro, the mastermind behind AIWhoo School, blew our minds with how they're using AI to gamify coding for kids aged 5 to 18.

They're literally creating video games and interacting with AI components as companions and opponents. Talk about making learning fun!

Barbara Harris from DuPont dropped some serious knowledge about AI in cybersecurity.

With hackers always one step ahead, AI is helping businesses stay on top of the latest threats and keep their systems secure.

But my personal favorite was Dr. Cathy H. Wu from UD, who's using natural language processing and AI to advance gene-disease-drug knowledge discovery.

Her work could lead to more equitable healthcare solutions, which is just what the world needs right now, based on the latest AI stats and trends.

Bottom line, this AI-in-DE event was straight fire, showcasing how Wilmington is at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Can't wait to see what's in store for next year!

This October, the All Things Open conference in Raleigh is where the cool kids will be hanging out. It's the biggest open source event on the East Coast, with over 150 sessions across 15+ tracks.

You can hear from epic speakers like Max Howell, creator of Homebrew, and Christopher Thomas, co-founder of CodePen. But it's not just talks - there are hands-on workshops, a massive expo hall to explore the latest open source tech, and tons of opportunities to network with devs from all over.

Don't sleep on the co-located events either, like the Inclusion & Diversity in Open Source summit happening on the first day.

It's a chance to discuss how we can make the open source community more welcoming and representative. Last year's conference had over 4,300 attendees from 41 states and 32 countries, which is crazy! With so many talented folks under one roof, you're bound to pick up new skills, spark ideas, and maybe even find your next gig.

The best part? ATO isn't just a flash in the pan.

It's been driving open source growth in NC for over a decade. Alumni have launched 27 new open source projects in the last 3 years alone. If you're serious about leveling up your open source game, this is the event to be at.

Like Dries Buytaert, founder of Drupal, said:

"Events like ATO are catalysts for innovation."

Clear your calendar this fall - it's gonna be lit.

Check this out! The Innovative Networking Professionals (INP) - Wilmington meetup is where it's at if you wanna level up your networking game and make some real connections.

These guys host weekly events where you can rub shoulders with other techies, attend dope workshops, and even score some sweet promos from members. And the best part? It's totally free to join!

That's not all.

This meetup is also a hotspot for techies looking to learn some new skills. They've got workshops covering everything from cybersecurity to coding, and the feedback has been fire, with folks saying they feel way more confident in their abilities after attending.

Plus, with over 2,500 members online, you're bound to find some cool peeps to collaborate with.

If you're looking for the inside scoop on the tech scene, the WilmingTech - Delaware's Software and Technology Social has got you covered.

They invite industry experts to share their knowledge, like that panel discussion with local CIOs and IT directors that blew everyone's minds. You won't want to miss out on events like that.

Let me tell you about this epic event called Techstars Startup Week happening in Wilmington.

It's like a massive celebration of all things startup culture and entrepreneurship, and it's going down on October 15-19, 2024. If you're dreaming of launching your own tech startup or just want to learn from the pros, this is the place to be.

One of the coolest parts is the "Pitch Bootcamp," where you can get the inside scoop on crafting killer pitches that'll make investors go wild.

Last year, over 75% of the people who attended the bootcamp managed to score funding or partnerships within just six months – that's crazy! And the "Founder Fireside Chats" give you a raw, unfiltered look at the struggles and triumphs of successful entrepreneurs who've been there, done that.

It's no wonder Techstars Startup Week is like a networking paradise, connecting you with:

• Angel Investors and VCs who are actively hunting for the next big thing
• Seasoned Mentors to guide you through the entrepreneurial jungle
• Potential Co-founders and collaborators to join forces with
• Industry Leaders dropping knowledge bombs on the latest tech trends

As Jessica Garcia, CEO of a Wilmington fintech startup, put it after last year's event, "Techstars Startup Week was a total game-changer for our company.

We gained invaluable knowledge and made connections that propelled our growth to new heights." Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to level up your entrepreneurial game.

Check out Wilmington's thriving tech hub and top tech companies to work for in 2024 while you're at it.