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CodeMash 2013: a Review

Content Maestro
02/2013

CodeMash is a developer's dream

Held in a warm weather biodome and laden with bacon, CodeMash is "...a unique event that will educate developers on current practices, methodologies and technology trends in a variety of platforms and development languages such as Java, .Net, Ruby, Python and PHP. " - CodeMash
 

In addition to being a developers’ mecca, CodeMash also features sessions designed for the not-so-technically-savvy, including presentations for business analysts who have been charged with the responsibility of translating code into powerful business solutions. CodeMash is a true meeting of incredibly thoughtful minds without the airs of your typical convention; while sponsors are still necessary, this “come to learn and teach, not to be sold to” event provides an environment unlike any other. I recently sat down with Briteskies’ Derrik Nyomo, Certified Magento Developer Plus, and Gian Genovesi, Sr. eCommerce Consultant, for an interview about their thoughts of CodeMash.

Before we started, Gian prefaced the conversation: “You know that saying? A rising tide lifts all boats? That, in essence, is CodeMash”.

Maestro: I’m familiar; how so?

Genovesi: CodeMash isn’t about one particular development language, style, platform or technology. Everyone learns from everyone else; either through the demonstration of best practices on a very specific topic, such as Developing on Windows 8, or the introduction of a new concept.

Nyomo: Yeah, and among other things, people from all over the world travel to unassuming Sandusky, Ohio. I talked with a guy from England; he was at CodeMash last year too – and this guy pays for it himself. That’s dedication.

Maestro: So, there’s a camaraderie I take it. Bacon, booze and a brotherhood of those who want to learn.

Nyomo: Yes.

Genovesi: Oh, absolutely. I even understand that as one of Briteskies’ non-tech guys; what people present is applicable to all business models.

Nyomo: I like how pure it is, for lack of a better term. It’s not for profit (proceeds and fees go towards the bill we rack up at Kalahari) so it’s nice to know that the guys who organize it aren't lining their pockets or expecting us to buy a product or service. We’re all there to learn.

Genovesi: Right. It’s not at all about lead generation. If I had to sum it up, it’s community learning with a technical focus.

Maestro: I know this isn’t the first year you guys have attended CodeMash; did you see or learn anything particularly interesting?

Nyomo: There was a 13 year old kid there who developed a robot (named Eddie) he could control with an Xbox Kinect.

Maestro: Wow, 13? That’s impressive.

Genovesi: As a consultant and eCommerce manager who’s constantly searching for the best way to do anything, I attended the Agile, Lean, and the Space Between session presented by Barry Hawkins. He has almost twenty years of industry experience, and his talk was really insightful. Oh, and Neal Ford’s keynote this year was great.

Maestro: Now I wish I would have gone.

Nyomo: There’s always next year.

Maestro: Which I'm sure will be just as good, if not better. I'm glad you guys got the opportunity to go; there's something positive to be said about continuing education the desire for self-improvement, and I'm glad you enjoyed it.

We want to know, what event do you look forward to attending? Let us know either via tweeting @nobrowncow or leaving a comment!

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