CodeMash is comprised of many simultaneous events, ranging from speaker sessions, workshops, keynotes, open spaces, Pre-Compiler sessions, Kidzmash, vendor sessions, parties, and plenty more that I am sure I missed.
That is my only problem with CodeMash thus far: there was more to do at CodeMash than I could handle in my first year. I certainly cannot complain about this, however, since I now have a huge to-do list for next year's conference.
I came into my first CodeMash pumped about the the most-advertised aspect of the conference: the speaker sessions. These hour-long sessions covered a wide range of new and existing technologies as detailed by many industry developers and MVPs. I tended to lean towards web and mobile technologies (my personal and professional interest is JavaScript development), and I found a few sessions that hit close to home (jQuery 101, jQuery 102, Developing High Performance Web Applications). Each of these sessions were informative to some degree and generally held my interests through-and-through.
Mobile Smackdown was my final session for the conference, and it was quite a way to go out: a basic Twitter application was quickly developed in 15 minutes for each of the three major mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, WP7). I loved seeing how each platform provided different utilities and methods for getting the job done.
What I did not take advantage of at all (and sorely wish I had) were the Open Spaces. These were areas set up around the main convention hall where anyone could strike up a conversation about any technology topic. I really wanted to dive into JavaScript with my peers to see if any other young developers feel the same about JavaScript as I do, but my generally shy attitude kept me away. I intend to change this for next year's conference.
The venue, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio, was mostly fantastic. The setting was comfortable, the indoor water park unique, and the food provided for meals was adequate. Not impressive: spotty Internet connections (probably because 700+ geeks were toting phones and laptops), and restrictive check-in and check-out rules. I will definitely be staying an extra day next year to be sure I can get the relaxation I need on the final day of the conference rather than working out of my car for most of the day.
Also troublesome were the CodeMash attendees themselves. An individual person may be smart, but people can be rude in collective numbers, and this was on full display during all of CodeMash's keynotes. A room of 700+ geeks could not keep quiet, presenting every keynote speaker (and Microsoft's WebMatrix launch) with a noisy challenge to overcome. Ideally, CodeMash should separate lunch and keynote speakers so those people truly interested in the speakers will be in attendance and behave accordingly.
Between awesome sessions, a great venue, and a huge variety of events to keep me busy - and despite my own challenges and some occasional Internet hiccups - I loved my first CodeMash. I plan to be first in line to buy tickets next year. Well done, CodeMash.
B3 out.
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