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The world of software engineering is constantly evolving, with new technologies and frameworks emerging all the time. Conferences are a great place to keep up with the latest innovations. From industry giants like Google and Microsoft to niche events focused on specific programming languages or disciplines, there's something for everyone.

This curated list highlights 15 top conferences across the globe, featuring insightful talks from leading experts, hands-on workshops to deepen your knowledge, and exciting opportunities to network with fellow engineers. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your coding journey, there's an event waiting to propel you to the next level!

Best Software Engineer Conferences 2024 Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best software engineer conferences worth attending in 2024:

  1. DeveloperWeek - Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual Options) (February 2024)
  2. Programmable - Multiple Locations and Dates
  3. NFJS Gateway Software Symposium - St. Louis, MO Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual Options) (April 2024)
  4. API Conference - London, UK (April 2024)
  5. Google Cloud Next - Las Vegas, NV (April 2024)
  6. STAREAST - Orlando, FL (In-Person & Virtual Options) (April-May 2024)
  7. Boise Code Camp - Boise, ID (May 2024)
  8. Red Hat Summit - Denver, CO (May 2024)
  9. RSA Conference - San Francisco, CA (May 2024)
  10. Software Design & Development Conference (SDD) - London, UK (May 2024)
  11. Secure Software by Design - Arlington, VA (August 2024)
  12. National Software Testing Conference - London, UK (May 2024)
  13. MacDevOpsYVR - Vancouver, Canada (June 2024)
  14. UberConf15 - Denver, CO (July 2024)
  15. QCon San Francisco - San Francisco, CA (November 2024)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best Software Engineer Conferences Of 2024

1. DeveloperWeek - Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual Options) (February 2024)

Developers network and share ideas at DeveloperWeek
The DeveloperWeek conference

Overview:

This event is a massive gathering of developers, including QA professionals, with workshops and sessions on the latest software technologies, practices, and innovations.

DeveloperWeek: Conference Dates and Locations

LocationsDates
Conferences & Workshops | Oakland Convention Center, Oakland, CAFebruary 21-23, 2024
Conferences & Workshops | OnlineFebruary 27-29, 2024

Why You Should Attend:

DeveloperWeek stands out for featuring speakers like Rukmini Reddy from Slack and Deepak Sharma from eBay. Reddy's insights into engineering leadership and team collaboration, paired with Sharma's expertise in payments and risk engineering, offer a rare glimpse into the challenges and innovations at the forefront of technology. Their contributions promise practical advice and strategic insights for navigating today's tech landscape, making this conference a must-attend for those looking to stay ahead in software engineering and development.

2. Programmable - Multiple Locations and Dates

Team members strike a pose at the Programmable conference booth
The Programmable conference

Overview:

This conference focuses on the future of software development, highlighting the integration of AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning in testing and QA.

Programmable: Conference Locations and Date

LocationsDates
Melbourne | Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne, VICMarch 19, 2024
‍Sydney | International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, Sydney, NSWMarch 21, 2024

Why You Should Attend:

Programmable emerges as an essential conference for programmers, developers, and tech professionals, especially with speakers like Michelle Sandford, Developer Engagement Lead at Microsoft, and Javier Turegano, Director of Engineering at Canva. Michelle Sandford's role at Microsoft gives her a unique perspective on building community and engaging developers, offering attendees valuable insights into fostering innovation and collaboration. Javier Turegano’s experience at Canva provides a deep dive into scaling engineering teams and projects efficiently, sharing strategies that have propelled Canva’s growth.

Their sessions are set to deliver actionable strategies and insights, making Programmable a must-attend for those looking to stay at the forefront of software development and team leadership.

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3. NFJS Gateway Software Symposium - St. Louis, MO Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual Options) (April 2024)

Attendees at the NFJS Gateway Software Symposium engage in a Q&A session
The NFJS Gateway Software Symposium conference

Overview:

This event prides itself on content that is directly applicable to your job, covering the latest trends in software development and QA methodologies.

Why You Should Attend:

The NFJS Gateway Software Symposium distinguishes itself as a premier event for software developers, especially with Venkat Subramaniam and Craig Walls among its speakers. Subramaniam, founder of Agile Developer, Inc., brings a wealth of knowledge in agile development practices and advanced programming techniques, offering actionable insights on how to enhance software agility and efficiency. Craig Walls, known for his pivotal books 'Spring in Action' and 'Building Talking Apps,' provides deep dives into the Spring framework and the development of interactive applications.

Their sessions promise not only to enlighten but also to equip attendees with the tools and understanding necessary to tackle current challenges in software development. This symposium is a compelling opportunity for developers seeking to elevate their skill sets and embrace the latest in software innovation.

