Job Fairs, Conferences, Meetups

[rwxrob]

Most good jobs happen by being referred by someone already working someplace you might consider. It's who you know, not how many resumes you send into the void. Most of the time when someone says they can't get a job they haven't lifted a finger to build a professional network and community. Veteran tech professionals know this. Therefore, your primary goal when getting a tech job is to meet people, friends, professional peers, streamers, and good recruiters who will regularly checkin even after getting a job to see if you are still happy, just like Hollywood agent. And why not an agent? You're a superstar just getting started, the next up and coming thing.

This discussion is a place to post the best places to network with people who are looking to hire or have been hired in the tech positions you are seeking, where you can make new professional peers, have fun (maybe even meet your next romantic partner) and have everyone look at you like you might be the next big thing in tech. The hardest part is locating a good fair or conference to attend. Help us out by posting your favorite and something about your experience there.

Just a reminder, Rob got his current very good job with great people for a company he never would have anticipated by randomly meeting someone on a Twitch live stream.

[yearninlearnin]

SoCal Linux Expo Pasadena, CA. It just happened this weekend, but the event is held every year in early March.

[rwxrob]

https://us.pycon.org/2026/

[rwxrob]

https://fosdem.org/2026/practical/jobcorner/

[Synaco]

Central Florida Area:

• CFEC: Central Florida Fairgrounds
• Hire Day Orlando
• UCF Alumni Career Fair
• UCF Spring Internship & Career Expo

Last one on the list passed, but keeping an eye out on their events page would be useful for those who've gone to UCF before.