The Empire Strikes Back: Reviving the Google Developer Program with the Largest AI Hackathon on Earth ??

In the grand tapestry of technological evolution, few moments stand as beacons of community spirit and innovation. One such moment was the Epic 3-Day Campout Hackathon hosted by 谷歌 on August 7th-9th 2009, marking the transition from Google Technology User Groups (GTUG) to Google Developer Groups (GDG) . This event not only celebrated the dawn of a new era for Google’s developer community but also set the stage for the future of tech collaboration and creativity. ??

A Look Back: The Epic 3-Day Campout Hackathon ??

In a celebration that can only be described as legendary, the Epic 3-Day Campout Hackathon brought together developers from around the globe to Google's Mountain View headquarters. This wasn't just a hackathon; it was a carnival of code, a festival of innovation. For three days, the Googleplex buzzed with the excitement of developers working tirelessly, crafting solutions, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible with Google technologies.

Workshops and talks from Google engineers and industry experts provided invaluable insights, while the campout atmosphere—complete with communal meals, recreational activities, and overnight stays—fostered a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. This hackathon wasn’t just about coding; it was about community, connection, and creativity. ??

Impact on Google & the Developer Community ??

The impact of this hackathon was profound. It galvanized the global developer community, setting a precedent for what GDGs could achieve. The event showcased the power of grassroots innovation, significantly increasing the visibility of Google’s developer programs and attracting new members. It also demonstrated Google's commitment to supporting and nurturing its developer ecosystem, laying a strong foundation for future initiatives.

As an original GTUG leader, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of such events. The energy, the collaboration, and the sheer creativity on display were nothing short of inspirational. It was a pivotal moment for Google as a startup, reinforcing its reputation as a hub of innovation and community-driven development. ??

Bringing "Sexy Back" to the Google Developer Program ??

Inspired by the legacy of the Epic 3-Day Campout, it’s time to take things to the next level. In the spirit of Justin Timberlake, I’m stepping up to bring "sexy back" to the Google Developer Program by organizing the largest AI Hackathon on Earth. This isn't just another event; it’s a call to arms for developers throughout the US to converge, create, and collaborate on groundbreaking AI solutions. ??

To accomplish this lofty goal, we're collaborating with ??Van Riper , the GTUG OG, and along with Kevin Nilson , who helped transition the GTUG volunteer community into the Google Developer Program. Joining me, Toby Morning , an OG GTUG leader, are Karsten Wade , Founder of Open Source Architects and ex-Red Hat 20-year veteran, and Peter Danenberg , Google Software Engineer and organizer of the Gemini MeetUp group for autonomous agents on Gemini.

Innovators in Action ??

- ??Van Riper : GTUG OG and key player in the community transition.

- Kevin Nilson : Instrumental in the GTUG to GDG transition.

- Karsten Wade : Open Source Architects Founder, ex-RedHat veteran.

- Peter Danenberg : Google Software Engineer, Gemini MeetUp organizer.

Peter launched Bard extensions to 1.8 million DAU, wrote the intent-generator in C++ for serving Neural Semantic Parsing (NSP) models for the Google Assistant, serving ~28 million queries/day, and developed frameworks to automate the evaluation and release of NSP models across multiple languages. Additionally, he standardized readability processes for the R statistical language, updating ~3 million lines of code.

The Ultimate AI Hackathon Experience ??

Welcome to the Techstars Startup Weekend - PAI Palooza Tour AI Hackathon and Tech Fair! This is not just a hackathon—this is an experience. Participants should come ready to launch an AI startup, not just a hack project. This day, we will not be "competitors" but instead "Community." On this day, we are "Coopetition," working together to launch the next great AI startup and to confirm Silicon Valley as the place for any founder who wants to build the next great AI innovation. ??

A Challenge: The Mistral AI Hackathon ????

Why should Paris have all the fun? Recently, the Mistral AI Hackathon held at STATION F attracted 1000 participants, all vying to build the most advanced AI models. It was an event that brought the City of Light into the spotlight of AI innovation. However, we're here to make a statement: Silicon Valley is not just the heart of tech but the pulse of AI innovation. Paris may have its charm, but we're about to show them where the real magic happens. #ChallengeAccepted

Call to Action ??

Ready to be part of history? Register now and join us for the largest AI Hackathon on Earth! Let’s bring "sexy back" to the bay and create the future of AI together. ??

Interested in participating, sponsoring, mentoring, or volunteering, or hosting an event in your city, schedule a call with me or Karsten Wade !

?? Register Here ??

Don't miss out on this epic event! Be a part of something bigger. Let's make Silicon Valley the ultimate destination for AI innovation. ?? #AIHackathon #Techstars #StartupWeekend #GoogleDeveloperProgram #SiliconValley

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Together, we'll build, innovate, and transform the landscape of AI. The empire strikes back, and this time, we're aiming for the stars. ? Like, Comment, and Repost to help drive awareness!

ON SITE OVER NIGHT CAMPING STILL TBD - LIKE, COMMENT, AND REPOST IF YOU WANT TO Google TO ALLOW US TO CAMPOUT FOR THIS EPIC 2024 EVENT!!