Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Yakima

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: August 24th 2024

Yakima cityscape with tech conf attendees and vibrant networking.

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Explore Yakima's dynamic tech scene through essential meetups and conferences like the Yakima Valley Tech Conference (October 12-14, 2024) and Central Washington Technology Summit (November 3-5, 2024). Key events offer networking, skill-enhancing workshops, and insights from tech leaders like Patricia Harris and Linda Wilson, driving innovation in agriculture and beyond.

Yakima's tech scene is absolutely killing it right now, with new startups and companies popping up like crazy - we're talking a 25% increase in just the last year! If you're looking to get your foot in the door of this booming industry, attending meetups and conferences is a total must.

These events aren't just about networking with experienced techies (although that's a massive perk), but they also offer workshops to level up your skills. A few you can't miss are the Yakima Chamber of Commerce mentorship programs, the Yakima Valley Tech Conference happening September 12-14, and the Central Washington Technology Summit from November 3-5.

And the monthly Yakima Dev Meetup - it's an awesome way to stay in the loop. Just ask Patricia Harris from Code Yakima, who says

"Tech events are a goldmine for making connections and gaining practical experience. They've been instrumental in fueling our community's growth."

With so many chances to learn, network, and get inspired by the best in the biz, there's seriously no excuse not to dive into Yakima's thriving tech ecosystem.

Table of Contents

  • Yakima Valley Tech Conference
  • Central Washington Technology Summit
  • Yakima Dev Meetup
  • Tech Alliance of Central Washington Meetups
  • Yakima Tech Talks
  • iHub Yakima Events
  • Yakima Women in Tech Gatherings
  • BITS Effects Tech Fest
  • Code Yakima Hackathon
  • Choosing the Right Event for You
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Yakima Valley Tech Conference

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Get pumped for the Yakima Valley Tech Conference, the sickest annual event for all you tech junkies out there! Happening from October 12-14, 2024, this shindig is gonna blow your mind with off-the-hook workshops and keynote speakers dishing out the latest and greatest from Yakima's booming tech scene.

One epic highlight is the "Innovation Showcase," where maverick companies like AgroTech Solutions and VineTech will be flaunting their crazy skills in agriculture tech and winemaking automation.

You'll get to see mind-blowing demos and hear straight from the experts on how to crank up your yields and make processes slicker than ever.

Networking is where it's at.

You'll have prime opportunities to link up with renowned tech bosses like Linda Wilson from DataVine Analytics and Christopher Martinez, the big cheese at HopTech Brewing Solutions.

The "Networking Lounge" is the spot to casually kick it and connect with other tech geniuses, maybe even scoring a dope partnership or absorbing some serious knowledge.

And if that wasn't enough to get you hyped, check out these insane hands-on workshops:

  • AI in Agriculture: "Demystifying AI and Machine Learning for Agriculture" by Dr. Emily Thompson from AgroTech Solutions.
  • IoT for Vineyards: "Harnessing IoT for Smarter Vineyards" with Juan Ramirez, the mastermind behind VineTech.
  • Secure Coding: "Secure Coding Practices for Web Applications" hosted by the whiz kids at CyberShield Corp.

Whether you're a tech pro or just a mega-fan, the Yakima Valley Tech Conference is a no-brainer.

It's your golden ticket to stay ahead of the game, build a killer network, and immerse yourself in Yakima's insane tech vibe. Don't sleep on this legendary opportunity to level up your skills and be part of driving innovation forward!

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

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Central Washington Technology Summit

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The Washington Digital Government Summit taking place in November 2024 is going to be excellent! This event is all about bringing together public sector pros and industry leaders to explore how tech is transforming the way government operates.

We're talking innovative approaches, fresh ideas, and cutting-edge solutions that'll blow your mind!

Among the big shots gracing the stage is Scott Klososky, a renowned futurist and tech guru.

He's going to provide valuable insights on how emerging technologies are impacting the economy and society. And let's not forget Phil Bertolini, a senior VP at Government Technology, who's been leading the charge in digital transformation for government agencies.

These individuals are highly regarded in their field!

However, that's just the beginning! There'll be workshops, panels, and breakout sessions covering everything from cybersecurity and data governance to AI and constituent experience.

You'll get the inside scoop on how government agencies are leveraging tech to boost efficiency, streamline processes, and deliver better services to the public.

Moreover, it's the perfect opportunity to network with other tech enthusiasts and perhaps even land your dream job.

If you're interested in government tech and digital transformation, you should attend this summit.

It's taking place at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, so mark your calendars and secure those free tickets before they're gone! This is your chance to be part of the revolution!

Yakima Dev Meetup

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Yakima's tech scene is buzzing, and the Yakima Dev Meetup is where the action is! This thriving community of coders, developers, and techies keeps things fresh with exciting events every month.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something for everyone.

In May, attendees geeked out about AI and machine learning at the "Exploring the Latest Developments in AI" meetup.

Dr. Emily Thompson from the Pacific Northwest National Lab dropped some serious knowledge, talking about how AI is transforming industries left and right.

