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Open Source
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Building a tech conference from the ground up: Insights from Render ATL founder
Tips for organizers on how to build a tech event that lasts
Justin Samuels, founder and CEO of Render ATL, sat down with the All Things Open team to discuss his journey from organizing video game clubs to creating a major tech conference in Atlanta. Justin was inspired by conferences like MagnoliaJS to establish Render ATL, aiming to create an event that rivals global festivals like Dream Force or South by Southwest. The conference has grown rapidly, expanding from 350 attendees in 2021 to 5,000 in 2023, and adding a music festival element to reflect the spirit of the Silicon South culture.
His passion for bringing people together and making a difference in the tech community shines through. Justin’s perspective on what it means to build and scale an event reflects the broader goals of Render ATL, which is not just about hosting a conference but about fostering an ecosystem where the South becomes a hub for innovation.
Justin highlights the importance of humility for organizers. Confidence is key, but balancing ambition with practicality is crucial for long-term success. He also stresses the value of resource management, ensuring careful control over time, finances, and energy. These principles helped Render ATL thrive despite initial setbacks.
Key takeaways
- Build a strong foundation: Start by learning from smaller-scale events, using setbacks as opportunities to refine your vision and structure before scaling.
- Community and collaboration: Organizing events that unite people with shared interests fosters stronger connections and enables growth, helping build a thriving ecosystem
- Balance confidence with humility: Confidence is essential for driving success, but balancing ambition with humility ensures long-term sustainability
Conclusion
Justin’s journey with Render ATL emphasizes the power of community-driven events and the persistence needed to make ambitious projects successful. His insights on confidence, humility, and resource management provide valuable lessons for developers and organizers, showcasing how strategic planning and adaptability can drive long-term growth and impact.
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The opinions expressed on this website are those of each author, not of the author's employer or All Things Open/We Love Open Source.
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