CTO's Corner: Mastering the Art of Tech Conferences

The Importance of Being There - An Exclusive Interview with Our CTO!

Is there such a thing as #ConferenceSeason in Tech? We don't think so - it's always a good idea to head to a tech conference, but, how to choose the best ones for you? Well, here are some tips and valuable info from our CTO, Demian Ardus ??

Why should anyone attend a #TechConference?

The best part of attending conferences is learning and getting to meet people. Those are two of the most valuable things. They can add value to anyone who is interested in assisting a conference, but only if you know what you're looking for.

How do you know the conference is for you? What #factors do you take into consideration?

There are a lot of tech conferences out there. I believe that the best way to make sure you choose the right one for you is to look out for 3 things:

???Topic of the conference

????Speakers - there are some big names out there with great experience!

?? Target Audience - these are the people you could meet and chat

Those are the keys. Plus, I truly recommend speaking to someone who has already gone to the conference, getting their testimonial, and reading reviews online. With that, you can have a good idea of how the conference is going to go and if it's actually for you.

How does #networking work at a Tech Conference?

Networking in these conferences actually works like everywhere else but with the advantage of knowing that a huge amount of the people assisting the event are doing it for that specific reason: connect.

It's all about networking

Connecting is easy, only if you try. People are open to chatting and exchanging numbers, LinkedIn, and emails, you just need to be open to start a conversation. Networking will open doors for you, so don't be shy!

How do you stay focused and engaged during a conference with so many things going on?

It's impossible! - But it's all about keeping the focus on the things you are most interested in.

Bear in mind that sometimes conferences are days long so it's very difficult to keep track of everything that's going on at all times, but that's why my advice is to do your research before the event.

Have a look at the speakers, choose the ones you are most fond of, and try to make your own schedule with the speakers and topics you are most interested in. But, don't overpack your agenda!

Let yourself get lost throughout the conference once in a while and make the most of it ??

What would you advise someone going for the first time?

Enjoy! That's what I would say to someone who is now discovering conferences in general, not only IT related. It's an incredible way to meet new people, learn, and also grow as a professional.

Conferences can be overwhelming, but little by little, you will learn to find your own pace. You'll see yourself starting conversations with people with more experience but also with less, and it's enrichening both ways. We are all contributing to our community, so the more, the merrier.

??Bonus Tip: If you're interested in knowing about our last conference visit, head to our article: RailsConf '23: The Highlights