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Let's assume we're talking about developer conferences. Because that seems to be the only kind where we get contention about the value of attending. Entreprene

by dcw303 9y ago

Let's assume we're talking about developer conferences. Because that seems to be the only kind where we get contention about the value of attending. Entrepreneurs conference? Can't build that start up on your own. Sales conference? You'd be derelict in your duties if you are not networking over every possible shill you can. But programmers? Well. We're just expected to glom into some dark corner and crank out code, right?

_cairn 9y ago
Coding for programmers [nerds] is fun, we should do it all the time [nights and weekends] and magically improve/learn new tech by osmosis. /s I genuinely think this is how many people outside dev think.
- mistermann 9y ago
  This thinking is at least as prevalent within dev as outside depending on what forums you frequent.
- dcw303 9y ago
  To be fair, conferences are not always the best way to learn new things. It's variable depending on the conference, and there are some at the lower end that are glorified trade shows. But for me, the obvious reason to attend is to network with other developers. Whether your company sees that as useful or not will probably determine if they spring for it.
  - ghaff 9y ago
    I don't do a lot of development these days but IMO it's mostly a mistake to conflate conferences with deep-dive training (except to the degree that some conferences come with workshops attached). In addition to the networking/hallway track, conferences are useful to exposing yourself to new ideas, concepts, projects, etc. that you can then look into in greater depth after the event.
daveJSF 9y ago
I was hired as the keynote speaker for two VMUG User Cons. I explained to the organizers that I'm more into business networking and not infrastructure networking. They exclaimed, "that's why we want you!" They wanted me to get their members connecting with one another and meeting new people. So... yes even programmers need people. :)
scsilver 9y ago
That's why you should call yourself an engineer.

by dcw303 9y ago

_cairn 9y ago

Coding for programmers [nerds] is fun, we should do it all the time [nights and weekends] and magically improve/learn new tech by osmosis. /s I genuinely think this is how many people outside dev think.

mistermann 9y ago
This thinking is at least as prevalent within dev as outside depending on what forums you frequent.
dcw303 9y ago
To be fair, conferences are not always the best way to learn new things. It's variable depending on the conference, and there are some at the lower end that are glorified trade shows. But for me, the obvious reason to attend is to network with other developers. Whether your company sees that as useful or not will probably determine if they spring for it.
- ghaff 9y ago
  I don't do a lot of development these days but IMO it's mostly a mistake to conflate conferences with deep-dive training (except to the degree that some conferences come with workshops attached). In addition to the networking/hallway track, conferences are useful to exposing yourself to new ideas, concepts, projects, etc. that you can then look into in greater depth after the event.

daveJSF 9y ago

I was hired as the keynote speaker for two VMUG User Cons. I explained to the organizers that I'm more into business networking and not infrastructure networking. They exclaimed, "that's why we want you!" They wanted me to get their members connecting with one another and meeting new people. So... yes even programmers need people. :)

scsilver 9y ago

That's why you should call yourself an engineer.