Software Architecture Conferences – 2019

Software Developers’ Conferences are dime a dozen. There is no shortage of conferences dealing with Java, Python, .NET, node.js, Angular, react or any other popular platform out there.

But this is not the case for the Software Architects.

There are not a lot of conferences dedicated to software architecture, and, in fact, even to find a conference that’s dealing a little bit with software architecture is not an easy fit.

But – don’t despair! I’m here to save the day!

The Are Conferences for Us Too!

Yes, there are.

They’re not so easily found, and not all of them are marketed as Software Conferences, but when drilling down – you can definitely find quality architectural content.

In this post I would like to list the software architecture conferences I’ve been to, and add another one which I didn’t have the pleasure to attend, but I fully intend to do so this December.

I really hope this (quite short…) list will contribute to fellow architects, and will help you gain knowledge and networking, which, let’s face it, is one of the most important aspects of such conferences.

So, without further ado, here is the list:

O’Reilly Software Architecture Conference

O'Reilly Software Architecture Conference

You can’t take if from O’Reilly – they do not try to hide the target audience of this conference.

One of the only conferences that specifically targets software architects, and it does it quite good.

From my experience, this conference has the best content for software architects. You can find sessions regarding many aspects of software architecture, such as event-driven patterns, Micro-Services, CQRS, distributed systems, and some culture-oriented talks.

In addition, this is a great place for networking. I found myself sitting one evening with architects from the US, Norway and the UK, discussing (quite heartily…) an architecture proposed to some scenario discussed earlier.

Really fun.

As with any O’Reilly conference, this is not a cheap experience, and prepare yourself to shell ~2000USD for this. But for me – it was well worth it.

At the time of this writing, the next Software Architecture Conference is going to take place in Berlin, on Nov 4-7. Never been there, so I cannot comment on the venue.

Bottom line: Best conference for those seeking pure architectural content.

More details here.

QCON

QCon Conferences

QCon conferences have been around for a while, and are rightly regarded as a very hard-core conferences.

Although not software architecture-oriented, software architects can find some really good hidden gems in this conference, and as a bonus – refresh their knowledge on the development world. After all, it’s always a good idea to be reminded what closures are, and what’s so good about Golang.

When looking at the conference’s agenda, there are only two tracks (out of 18) dedicated to architecture, but even though – I really liked the content, and enjoyed being a developer again.

Right now, the next QCon Conference will take place in NYC, on June 24, and the next one – on SF, Nov 11.

Bottom line: Great mix of architecture and developer-oriented content.

See here.

NDC Conference

NDC Conferences

Up until now we discussed mostly US-based conferences (yes, I know the next O’Reilly conference takes place in Berlin. But you know what I mean, don’t you?).

NDC is Europe-based, although NDC Conferences can take place in some more exotic locations (Sydney, anyone?)

I’ve been to NDC this year, at London, and it was a great experience.

Now, let’s be clear about it: NDC is by developers, for developers (hence the “D” in its name), but I believe that every architect must be, deep inside, also an enthusiastic developer.

One of the best experiences in NDC is the networking. And I was surprised to find out, again and again, that the reactions among developers when hearing I’m an architect is: “Really? So what do you think about the architecture we implemented for our system?”, leading to an in-depth discussion about patterns, architecture and lots more.

Oh, and the food is great!

Next NDC is planned on Oslo, June 17.

Bottom line: For developers, by developers, but architects should attend too.

Take a look here.

ArchConf

ArchConf

See the tagline in the screenshot?

Software Architecture Conference”

ArchConf and O’Reilly are the only conferences that describe themselves as Software Architecture conferences.

But there is a huge difference between them:

I’ve never been to ArchConf.

So, I’m planning to attend the next one, on Dec. 9 in sunny Florida (is Florida sunny in December too?), and I promise to write about my experience.

Thinking of joining me? Look here!

Did I Forget Something?

Is there any software architecture related conference that you feel should be included in the list?

Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll be more than happy to include it here.

 

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

BTW, I have a new course! Take a look at “The Complete Guide to Becoming a Software Architect” course, right here.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.