I attended my first tech conference... before even getting my first tech job 😳

*Scratch record*
Yup... that's me.
You're probably wondering how an unemployed, recent boot camp graduate got to attend a tech conference.
Let's rewind a bit.

I'm Alexis Aguilar and I transitioned from wildlife biology and veterinary medicine to full stack web development. I wasn't always a programmer, but I have always been a nerd. So when I first saw my console.log("Hello world!") appear on the DOM, a fire was ignited in me that I had never felt before.

Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend React Miami Conference 2023 for free. As a career changer and recent boot camp graduate, and as a Woman in tech who also has Autism, I believe sharing my unique perspective could give insight to someone who shares any one of those aspects. Especially if they're about to attend their first conference as well!

Getting sponsored

It all started back in 2022 when I was learning full stack web development through the 100Devs apprenticeship. I have always embraced vulnerability, because it is through authenticity and sharing our experiences that we may form genuine connections with each other. And what else is the purpose of the human experience if it's not connection?

My favourite medium for expressing that vulnerability has always been writing. Journals, tumblr posts, journaling and notes apps, social media; I have always found it easy to express myself through writing. My 100Devs journey was no different as I began sharing my experiences on Twitter and through blogs. I talked about mental health, I vented my frustrations and challenges, and I developed and built in public.

Through creating content, I began to get noticed.

Michael Liendo, Senior Developer Advocate for AWS AppSync, reached out to me on Twitter, praised my courage for building in public, and offered his support anytime I needed it. Later, in January of 2023, I noticed one of Michael's tweets where he mentioned he was getting to speak at React Miami conference! I visit Miami quite frequently - like, more than once a month - so I reached out about chatting in person. But, I let him know about my unemployment situation and how our meetup wouldn't be able to be at the conference. (Conferences are expensive!!!) It was then that Michael revealed he wanted to give back to his community and sponsor someone for the conference. We decided a fair trade would be this: I could be the candidate for React Miami if I could show him the spot for the best tacos in Miami.
It was an easy deal 🌮

Getting involved before the conference

As we all know, networking is powerful. Showing people who you are outside of your professional skills is vital to making a connection. That's why most times, there are multiple interviews for a position; before bringing you onto a team, they want to gauge the big picture that is You.

Conferences are not just a way to get exposed to new information, they are also used a means for networking! But networking doesn't come to easy to most people; especially those challenged by mental health diagnoses or other disabilities. Personally, I have BPD and Autism, which means communication and socializing requires a lot of work on my end.

As the conference began looming closer, Michael sent me my ticket. And the nerves set in.

I had never been to a conference before. I'm a recent boot camp graduate and unemployed. What value could I provide? What would I even talk about with professionals? How would I even approach them? I became flooded with anxiety and fear.

But I knew this conference could be a turning point for me in finding a job, so I just kept reminding myself: change requires being uncomfortable, and if I want to change my life, I have to put in the dedication and #WERK 💅

So, I began getting involved.

I figured, if I started making connections before the conference, it'd be easier to initiate meeting them in person. I joined the first Twitter space for React Miami conference, hosted by one of their sponsors, JavaScript Jam. The co-organizer, Michelle Bakels, as well as conference speakers and conference attendees were in the space.

Listening wasn't enough though; I wanted to be noticed. So, I listened carefully, thought about how I could provide value to the space, and I mustered the courage to speak! I talked about my sponsorship and about how, as a newer dev, I was nervous about joining conversations because they may be too advanced for me or that I wouldn't have value to provide for anyone there. I also asked for advice on how to initiate conversations and advice for first time conference attendees.

I'm so glad I spoke in that first Twitter space. Everyone that spoke to me was energetic, kind, welcoming, and gave great advice. I gained new followers and I began building on these new connections.

I continued joining and speaking in Twitter spaces held by folx in the React/JavaScript community, such as Dan Jutan, Theo Browne, and Jacob MG Evans. I started joining Twitch streams as well, hosted by folx in tech such as Dev Agrawal, Jenn Junod, and Scott Steinlage. Through these communities, I met more and more people in tech, and a lot of them were attending React Miami!

One of the last ideas that I had for getting involved was to do something memorable. This could have been a stream or a Twitter space, but for me, I am a community manager and my skills involve event organizing; I love bringing people together. Michael wanted me to show him the best spot for taco's in Miami, so why not share that spot with others?

I began reaching out to my new connections and organized a lunch group for enjoying the ~yummiest tacos~ in Miami.

The biggest takeaway was that I began forming connections before the conference. I wanted to become recognizable in the developer community, and I knew I could start with Twitter. I showed my personality through speaking in different spaces. I supported my new friends by attending their spaces and streams. I organized a group event. I got involved.