But the meetups aren't just about lectures – they're all about getting hands-on experience.

You'll find workshops breaking down the latest coding languages and frameworks, like that React session back in March.

Devs were building responsive web apps like it was nothing!

The vibe at these meetups is awesome. After the structured sessions, everyone kicks back, firing up their laptops for some casual coding jams or brainstorming new project ideas.

It's the perfect place to network and connect with other techies who share your passion for coding.

"It's not just about the lectures, it's about the hands-on experience and community vibe," says Mary Martin, a regular attendee.

Yakima Dev Meetup covers the full spectrum of topics too.

One month you might be mastering Git for collaborative projects, and the next you're learning to lock down your apps with secure coding practices. With new meetups added weekly, there's always something fresh to check out on the events calendar.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

Tech Alliance of Central Washington Meetups

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The Tech Alliance of Central Washington is killing it with their monthly meetups, dishing out the hottest tips on smashing the tech startup scene.

In August 2024, they're hitting us with an epic AI Expo and a Happy Hour in Leavenworth to network and vibe with fellow techies.

But that's not all! Their meetup game is so strong, they've got a whole lineup of fire events planned for the rest of the year.

From inside scoops on digital equity and entrepreneurship at the "Tech Trailblazers Unite" event, to behind-the-scenes industry tours at places like TwispWorks and Starr Ranch Growers, these meetups are where it's at for anyone looking to level up their tech game.

And let's not forget the big bash – the 2024 Innovator Awards Luncheon in November, where the region's brightest minds and most disruptive startups get their well-deserved shine.

It's a can't-miss opportunity to rub elbows with the movers and shakers of the Central Washington tech scene, and maybe even score some insane networking wins.

Yakima Tech Talks

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You know those Yakima Tech Talks are lit! It's like a stage for the local tech gurus to drop some serious knowledge bombs.

Last year was straight fire with speakers like Dr. Samantha Thompson from Central breaking down the mind-bending world of natural language processing and AI. And let's not forget David Lopez, the cybersecurity mastermind behind SecureNow, who schooled us on protecting our digital lives from shady hackers.

But the real MVP was Elizabeth Garcia, that eco-tech queen repping sustainable innovations to save our planet. This year's edition in September is prepping to blow our minds with talks on quantum computing, 5G and beyond, and even blockchain applications outside of crypto.

Sarah Johnson, the badass event coordinator, said it best - "It's not just about learning; it's about inspiring the next gen of innovators and building a dope tech community." Honestly, I can't wait to see what kind of mind-blowing stuff they have in store for us.

These Tech Talks are a must-attend for anyone even remotely interested in tech, so mark your calendars!

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

iHub Yakima Events

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When it comes to the tech scene in Yakima, you can't ignore the epic events happening all year long.

One major player is the Nordic Innovation Summit, which went down in Seattle this May. This mind-blowing conference brought together innovation gurus from around the globe to share game-changing ideas and discuss the future of tech.

The i-to-i Innovation Hub by the International Hospital Federation is a must-attend event for anyone interested in revolutionizing healthcare.

This year's theme, "Hospitals of the Future," gave innovators a platform to showcase their cutting-edge products and services aimed at tackling real-world challenges in the medical field.

If you're more into the futuristic side of tech, you can't miss the awesome events hosted by ARPA-H, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health.

From mind-bending conferences like "Daring Disruption: Embracing Innovative Solutions in Health Care" at SXSW to groundbreaking summits like the "Sprint for Women's Health" launch, ARPA-H is pushing boundaries and driving innovation in healthcare tech.

Back in Yakima, the local scene is fire too! The city's calendar is packed with exciting tech meetups and conferences year-round.

Keep an eye out for events like the "2024 EDTalk-A celebration of Economic Development in Yakima County" and the "2024 Fall Conference and Tradeshow" by ERWoW, where you can network with industry leaders and stay ahead of the game.

Yakima Women in Tech Gatherings

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The Yakima Women in Tech Gatherings are where it's at for all the tech-savvy folks out there trying to make moves in the game. These monthly meetups, hosted by the rad Yakima Women in Technology (WIT) community, are all about empowerment and showing the tech world what diversity really looks like.

According to WIT's 2024 report, their dope initiatives have been slaying the game, increasing the number of kickass ladies in Yakima's tech workforce by a massive 27% in just three years.

They've got a whole arsenal of programs to keep things fresh:

  • Main Idea: Make professional connections. Networking Circles: Chill meetups where you can make connections, swap stories, and build that professional network like a boss.
  • Main Idea: Share wisdom through guidance. Mentorship Program: Experienced tech pros get paired up with up-and-comers, sharing their wisdom and helping them level up their careers.
  • Main Idea: Gain insights from industry leaders. Tech Talks: Inspiring sessions with iconic women tech leaders dropping major knowledge about their journeys and the industry.
  • Main Idea: Learn the latest technologies. Coding Workshops: Hands-on workshops to help you master the latest programming languages and cutting-edge tech.

The Yakima Women in Tech Gatherings have been a total game-changer for me," says Jennifer Smith, a local software engineer.

