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Voxxed Days Thessaloniki 2024 Was It Worth It?

October 20, 2024

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Voxxed Days Thessaloniki 2024, and I’m here to share my experience and thoughts on whether it was worth the investment. With a lineup featuring many inspiring speakers from renowned US, UK and GR tech companies, the event promised a lot, and it certainly delivered in many areas.

Voxxed

Inspiring Talks from Industry Experts

One of the highlights of the event was the impressive roster of speakers, each offering deep insights and fresh perspectives on a range of topics. Here are a few of my favorite talks:

  • “Email vs Capitalism, or, Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” by Dylan Beattie: This talk stood out for its humorous yet thought-provoking take on the relationship between technology and business practices, diving into why some of our digital tools (like email) haven’t really evolved since its birth.

  • “Columnar Storage: Redefining Data Management for the Modern Era” by Zoe Steinkamp: Zoe’s talk was a deep dive into the world of data storage, explaining how columnar storage can revolutionize the way we manage and retrieve data. It was packed with technical insights and real-world applications.

  • “The cash value of technical debt - How to scare your boss into doing the right thing” by Jules May: Jules offered a practical approach to one of the biggest challenges in software development—technical debt. By translating tech debt into real financial impact, this talk provided a great framework for making the case for refactoring and improving codebases.

  • “The future of development: Are our jobs getting harder or easier?” by Holly Cummins: Holly’s discussion of the evolving landscape of software development was insightful, exploring the balance between the challenges we face as developers and the tools that are emerging to make our jobs more manageable.

  • “Rust and Docker: Let’s build an AI-powered App!” by Francesco Ciulla: Francesco’s hands-on session combining Rust and Docker to build an AI-powered application was both practical and inspiring. It was a fantastic demonstration of how modern tools can be used together to create powerful, scalable applications.

The Value of Networking

While it’s true that much of the content discussed at Voxxed Days can be found online, the real value of attending in person lies in the atmosphere and the connections you make. Being surrounded by so many like-minded developers and tech enthusiasts is truly inspiring. Conversations during breaks, chance meetings with speakers, and the energy of the crowd all contribute to an experience that simply can’t be replicated through a YouTube video or blog post.

Pricing: A Bit Steep for Some

Ticket prices for Voxxed Days Thessaloniki 2024 ranged from 124 Euros (including VAT) for early birds to 248 Euros (standard price, including VAT). I think this price can be a bit high for some, especially independent developers or those from smaller companies with tighter budgets. That said, many companies sponsor their employees’ attendance, covering the ticket cost, which is a fantastic investment in their team’s professional growth.

If you’re lucky enough to have your company foot the bill, it’s definitely a no-brainer. But even if you’re paying out of pocket, the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts and engage with the community might make the price tag worth it—especially if you get in early at the discounted rate.

Perks and Freebies

No conference is complete without some good food and drinks, and Voxxed Days didn’t disappoint. Attendees were treated to complimentary food and beverages, making it easy to stay fueled throughout the event. There were also raffles with various prizes, adding an element of excitement to the experience. It’s these little touches that make the day feel more enjoyable and rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

So, was Voxxed Days Thessaloniki 2024 worth attending? Absolutely, if you value in-person experiences and networking opportunities. The content was top-notch, the atmosphere was invigorating, and the chance to engage directly with industry leaders and fellow developers is invaluable.