Attending the conference

April 20th had finally arrived. It was 8:00 AM. I was shaking in my little boots.

It took me until 11:15 AM to swallow my nerves and finally head to the conference. But I did it.

When I arrived, it was exactly right when lunch was starting. So I gathered my lunch group, and we headed to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in South Beach, Miami. Delicious tacos, margaritas, and casual lunch conversations was the perfect way for someone like me to start my conference experience. Most of the nerves washed away by the time we headed back to the conference, and I had a solid group of friends to now have as a "home base".

During the two days of React Miami, all of the talks were recorded and I kept losing track of time as I enjoyed meeting so many new people. So, I spent most of my time networking instead of watching the talks 🙈

I had been so nervous wondering "How do I initiate conversations?" but it really wasn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be. If I knew one person in a group, I'd walk up next to them and smile at them, and then start listening to the convo. Usually, I'd either get introduced by the person I knew, or someone I didn't know would initiate the group introductions by introducing themselves to me.

"How do I provide value?" was just imposter syndrome talking. When people asked me what I do for work, I'd tell them that I'm unemployed, and that usually would lead into my "pitch" where I'd tell them my background, my experience, and what I'm looking for. Surprisingly, some were quick to offer their advice or offer opportunities!
Most conversations were about people's work or were pretty casual, chatting about people's home lives or about Miami. If a conversation involved more advanced topics, I'd listen and jot down a few things in my phone notes for future me to take a look at. Not once did I feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

My biggest takeaways/tips

Put yourself out there!

People are at a conference to network. It seems scary, but it's really not a big deal to just walk up to a group and start listening. Either someone will initiate the introductions, or you can wait until they're done speaking to say something like, "Hey guys, hope I didn't interrupt! I'm [Name] and I'm [give your spiel]." Everyone is there is learn and to make new connections.

In my case, where I felt like I couldn't provide value, it didn't matter. People understood that I was newer to the tech scene, and they had been there before. Everyone was very supportive and welcoming, and I even got offered some cool opportunities!

Swap social media's and send follow ups

I definitely forgot to do this with some people I met, so I'm saying this as a reminder: when you have a conversation with someone, grab their Twitter and LinkedIn! And for me, if it was someone I haven't spoken to before, I wrote down their name, company, and what we talked about in my notes so that I could send a follow up after the conference. I like expressing gratitude, so I make sure I let my new friends know that I'm grateful for our chats 😊

Take pictures

I didn't get to take pics with as many people as I wanted to, but I definitely got quite a few! See some of mine here on the twittersphere. 🥰

Pictures are a great way for strengthening your connections and sharing that experience with everyone else. Plus, they're great memories that you can bring up at the conference next year 😉

Bring water

I'm not sure if I missed it, but the lounge fridges only had soda's and I couldn't find any water bottles. I definitely regret not bringing my yeti!

Bring a fidget

As a person with Autism, it's helpful for me to have tangible objects in different situations. When I'm sad, I like to stroke something such as my hair or a stuffed animal or my cat. When I'm stressed, I like to have a fidget that I can either squeeze or toy with.

I believe even those who are neurotypical can benefit from something similar. I remember when I used to go to parties in college, I always needed a cup in my hand to feel comfortable. Even if it's your water or a coffee or a stress ball, having something to hold onto is grounding.

Go to the after parties

When the two conference days were over, I was physically and socially exhausted. I also had a lot of events happening in the evenings and nights, so I just felt like I did not have time to attend the events outside of the conference.

But I wanted to end the conference on a high note, and leave with warm goodbyes. So I cancelled my Friday evening event, and was late to my Friday night event, and went to the React Miami after party. And it was totally worth it.

I got to meet people I didn't even see at the conference. The drinks were flowing (mine was a sprite LOL), people were dancing, and most conversations were super casual. I got to talk about music that I like, anime that I watch, and video games that I play. It was a great way to talk to everyone in a non-professional environment, and it was actually super fun. I didn't leave until 11:00 PM!

See some of the after party pictures here.

Home at last

Overall, I can only attempt at expressing my gratitude for being able to attend React Miami Conference. Special thanks to Michael Liendo for blessing me with the opportunity and introducing me to amazing folx in tech. Every single person that I talked to was kind and supportive. I made so many new connections, learned new things, and gained some new opportunities.

To those out there who may not be able to afford a tech conference, we live in a society. No seriously, social media is free, use it to your advantage. Share your thoughts and experiences, grow your brand, connect, network, build.

I'm happy to say that I'm proud of myself for stepping up and putting myself out there. I have now grown my brand and am excited to see where my career goes. Maybe another conference is in the near future... 🔮