"The sense of community and the insane amount of knowledge shared at these events have given me the confidence to chase my tech dreams like a boss."

But it's not just about individual growth; these gatherings are on a mission to promote diversity and inclusivity in Yakima's tech ecosystem.

Teaming up with local organizations and schools, WIT is knocking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry. They're bringing a fresh perspective to the table, and the tech world better be ready.

BITS Effects Tech Fest

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In Yakima, the Bit Festival is where it's at when it comes to tech events. This annual 5-day bash is all about promoting sustainable tech and bringing together folks who care about the environment.

Last year, over 6,000 people showed up to check out the rad green-themed festivities.

It wasn't just a typical conference with boring speeches, though.

The Bit Festival offered a ton of cool interactive stuff, like:

  • 5 panels that explored new tech trends.
  • 2 keynotes addressing the role of technology in sustainability.
  • 4 workshops focused on hands-on learning and collaboration.
  • 2 lightning speeches that explored how tech and eco-consciousness can team up.

They also had a tech/green career fair with 19 forward-thinking companies ready to hire passionate people who want to make a difference.

21 innovative startups got to showcase their groundbreaking projects to visitors and potential investors.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the talented grads from Bit Program's coding bootcamps to present their impressive final projects. The winners from each bootcamp even scored a sweet grand prize of IQD 1,500,000!

With networking areas, food zones, and even a gaming corner, the Bit Festival had something for everyone interested in tech and sustainability.

It was the place to be for anyone who wants to connect with like-minded folks and explore exciting career opportunities in this crucial field.

Code Yakima Hackathon

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Alright, coders and techies, The CrimsonCode Hackathon is coming back to Pullman in February 2024, and it's gonna be a non-stop 24-hour coding marathon! This dynamic event is your chance to team up with fellow coding enthusiasts, flex your skills, and create something mind-blowing in just one intense day.

Whether you're a total novice or a seasoned pro, CrimsonCode has something for everyone.

You'll have interactive workshops to sharpen your coding chops, fun activities to keep the energy high, and the chance to compete for some fantastic prizes. And let's not forget the delicious food and amazing networking opportunities with other tech-savvy folks!

But that's not all! This year, CrimsonCode is introducing an Intermediate Level Competition Track for those with some programming experience under their belt.

You'll get to work on creating real applications as part of the competition and dive deep into the Order of the Arrow's tech suite. It's the perfect opportunity to take your skills to the next level and show off what you've got.

And if you're looking for even more inspiration, check out the lineup of demos and presentations exploring cutting-edge topics like AI, ethical hacking, internet security, and robotics.

You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the OA's home-grown applications and gain insights from potential vendors and government agencies.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your laptop, energy drinks, and your best coding buddies, and get ready to unleash your inner tech ninja at CrimsonCode 2024.

This is one hackathon you won't want to miss!

Choosing the Right Event for You

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When it comes to tech meetups and conferences in Yakima, you've got a ton of options, but picking the right one can be a total mindbender, especially if you're new to the scene.

But don't sweat it, we've got you covered. Just get your priorities straight and consider what you're really after.

Are you trying to level up your skills, explore a specific interest, or maybe even land a sweet gig? First things first, check out the variety of languages taught at Coding Dojo – that place sets itself apart with its diverse offerings.

If you're looking to flex your analytical muscles, why not apply for the Data Analysis Internship at Pacific Power? They're all about turning data into insights, which is like, super crucial these days. And don't sleep on the networking game! The Yakima Chamber of Commerce mentorship programs are a goldmine for finding valuable mentors and learning from local experts.

Seriously, connections are everything in this industry. Just remember, whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone in Yakima's tech scene.

So, do your research, stay focused on your goals, and most importantly, have a blast! Tech events are the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge, build your network, and maybe even score your dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are some must-attend tech events in Yakima?

Some must-attend tech events in Yakima include the Yakima Valley Tech Conference, the Central Washington Technology Summit, the monthly Yakima Dev Meetup, and the Tech Alliance of Central Washington Meetups.

What can I expect at the Yakima Valley Tech Conference?

The Yakima Valley Tech Conference, happening from October 12-14, 2024, offers workshops, keynote speakers, an Innovation Showcase featuring companies like AgroTech Solutions, and a Networking Lounge for connecting with industry leaders.

Why should I attend the Central Washington Technology Summit?

The Central Washington Technology Summit is an excellent opportunity to explore how tech is transforming government operations. It features renowned speakers, workshops, and networking sessions with industry professionals, focusing on topics like digital transformation and cybersecurity.

What is the focus of the Yakima Dev Meetup?

The Yakima Dev Meetup is a vibrant community event for coders and developers, offering hands-on workshops and sessions on the latest technologies and coding practices. It provides a casual environment for networking and collaboration.

How do the Yakima Women in Tech Gatherings support female tech professionals?

The Yakima Women in Tech Gatherings promote diversity and inclusivity through networking circles, mentorship programs, tech talks, and coding workshops. These initiatives have significantly increased the representation of women in Yakima's tech workforce.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.