In this regular feature for TechSwindon we ask some of the areas Meetup organisers about their groups, what they get up to and how you can get involved!
1. What’s your Meetup?
Our meeting is called Data Swindon and it is focused on anything data orientated but tends to be Microsoft based cloud technologies.
2. Who’s it for?
Our meetup is for anyone that wants to learn the latest data technologies, but it helps to have some previous knowledge or experience. We have seasoned contractors but also students that are learning for their first technical roles.
3. Is there any criteria to join?
Just a passion to learn.
4. What’s the format of your event?
We have 2 x 50 minute sessions with pizza, drinks and networking in between
5. If you could invite anyone to your meet-up who would it be?
Bill Gates for the Microsoft experience, Jeff Bezos for the Amazon Web Services and Brian Cox for his knowledge on data manipulation using quantum computing
6. How many members do you generally have at an event?
We have between 100 – 150 members on meetup and we usually get 30+ attending the events
7. What are some of the typical subjects you discuss?
New Microsoft Azure technologies, previous use cases and potential improvements from the subject matter that is presented in the sessions.
8. Who’s been your favourite speaker this year and why?
Steph Lock and her introduction to R was very interactive and she kept a very complex subject simple and demonstrated real-world examples. Alex Whittles session on A1 was technical but also covered the ethical aspects of AI in the real world, this got the audience talking after the session.
9. What’s the best thing about the Swindon tech cluster?
It will bring technical people in the Swindon area together and will hopefully increase the level of exposure that Swindon is a happening place when it comes to big and complex data projects.
