💻 Retro 1999 style LAN party (Halo, etc.) to cutting-edge web automation talks by Andre Brumfield, and 16 more exciting tech events!

Mid-May is loaded with good vibes and great chances to plug into Memphis tech. Whether you're shipping your first AI-powered app, leveling up your pitch for startup funding, or just grabbing lunch with fellow remote workers, the Memphis tech scene has something for you. We’ve got Cursor AI coaching, real-world AI convos, marketing insights, and even a throwback LAN party. So, scan the list, mark your calendar, bring a friend, and let’s keep growing the Digital Delta.

Editor/Founder: JC Smiley

Fast Coach: Build Your Dream Web Project with Cursor AI – No Coding Experience Needed

May 19, 2025
8:30am CDT

Asking AI to “code it for you” is just the start. To build something meaningful, you need to know how to guide it effectively — and that takes project experience. That’s where we come in. We’ll help you manage AI as a powerful development partner, not just a code generator.

Join us for a half-day, hands-on workshop where we guide you from idea to execution. Just bring your laptop, your project idea, and a Cursor AI subscription — we’ll help you bring it to life.

✅ No experience needed
✅ 100% ownership of your project’s IP
✅ Real progress, real results

Are you curious about how real people are using AI to save time and get better results—without becoming a tech wizard? Join us for coffee and conversation that’s casual, helpful, and human.

Swing by and enjoy mouthwatering bites that are sure to spice up your midday break from the Chi Phi food truck.

Learn how you can us AI-powered email and social media marketing to build a powerful marketing machine.

​You will learn how startups can dramatically reduce costs and efforts of executing email and social media campaigns by leveraging AI.

MAGIC Webinar: Maximizing AGOL Efficiency - A Deep Dive into Admin Tools for Better Management

May 20, 2025
2pm CDT

Managing an ArcGIS Online (AGOL) organization can be time-consuming, especially for admins overseeing user permissions, content, and system maintenance. Please join us for a webinar with GEO Jobe's Randee Miller to learn about maximizing AGOL efficiency with Admin Tools for ArcGIS Online, a suite of user-friendly tools designed to simplify tasks. This presentation will highlight key features such as bulk user management, automated group assignments, content cleanup, and streamlining workflows, demonstrating how they can save time, improve efficiency, and keep your organization running smoothly.

🔗 Mix and Mingle (15 minutes)

Grab a plate, say hello, and get to know others in the room.

🎤 Keynote Speaker #1: Andre Brumfield (30 minutes)

"Taking Initiative: Web Automation & Networking Through Projects"

Andre shares his inspiring story of how personal projects helped him break into IT. He'll walk us through how he used Selenium Framework and PowerShell to automate tasks, make new connections, and open doors in his career.

🎨 Keynote Speaker #2: John Fleenor (30 minutes)

"Design Systems in UX: Structure, Benefits, and Real-World Impact"

What happens when teams don’t have a design system? John will break it down with real examples, including the design system he helped create for the U.S. Navy. Learn how UX design systems promote consistency, reduce errors, and improve collaboration across teams.

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

Innovate Xcelerate Pitch Training Workshop

May 22, 2025
5pm CDT

The Innovate Xcelerate Pitch Training Workshop is a curated, in-person training designed to prepare entrepreneurs for success in high-stakes pitch events, including the culminating Innovate Xcelerate August Pitch Competition. This training is designed to build confidence, sharpen communication, and enhance storytelling around business models, value propositions, and investor readiness.

Are you curious about how real people are using AI to save time and get better results—without becoming a tech wizard? Join us for coffee and conversation that’s casual, helpful, and human.

 (AI) Actual Intelligence w/ Audrey Willis: Radio Show 

May 23, 2025
4pm CDT

Memphis is leveling up its tech game with a brand-new radio show that’s all about the people, innovations, and stories driving the Digital Delta (aka Memphis). Starting at 4 PM, Audrey will hit the airwaves on 88.5 FM and stream online at voiceofmscs.com, bringing us real conversations about the tech shaping our world.

Public open house

We're going to play multiplayer games like your parents did it in 1999! A good, old-fashioned LAN Party! That's right - bring your best gaming rig out and fight it out in Halo, play some Minecraft on our new Minecraft server, or even participate in a Super Smash Brothers Tourney! Check in starts at 3pm at the makerspace and goes until we realize how old we really are! We will have snacks and $0.50 sodas, but feel free to bring your own

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.

Memphis (Virtual) Python User Group

May 26, 2025
6pm - 8pm CDT

This month the meeting will be more casual because its a holiday. But we will take a look at Azure AI Foundry. This is Microsoft's AI platform for building, deploying and managing AI apps and agents. We'll see the philosophy behind Azure AI Foundry and some of the tools it offers to streamline AI application development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local tech professionals to connect over a delicious meal in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Lunch will be at Belly Acres.

Agenda:

6:30 Show up on time, free pizza will go fast (Slice has the most authentic New York style pizza in Memphis).

6:45 Chris Grayson will open with an intro to AI & AR in Memphis: a manifesto for action to leverage this moment in time.

7:15 Dan Cui will give a talk on EyeJets smart glasses, with a focus on eye-tracking for illness diagnosis.

Authentic New York style pizza provided by Slice pizza.

Are you curious about how real people are using AI to save time and get better results—without becoming a tech wizard? Join us for coffee and conversation that’s casual, helpful, and human.

 (AI) Actual Intelligence w/ Audrey Willis: Radio Show 

May 30, 2025
4pm CDT

Memphis is leveling up its tech game with a brand-new radio show that’s all about the people, innovations, and stories driving the Digital Delta (aka Memphis). Starting at 4 PM, Audrey will hit the airwaves on 88.5 FM and stream online at voiceofmscs.com, bringing us real conversations about the tech shaping our world.

BDPA Memphis: Quarterly meeting

May 31, 2025
2:30pm CDT

We’ll recap all of BDPA Memphis’ recent events, community engagement, and programming highlights. From successful panels to new partnerships, we’re excited to celebrate our momentum together.

Looking ahead, we’ll also share updates about the BDPA National Conference this August — including how YOU can get involved, and why this year’s conference is one you don’t want to miss.

We’re proud to announce a new way for BDPA Memphis members to give back. We’re partnering with the Memphis Dawah Association to offer hands-on tech and creativity workshops for youth in under-resourced neighborhoods this summer.

Location: TBD