What’s in this Edition

📆Upcoming Events - This Week

• 🧑🏾‍💻 Memphis Python User Group - October 21

• 🗣️ Hybrid CSTA West Tn & CodeCrew AI Ethics Course - October 24

• 🗣️ Machine Learning with Python - BYTE Size Course - October 24

• 🗣️ Memphis .NET and Azure Developers Group - October 24

• 🗣️ FIT Tech Training: Introduction to Large Language Models Workshop - October 24 thru 25

• 🧑🏾‍💻 UX/UI Bytes - October 25

• 🧑🏾‍💻 Virtual Lunch - October 28

• 🗣️ Memtech Epicenter Tech Luncheon - October 30

• 🗣️ CodeCrew Byte Day (Cosplay) - October 31

• 🧑🏾‍💻 Code Connector: Code and Share - November 2

• 🗣️ FREE! Intro to Web Development with CodeCrew Code School - November 2

• 🗣️ AI-Powered Success: ChatGPT Strategies to Prep for Small Business Saturday - November 4

• 🧑🏾‍💻 Machine Learning/Data Sciences/R - November 5

• 🗣️ Memphis Tech Luncheon - November 6

• 🗣️ DevMemphis - November 6

💻Hackathons - HackMemphis and GiveCamp Memphis
⭐Tech Professional Spotlight - Lawrence Lockhart
☕ Best Coffee and Code Shops
📖Tech Pipeline - Tech 901 & CodeCrew Code School

🧑🏾‍💻 Virtual 🗣️ In Person

Memphis (Virtual) Python User Group

October 21, 2024
6pm - 8pm CDT

We'll talk about Azure AI Services and how you can add AI features to Python apps (or any other app) knowing little if any about AI.

Location — Virtual Event
Organizer — Douglas Starnes & Brad Montgomery

Meeting agenda:
6:00 pm Food and drink, attendee networking
6:30 pm Main meeting

If you plan to attend, please RSVP so we know how much food to get and who to contact if there are any changes that need to be communicated.

Location — Microsoft Corporation @ 6750 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38138
Organizer — Jeff Scarpace

A dynamic in-person and virtual meetup where educators will engage in thoughtful discussions on the ethical use of AI in the classroom. This session will explore key questions around AI Ethics, including privacy concerns, data security, bias in AI tools, and the impact of AI on student learning and well-being.

Location — Bartlett Public Library @ 5884 Stage Rd, Bartlett, TN 38134
Organizer — CSTA West TN and CodeCrew

The Goal of this course is to provide an introduction to Machine learning, and practice model training basics. This interactive workshop will introduce you to key concepts, provide practical coding exercises, and equip you with the skills to explore the exciting field of machine learning.

Location — CodeCrew HQ @ 460 S. Highland Street Memphis, TN 38111
Note — $50 sign-up fee.

Introduction to Large Language Models Workshop 

October 24-25, 2024
5pm CDT

The Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) workshop is a two-day intensive LLM training program designed to provide attendees with a solid introduction to LLMs concepts and hands-on training on using LLMs through prompting and other strategies.

Details: Two-day Workshop for Professionals (light breakfast, coffee and lunch will be offered)

Location — FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT), Room 225 @ University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38111

Spend the hour chatting about research and design concepts along with new and exciting topics in the world of UI/UX.

Location — Virtual Event
Organizer — Coriano Harris

If you're interested in meeting with other developers and chatting about tech, life, etc. during your lunch break, you're more than welcome to join us at our virtual table.

Location — Virtual Event
Organizer — JC Smiley

Epicenter is thrilled to host the next Tech Lunch to learn more about the tech community in Memphis. We welcome you to enjoy lunch in our downtown office, where we will be providing box lunches from Jason's Deli.

Location — Epicenter, 150 Peabody Place Memphis, TN, 38103
Note — Epicenter is located at 150 Peabody Place right at the intersection of Peabody and BB King, across from Hooters and the Hampton Inn. Street parking is available.

Join us for an adults-only COSPLAY party where we'll introduce Code School BYTE Size courses to the Memphis community! Enjoy delicious food, thrilling video games, and tons of fun. Prizes await for the best COSPLAY, Mario Kart champions, and the guest who brings the most friends!

Location — CodeCrew HQ @ 460 S. Highland Street Memphis, TN 38111

Show off your personal projects, school projects, tutorials, or anything else you're working on – whether they're finished or still in progress. The idea is to practice engaging with like-minded tech enthusiasts. And if you don't have anything to showcase, come and join us in celebrating and supporting our fellow techies.

Location — Virtual Event
Organizer — JC Smiley & Joseph Raynovic

We're offering a FREE session to help you explore the fundamentals of web development and gain invaluable insight into the fast-paced world of technology. Whether you're contemplating a career switch or eager to learn a new skill, this course is the perfect starting point for adults to initiate their software engineering journey. When registering, please choose the in-person or virtual session that best suits your schedule.