4. API Conference - London, UK (April 2024)

Developers and tech professionals gather at the API Conference
The API Conference

Overview:

The API Conference offers a comprehensive look into API development, management, and testing, featuring keynotes and workshops by industry experts.

Why You Should Attend:

The API Conference becomes even more compelling with speakers like Dr. Olaf Zimmermann from the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences and Markus Ziller of Amazon Web Services. Dr. Zimmermann, with his deep expertise in software architecture and design patterns, will offer invaluable insights into the best practices and strategic approaches for API design and management. Markus Ziller's session promises to delve into the practical applications of AWS technologies in API development, demonstrating how to leverage the cloud for building scalable and efficient APIs.

Together, they provide a blend of academic rigor and industry pragmatism, making this conference essential for developers and API architects aiming to refine their skills and understand the latest trends and technologies in API development.

5. Google Cloud Next - Las Vegas, NV (April 2024)

A speaker shares insights on cloud computing at the Google Cloud Next event
The Google Cloud Next confrence

Overview:

This conference dives into the latest in cloud technology, including how it affects QA practices, with insights from leading Google engineers and industry experts.

Why You Should Attend:

Google Cloud Next elevates its appeal with contributions from Warren Barkley, Sr. Director of Product Management at Vertex Google, and Robert Boyce, Global Cyber Resilience Lead at Accenture. Barkley's involvement guarantees insights into the latest cloud technologies and product management strategies directly from Google's forefront, offering a rare opportunity to understand the inner workings and future directions of Google Cloud services.

Their sessions are poised to blend strategic foresight with practical cybersecurity measures, making this conference a must-attend for those looking to deepen their knowledge in cloud computing while ensuring robust security protocols in their organizations.

6. STAREAST - Hybrid (In-Person & Virtual Options) Orlando, FL (April -May 2024)

Attendees engage in a focused session at the STAREAST conference
STAREAST conference

Overview:

One of the leading conferences for software testers and QA professionals, STAR EAST offers a comprehensive program that includes tutorials, case studies, and keynotes on a wide array of topics from automation to agile testing practices.

Why You Should Attend:

STAREAST stands out as a premier event for testing and QA professionals, further highlighted by the participation of Lisa J. Allman, Release Train Engineer at Lockheed Martin, and Tony Anter, DevOps Architect at BMC. Lisa Allman's session is set to offer a deep dive into the world of release train engineering, providing attendees with a unique perspective on how to streamline releases and improve collaboration across teams in large-scale projects. Tony Anter's expertise in DevOps architecture promises to shed light on the integration of testing within continuous delivery pipelines, emphasizing practices that enhance efficiency and reliability in software deployment.

Together, their presentations are poised to deliver a comprehensive overview of both the strategic and technical aspects of modern software testing, making STAREAST an indispensable conference for those committed to advancing their QA and testing methodologies.

7. Boise Code Camp - Boise, ID (May 2024)

A speaker presents to an attentive audience at the Boise Code Camp event
Boise Code Camp Conference

Overview:

A community-driven event that covers a broad spectrum of software development topics, including sessions specifically designed for QA and testing.

Why You Should Attend:

It offers a unique, grassroots experience that encourages direct interaction and knowledge-sharing among participants. A great choice for those looking to engage closely with the community.

8. Red Hat Summit - Denver, CO (May 2024)

An overhead view of the Red Hat Summit showing attendees
Networking at Red Hat Summit event

Overview:

This conference dives into open-source technologies that are shaping the future of the enterprise. Sessions cover everything from automation and cloud services to container orchestration, all relevant to QA practices.

Why You Should Attend:

The Red Hat Summit significantly ups its ante with keynote speakers like Matt Hicks, President and CEO of Red Hat, and Chris Wright, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Engineering at Red Hat. Matt Hicks' vision and leadership have been pivotal in shaping Red Hat's innovative approach to open-source solutions, offering attendees invaluable insights into the future direction of enterprise technology. Chris Wright brings a wealth of knowledge on emerging technology trends and the role of open source in driving innovation in cloud computing, security, and automation.

Their sessions promise to not only inspire but also provide practical guidance on leveraging open-source technologies to solve today’s complex IT challenges. This makes the Red Hat Summit a crucial event for IT professionals looking to harness the power of open source for their organization's digital transformation efforts.

9. RSA Conference - San Francisco, CA (May 2024)

Attendees engaging with exhibitors at various booths in the lively expo hall of the RSA Conference
The RSA Conference Expo hall

Overview:

While focused on security, this conference offers invaluable insights into the importance of security practices within QA processes, discussing topics like secure coding, vulnerability testing, and compliance.

Why You Should Attend:

Security is a critical aspect of QA. Attending RSA can elevate your understanding of how to integrate security measures into the QA process effectively.

