August 6, 2024
DevOpsDays, an internationally acclaimed series of technical conferences, is coming to Halifax for the first time August 21 and 22. Spearheaded by local tech professionals Dewan Ahmed, Nahrin Jalal, Matt Joy, and Seif Elbayomi, this event is set to create a significant impact on the region’s technology landscape.
DevOpsDays originated in Ghent, Belgium, in 2009. It was born from the need for a dedicated platform where DevOps professionals could come together to discuss challenges and share solutions. The concept quickly gained momentum, leading to DevOpsDays events sprouting up globally. Each event adheres to the same core principles but is tailored to meet the unique needs of its host community.
Bringing DevOps Days to Halifax
Dewan Ahmed, alongside his colleague Nahrin Jalal, regular speakers at tech events, noticed a glaring gap in the availability of technical conferences in Atlantic Canada.
“We started with a meetup called Atlantic Canada Tech Meetup almost two years ago in Halifax,” said Dewan. “From there, it just exploded. We went from a small gathering to over 500 members, hosting events every two months.”
Recognizing the potential and enthusiasm within the community, Dewan and Nahrin decided to bring the established DevOpsDays conference to Halifax. With support from the global DevOpsDays core committee, their co-organizers Matt and Seif, and a dedicated local group of volunteers, the team forged ahead, determined to make DevOpsDays Halifax a reality.
“These days, we don’t feel a lack of information,” Dewan pointed out. “If anything, we feel information overload. But the effect of personal interaction is different. When you go to these conferences, you remember the topics and the people you meet.”
This conference is not just about learning but networking, too. In the tight-knit tech community, building relationships can lead to future job opportunities and collaborations.
“We hope this event will inspire people to give talks, gain confidence, and learn new technical concepts,” Dewan added.
The event is expected to draw around 200 attendees and will feature a single-track format. Topics will range from software development and DevOps to machine learning and community management.
In addition to the talks, the conference will include sponsor booths and an innovative concept called Open Spaces, where attendees can propose and discuss topics in small groups. This setup fosters in-depth discussions and personalized learning experiences.
“The first year is the hardest,” Dewan admitted. “But with the enthusiasm from students, local communities, and partners like Digital Nova Scotia, we see immense potential.”
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a decision-maker, or a student eager to learn, this event promises value for everyone. Limited tickets are still available, with special discounts for students and underrepresented groups. For those interested, now is the time to register and be part of this inaugural event.
For more information and to register, visit DevOpsDays Halifax (use special discount code DNSPARTNER to take 25% off the regular ticket price) website and follow DevOpsDays Halifax on LinkedIn.