RenderATL is a unique tech conference that aims to bring more diverse engineers and individuals into the community of technologists. Founded by Justin Samuels in 2019, the event has had a significant economic impact on Atlanta, generating over $6.5 million. This year’s event, taking place from June 12 to June 14, is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees during Atlanta Tech Week.
At RenderATL, the focus is on creating an inclusive environment where technology professionals can be themselves and engage in authentic discussions. Samuels, in an interview with VentureBeat, expressed the importance of representation in the tech industry, highlighting the low levels of diversity. In the industry, men make up about 92% of software developers worldwide, while women represent only 22% of software engineers in the U.S. The representation of black engineers is less than 5%, and Hispanic/LatinX people make up 6.9%.
RenderATL stands out from other tech conferences by bridging the gap between tech and culture. The event brings together technology professionals, thought leaders, and cultural influencers to explore the intersection between technology and various industries. It features more than 70 partners and over 100 keynote addresses, seminars, and workshops. The speakers lineup includes notable figures like NFL legend Shannon Sharpe, distinguished Google engineer Kelsey Hightower, and entertainer DJ Pee .Wee (AKA Anderson .Paak).
The event covers a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, design, product and project management, and tech leadership. Attendees have the opportunity to gain insights into the latest trends and developments while acquiring practical skills to drive success in their respective fields. RenderATL also serves as a platform for employer recruiting, boasting high career placement success rates.
The genesis of RenderATL stems from Samuels’ personal background. As the child of immigrants, Samuels had early exposure to technology through his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and the gift of a computer. He developed his tech skills over time and entered the tech industry. However, he noticed a lack of tech events on the East Coast and decided to create RenderATL as a premier destination for technology professionals looking to enhance their skills and move their organizations forward.
Despite starting the event in 2021 amidst the pandemic, Samuels saw a positive response from people who craved social interaction and face-to-face engagement. The event started small with 350 attendees but quickly grew to 1,200 in 2022 and 3,000 in 2023. This year, Samuels expects RenderATL to attract 5,000 people, with numerous demos and exhibit booths for companies seeking to recruit top talent.
RenderATL 2024 promises to be a landmark event with a diverse lineup of speakers and cultural shifters. NFL legend Shannon Sharpe will deliver a keynote speech on organizational and executive leadership. Other notable speakers include Kelsey Hightower, Anderson .Paak, Rotimi, D Smoke, CoCo and Breezy, Kamaiyah, and DaniLeigh. The event is set to provide a platform for continuous learning and career advancement, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.
RenderATL has garnered support from major companies like Zillow, which is the event’s title sponsor. Zillow recognizes the importance of connecting with top tech talent and believes RenderATL provides an ideal community for fostering those connections. The event also has the support of the mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickets, who sees RenderATL as a crucial initiative for building and shaping the city’s talent pool.
With over 40% of attendees at RenderATL identifying as having African descent, the conference’s main mission is to be the premier technology conference for continuing education. Samuels emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where people can find someone they can identify with and learn comfortably. RenderATL serves as a unique medium for learning, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to expand their knowledge and be the best they can be.
In addition to RenderATL, Samuels is also the chairman and founder of Atlanta Tech Week, an event that showcases the city’s tech ecosystem through a series of events. Atlanta Tech Week, which takes place from June 9 to June 15, attracts individuals from various regions, further strengthening the tech community in Atlanta.
Overall, RenderATL represents a remarkable effort to promote diversity, education, and collaboration in the tech industry. By bringing together a range of voices and perspectives, the event creates an inclusive space where professionals can learn, network, and shape the future of technology.
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