10. Software Design & Development Conference (SDD) - London, UK (May 2024)

A speaker shares insights on software innovation at the Software Design & Development Conference (SDD)
The Software Design & Development Conference (SDD) event

Overview:

SDD covers the design and development of high-quality software, with sessions on new programming paradigms, architecture styles, and testing frameworks.

Why You Should Attend:

The Software Design & Development Conference (SDD) becomes a must-attend with the inclusion of Jonah Andersson, a seasoned developer and Cloud & DevOps Engineer, alongside Mete Atamel, a highly respected Software Engineer and Developer Advocate. Jonah Andersson's expertise in cloud and DevOps practices is expected to provide attendees with actionable insights into optimizing software development pipelines and embracing cloud-native solutions for better scalability and efficiency.

Mete Atamel's experience, particularly with his deep dives into software engineering principles and his advocacy for developer tools and technologies, will offer a practical perspective on building robust, efficient applications.

11. Secure Software by Design - Arlington, VA (August 2024)

A Q&A between the speaker and attendee at Secure Software by Design conference
The Secure Software by Design conference

Overview:

Focused on incorporating security into the software design phase, this conference is essential for QA professionals aiming to build security into their workflows from the ground up.

Why You Should Attend:

QA practitioners must understand how early security considerations can influence overall software quality. This conference provides that insight.

12. National Software Testing Conference - London, UK (May 2024)

Conference attendees networking in front of exhibit booths at National Software Testing Conference
Networking at the National Software Testing Conference

Overview:

A UK-based conference that focuses exclusively on the software testing community, offering insights into best practices, strategies, and innovations in the field.

Why You Should Attend:

For QA practitioners looking to stay at the forefront of testing methodologies and technologies, this conference is a must.

13. MacDevOpsYVR - Vancouver, Canada (June 2024)

A group of enthusiastic developers gather for a memorable group photo at MacDevOpsYVR conference
The MacDevOpsYVR conference

Overview:

This conference focuses on the burgeoning field of virtual and augmented reality, offering QA professionals a look into testing in these complex environments.

Why You Should Attend:

MacDevOpsYVR enriches its lineup with speakers like Graham Gilbert, focusing on building diverse client engineering teams, and Bryson Tyrrell, who delves into supercharging CI/CD with GitHub and AWS. Gilbert's session is poised to offer invaluable insights into creating inclusive and effective engineering teams, emphasizing diversity as a key driver for innovation and problem-solving in technology. Tyrrell's expertise in leveraging GitHub and AWS for enhanced CI/CD pipelines promises to equip attendees with cutting-edge strategies for automating and optimizing software delivery processes.

Together, their contributions underscore the conference's commitment to fostering a more inclusive tech community and advancing microservices and DevOps practices, making MacDevOpsYVR a pivotal event for professionals aiming to push the boundaries of client engineering and CI/CD efficiency.

14. UberConf15 - Denver, CO (July 2024)

Four cheerful attendees at UberConf15 pose for a selfie
The UberConf15 conference

Overview:

UberConf is known for its advanced topics in software development, including performance tuning, scalability, and advanced testing techniques.

Why You Should Attend:

If you're aiming to push the boundaries of what's possible in QA and testing, UberConf offers the knowledge and tools to get there.

15. QCon San Francisco - San Francisco, CA (November 2024)

A speaker engages with a focused audience at QCon San Francisco
QCon San Francisco conference

Overview:

QCon SF focuses on emerging software trends and practices from the world's most innovative organizations, including sessions on QA and testing strategies.

Why You Should Attend:

QCon San Francisco is a key event for software professionals, featuring insights from Thomas Betts of Blackbaud and InfoQ, alongside Michelle Brush from Google. Betts offers deep dives into the latest architectural trends and practices, making it a must for those wanting to refine their software design skills. Brush brings frontline experience in SRE, providing valuable strategies for managing large-scale, reliable systems.

Their sessions promise practical advice and innovative strategies, making QCon an indispensable conference for staying ahead in software engineering and architecture.

Takeaways

Don't miss your chance to level up your software engineering skills and connect with a vibrant community of developers. These events offer a mix of technical depth, industry insights, and networking opportunities that can help propel your career as a QA practitioner forward. Each has its unique focus, ensuring that regardless of your specific interests or challenges, there's an event that can provide value.

Bookmark your favorites, grab your coding buddies, and get ready to be inspired by the latest advancements shaping the future of software engineering!

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By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo brings +12 years of experience in software development and team building, creating products for the Media and Advertising industries. With a track record of building high-performance lean teams, he specializes in handling large volumes of data and empowering his team to own their projects and products. When he’s not working, he’s a frustrated musician with a passion for football and technology.