The Lead

Events by Category

The Insights

May 05 — 2:00PM CDT (Virtual)

This is a rare room. Memphis small‑business leaders get a clear briefing on the attacks hitting local companies and the moves that actually reduce risk. If you’re responsible for protecting people or data, this session sharpens your next decision. Presented by Melanie Suria (Tech Entrepreneur Extraordinaire), CEO of Memphis Computer Support LLC.

May 06 — 5:30PM CDT (In‑Person)

No experience required. A welcoming on‑ramp into software through simple CTF puzzles that show how files, editors, and the web really work. A low‑pressure way to try coding and meet others taking their first step into Memphis tech.

May 08 — 2:00PM CDT (Hybrid)

The people shaping Memphis’s learning future will be here. From AI in classrooms to accessibility and design careers, this symposium offers a fast scan of where education tech is heading. Hosted at the University of Memphis (UC 340 – Memphis Room; Ball Hall IDT Studio).

May 08 — 7:00PM CDT (In‑Person)

Just show up. A friendly, come‑as‑you‑are space where hobbies, projects, and curiosity all count. Whether you’re new to Memphis tech or looking for people who get your niche interests, this open house makes it easy to plug in.

May 06 — 6:00PM CDT (In‑Person)

This is where the week’s work gets shared. Developers gather to dig into how AI is reshaping oncology; not theory, but real research happening in Memphis. A grounded space to learn, question, and connect with peers pushing the field forward. Led by UofM researcher Kamrun Naher.

May 07 — 7:30AM CDT (In‑Person)

This is a rare room for founders. Memphis executives and operators break down the decisions and mindset shifts behind companies that endure. If you’re steering a business through growth or uncertainty, this session sharpens your long‑game.

May 14-15 | In-Person

Part of the respected global DevOpsDays series, this regional event blends DevOps and AI insights with practical, practitioner‑led sessions. A strong option for Memphis teams looking to sharpen delivery, resilience, and modern engineering practices.

October 3 | In-Person

BSides Memphis is a community-driven cybersecurity conference organized by local volunteers and part of the global Security BSides event series. The event brings together security professionals, students, researchers, and technology enthusiasts to share knowledge, research, and real-world security experiences. With technical talks, community discussions, and opportunities to connect with others in the field, BSides Memphis aims to strengthen and grow the region’s cybersecurity community.

At BDPA Memphis’s “Dumb Hackathon”, leaders like Naim Hakeem, Coriano Harris, and Katheryn Hicks tested a different rule. Permission before performance. Around 25 professionals, students, and first-time hackers stepped into it.

The biggest lesson wasn’t about code quality. It was about what happens when people stop optimizing for judges. They started building for trust instead. Across 11 demos, the room rewarded rough edges and absurd ideas. A self-sabotaging form. A Brainrot “Gen-Z” Translator. Projects rooted in lived friction. AI quietly lowered the technical floor, making it easier for first-timers to ship.

A pattern emerged. When pressure drops, creativity rises. Psychological safety rises with it. This is Memphis’ permission-first builder loop. It’s a model for any team trying to ship braver work.

👉 Read how BDPA Memphis used low-stakes structure and community trust to unlock first-time builders → https://memphistechscene.beehiiv.com/p/what-bdpa-memphis-built-when-nobody-was-keeping-score

The Memphis Python User Group is looking for speakers starting in May 2026. The group meets virtually on the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:00 PM US Central time. Speakers of all experience and skill levels are welcome. You don't need to have an hour long presentation. A 10 or 15 minute (many people are surprised how limiting that ends up being) talk about a project or an interesting feature you discovered can spark a discussion.

First-time speakers are very much welcomed and encouraged to submit. BSides Memphis is a community-driven cybersecurity conference organized by local volunteers and part of the global Security BSides event series. Event will be hosted on October 3, 2026 at the Epicenter Memphis downtown location.

Some things only exist because someone decided to keep showing up. Tech901, Uncomplicated Inc., and Memphis Technology Foundation have done exactly that, and this newsletter is the result.

Because of their continued support, Memphis tech gets a weekly record: the events, the people, the ideas worth tracking.

If you want to be part of sustaining that, we'd love to talk.

P.S. Got a win to celebrate or feedback on the new layout? Hit reply. I read every message.