Location — CodeCrew HQ @ 460 S. Highland Street Memphis, TN 38111 

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner! Are you ready to stand out from the crowd and make the most of this key shopping day? Join us for an interactive workshop where you'll learn how to harness the power of ChatGPT to create compelling marketing content and develop a successful strategy for Small Business Saturday.

Location — CodeCrew HQ @ 460 S. Highland Street Memphis, TN 38111 
Note — $25 sign-up fee.

Machine Learning/Data Sciences/R 

November 5, 2024
7pm - 8pm CDT

There has been a lot of hype surrounding AI, particularly in machine learning (ML), ChatGPT, and even quantum computing. I’m interested in hearing about your personal experiences with job searching in AI, ML, and ChatGPT.

Location — Virtual Event
Organizer — Walter Heger

This is a fantastic opportunity for local tech professionals to connect over a delicious meal in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Location —Swanky's Taco Shop @ 4770 Poplar Ave # 102 · Memphis, TN
Organizer — Robert Crocker

TBD

Location — University of Memphis Research Park (UMRF) @ 460 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
Organizer — George Spake & Bryce Sharp
Notes: Event & Food sponsored by Vaco Memphis. Parking is available in the parking lot behind the building.

Location — FedEx Institute of Technology (FIT), Lobby @ University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38111

GiveCamp Memphis is a weekend-long gathering of professional web developers, graphic designers, social media strategists, digital marketers, and data scientists donating their time to nonprofit organizations.

The event is entirely volunteer-driven. It’s a great opportunity for people to work together, develop new friendships, and do something important for the community. We’re looking for volunteers, both technical and non-technical, to help us do it.

Lawrence Lockhart

Lawrence Lockhart Jr serves as an inspiring example for those entering the tech field without a formal degree. His journey is a captivating narrative of resilience, determination, and a heartfelt commitment to inspiring others in the tech field. After dropping out of MIT, he found himself working at Dairy Queen to support his family. Undeterred by setbacks, Lawrence eventually forged an impressive path as a Web Developer at Fred's, a Full-stack Java Developer at FedEx, and now shines as a Developer Advocate for Vaadin.

Lawrence is deeply committed to teaching and mentorship in the tech community. As a Brilliant Black Minds community ambassador, he advocates for diversity and inclusion. He is an advisor at Code Connector, helping connect learners with resources. His previous support for coding education initiatives included:

1. Group Lead Volunteer at Code.org

2. Teaching Assistant for LaunchCode Bootcamp

3. Classroom assistant for Code Crew Code School

4. Classroom volunteer with Black Girls CODE

5. Udacity Student Leader

Active on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok under the handle @LawrenceDCodes, Lawrence emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, adopting specific job strategies, and cultivating a personal brand in today’s fiercely competitive job market. He has shared these insights on multiple media platforms including:

• Web Dev Challenge with Jason Lengstorf

• Podcast Interviews:

  1. BCloud Engineers series Black Tech Heroes

  2. Chris Sean's Talk

  3. Guidance Counselor 2.0 with Taylor Desseyn

  4. This Developer's Life with Rob Conery & Scott Hanselman

  5. Career Journey Podcast with Vinod Sharma

  6. Between Two Divs with Cam Perry.

  7. Working in Tech with JuwonTheTechie

  8. Techniche Tips with Joesph M. Smith

  9. Natural Society of Black Engineers

  10. CodeFellowship podcast

• Conferences and Speaking Engagements:

  1. BDPA South Regional Conference in Memphis, TN.

  2. Black in Tech Conference in Houston.

• Digital Magazine Feature:

  1. Exceptionally Black

Through these various platforms, Lawrence not only shares his personal journey but also offers guidance and encouragement to those looking to break into tech, particularly from non-traditional backgrounds. His message resonates with the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and the power of community in achieving success.

Belltower Coffee
525 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
Notes: Great coffee spot with good sandwiches off oh Highland Strip close to UofM. Free drip coffee on Saturdays. Decent parking options most days throughout the week. Can get busy during university exam seasons.

Crosstown Concourse
1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Notes: Multipurpose building with coffee shop (French Truck), food spots, and even a high school. Sometimes will have live music in main lobby. Lots of seating across various floors. Free parking garage on Floors 2+

Congregation Coffee
3060 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Germantown, TN 38138
Notes: Great coffee. Indoor and outdoor seating. Large parking lot.

CAPTION by HYATT
245 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
Notes: Coffee shop inside hotel. Great aesthetic/vibes. Parking is only downside due to it being downtown.

Memphis Chess Club
195 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Notes: Second floor used more for people focusing. Lots of games available as well. Downtown area so you will have to find parking on street

The Hub
6000 Briarcrest Ave, Memphis, TN 38120

Recommend your "Favorite Coffee Shop to Code and Drink" in this survey: https://form.jotform.com/242896529143163