Currently, there are about 3.6 million software developers in the U.S., which is set to increase by 25% by 2019, according to Evans Data. Developers (or programmers) are part of a growing technology industry here in Asheville. In 2016, tech meetup group Meet the Geeks surveyed their members about their careers in Asheville and found that 30% worked as developers, 18% in data, 15% in management + 8% in IT systems.
Of those, 20% work remotely, which reflects the quality of life here in Asheville that draws people from all over the U.S. But, as Asheville grows its startup scene, the jobs in technology are sure to follow.
So whether you’re already tuned into the tech scene or looking to jump in, we put together 15+ developer + technology Meetups/organizations happening in Asheville.
Meet the Geeks | Next meetup: Wed. July 25 | 5:30 p.m. | Archetype Brewing | July networking event | All-volunteer organization focused on supporting the tech community in Western North Carolina.
Asheville Drupal User Group | Last Meetup: Drupal Camp Asheville, July 13-15. Check back for next community meeting here. | Drupal is an open source platform for building amazing digital experiences.
Asheville Area WordPress Group | Next meetup: Wed. July 18 | 6 p.m. | Mojo Coworking | Learn plugins, themes and how to customize WordPress to make it do what you want it to do.
Asheville Coders League | Next meetup: Wed. July 18 | 7 p.m. | Asheville Brewing Co. (77 Coxe Ave.) | Group of coders working in different languages and with different technologies with a commitment to being excellent at what we do. Join their Slack channel here.
Code for Asheville | Next meetup: Thurs. Aug. 9 | 5:30 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Recreation Center | Volunteer civic technology organization, one of the first of over 80 local chapters of Code for America. Join their newsletter here.
Asheville 3D Printers Guild | Next meetup: Wed. July 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Spectra3D Technology (108 Monticello Rd. Suite 1910) | Community of people who are interested in the current and future uses of 3D printing and additive manufacturing and what can be done with the technology.
Unity Game Programming Users Group of WNC | Next meetup: Thurs. Aug. 9 | 6 p.m. | AB Tech (340 Victoria Rd.) | A group for anyone interested in game development, 2D/3D graphics, animation, virtual reality, etc with the Unity game engine.
Asheville Women in Tech | Last meetup: Wed. May 23, check here for next meetings. | Group for Asheville women in tech who want a collaborative and supportive space to bring projects to workshops, participate in tutorials facilitated by other members, spark new ideas, write practice code, and develop cool stuff.
Google Developers Groups | Next meetup: Mon. Sept. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | The Collider | A group whose purpose is to share information and experiences involving technology that is impacting our world. (You do not need to be a coder to be part of this group).
Asheville Cryptocurrency Exploration | Next meetup: Sat. July 21 | 2 p.m. | Earth Fare (66 Westgate Pkwy) | Exploring what cryptocurrencies are, how to invest, news + events, mistakes to avoid, etc.
Asheville JavaScript Meetup | Next meetup: Thurs. Sept. 13 | 5: 30 p.m. | Hatchworks | Meetup is for all things javascript. Whether you are into React, Angular, Node or any other javascript technology this group’s goal is to offer resources and collaboration for the Asheville community.
Analytics in Asheville | Next Meetup: Sun., Sept. 19 | 5 p.m. | Firestorm Books & Coffee | This group is for anyone interested in analytics. The subjects include descriptive/predictive/etc., data visualizations, data mining/machine learning and other current topics.
Asheville Developers Network | Next Meetup: Wed. Aug. 8 | 6 p.m. | Hatchworks | Junior web and software developers meet once a month to give brief presentations on the tech they are currently learning.
Interested in keeping up with these + more? Sign up for the Asheville Tech Events newsletter here.
Looking to learn the basics, or expand your network even more?
Bonus info –
- If you’re interested in learning how to code, Tech Talent South teaches coding boot camps (code immersion + web design) at Base Camp coworking space.
- HatchAVL is a non-profit which supports high-growth startups, many of which are technology based. Sign up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date with their annual Demo Day, pitch sessions, and other events. Bonus: Hatchworks is a coworking space associated with HatchAVL which puts on events regularly.
- The Collider is a coworking space + membership program focused on where climate science and technology meet.
- One Million Cups is a weekly networking event for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups. It’s Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at Asheville Social Hall.
- Venture Asheville grows Asheville’s startup community and connects high-growth entrepreneurs to talent, mentors and investors through unique programming and events. It’s part of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Family. Pro-tip: They have a popular job board for tech + startup opportunities.
Wondering what the headline above means? Me too. My boyfriend is a graduate of the former Iron Yard coding bootcamp, and works as a front-end developer here in Asheville.
I often ask him how his day was, only to get a jumble of programming talk. Just smile and nod.
But, if today’s email got you inspired – go check out the groups listed above. I’ve been to some of them out and they’re always welcoming(plus, you’re bound to learn something).
Do you have something to add or a question about Asheville’s tech scene? Let us know by replying to this email.
Have a great Monday, Asheville.
And for all the nerds that are still reading, I’m told this is a classic.
