The devdottalk logo

Welcome to {dev.talk}

{dev.talk} (pronounced "dev dot talk") is a community-driven monthly meetup bringing together software engineers and tech professionals in the Bournemouth and Dorset area.

Free to attend and run by community volunteers, we create an inclusive space where developers of all experience levels can learn, share knowledge, and connect.

Each meetup features sessions from community members (mostly of a technical nature), with time for networking and discussions between talks. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, you'll find a welcoming environment to explore new ideas and "geek out" with fellow tech enthusiasts.

To extend our reach beyond the in-person events, all sessions (with speaker permission) are recorded and shared on our YouTube Channel, creating an accessible resource for the wider developer community.

Our mission is simple: build a thriving, supportive tech community in Dorset where everyone can grow professionally while making meaningful connections.

Come and Join Us

Event Details

Please Note: That all {dev.talk} events will be photographed and recorded. If you do not wish to be included in a photo or video, please make the organisers aware.

Tickets

If you would like to come to one of our friendly events, see our ticket site for free tickets.

What Does a Typical Event Look Like?

  • Focus: Software engineering topics
  • Location: In or around Bournemouth, UK
  • Attendees: Expecting 40-60 participants

A typical 2-hour session will look like this:

  • Arrival and Networking (15-20 minutes)

    Attendees check in, grab refreshments, and mingle with others in a relaxed setting.

  • Welcome and Introduction (5-10 minutes)

    The host provides a warm welcome, shares announcements, and introduces the speakers and agenda.

  • First Speaker + Q&A (25-30 minutes)

    The first speaker delivers a talk on a tech topic, followed by a brief audience Q&A.

  • Break and Networking (10-15 minutes)

    A short intermission to recharge, discuss the first talk, and connect with attendees.

  • Second Speaker + Q&A (25-30 minutes)

    The second speaker presents their session, followed by another interactive Q&A.

  • Wrap-Up and Closing (5-10 minutes)

    The event concludes with thanks to speakers, attendees, and sponsors, along with reminders about upcoming events.

  • Post-Event Networking (Time dependant)

    Attendees can stick around to chat, exchange ideas, and build deeper connections.

Why attend?

Who should attend?

Recruiters: Note that {dev.talk} events are for everyone, but this is not an event for recruiting. This is a friendly welcoming place and attendees should not feel pressured to use your services. Any recruiter who attends and is seen to break this rule, will be asked to leave immediately.

Attendee Feedback

If you attended a previous event, then please tell us about your experience using our Attendee Feedback Form (Takes 1 min)

Come and Speak

This is a community-driven event, where sessions are run by all of us. No matter your skill level, experience in the industry, or background in public speaking, you are warmly encouraged to take part.

What Can You Talk About?

We welcome sessions of any length-from lightning talks (5 minutes) to in-depth discussions (up to 90 minutes)-on topics related to software engineering, including:

  • Technical deep dives
  • Soft skills
  • Mental health in the tech industry
  • Career progression

Here are some sample topic ideas for sessions that you could present:

  • Building Scalable Web Applications
  • Effective Code Reviews
  • DevOps: Automating Software Delivery Pipelines
  • Cybersecurity for Developers
  • Navigating Cloud Computing Platforms
  • Building for Accessibility
  • Using AI for Code Generation and Debugging
  • APIs in Practice: Designing for Performance and Usability
  • Mastering Git and Version Control
  • Testing Strategies for Modern Applications
  • Serverless Computing Explained
  • Ethics in Software Development
  • Design Patterns for Modern Applications
  • Testing in Depth: Unit, Integration, and Performance
  • TDD/BDD: Writing Tests That Drive Your Development
  • Cloud-Native Development: Patterns and Practices
  • Architecture Discussions: Monoliths, Microservices, and Beyond
  • Coding Best Practices for Maintainable Software
  • Tips and Tricks of your favourite language
  • UX Design for Developers: Building with the User in Mind

How We'll Help You Succeed

We're committed to making sure everyone feels supported in contributing to {dev.talk}. Here's how we can help:

  • Brainstorming Ideas: If you're unsure what to talk about, we'll help you find a topic.
  • Structuring Your Session: Guidance on organizing your content to deliver a clear and engaging talk.
  • Practice Opportunities: Run through your session with us via video call to build confidence.

Why Join Us?

  • All Experience Levels Welcome: Whether you're a seasoned speaker or completely new, we'll support and encourage you.
  • Friendly and Supportive Atmosphere: We want {dev.talk} to feel like a group of friends who uplift and learn from one another.
  • Small group: We generally have between 40 & 60 attendees, so it feels like a big friend meetup

Resources on becoming a speaker

Speaker Feedback

If you were a speaker previously, then please tell us how it went, using our Speaker Feedback Form (2 mins).

Call For Speakers

The devdottalk call for speakers logo

If you would like to contribute to the community by speaking at {dev.talk} then register your interest (this is not a commitment) using our Call for Speakers form (2 mins), and one of the team will get back to you quickly.

Unfortunately as {dev.talk} does not use sponsorship, speaker payment or their expenses will NOT be covered.

Volunteering

Do you want to get involved, but don't want to speak, then you can help out at a future event?

We always need people to:

If this is something you are interested in doing, then please Contact us

Code of Conduct

We have a code of conduct that will be strictly adhered to. We want to be welcoming to everyone no matter who they are, what skill level they have or where they come from.

Upcoming topics

Previous topics

Upcoming events

Previous events

Other local tech based events

A list of tech based events within 1 hour drive of Bournemouth:

Supporters

{dev.talk} could not happen without support:

Venues

In order to run the {dev.talk} sessions, we need a free space to host the attendees and speakers. Our recent events are bringing about 50 attendees each time, so getting a space that fits them all is tricky. If you know of a venue that may be able to host us for free ({dev.talk} is run by volunteers and does not use sponsors), then please Contact us

Venue Requirements

It needs to be able to:

Benefits to the Venue

Hosting a FREE {dev.talk} event provides your company/venue with the following benefits:

Additionally, your venue will be recognized as a key supporter of the local tech community, playing a vital role in its growth and development.

YouTube

View past sessions on our YouTube Channel

Who are we?

{dev.talk} was created by Mark Oliver in 2024. He saw that Bournemouth was lacking a software engineering based meetup despite being a Tech Hub on the South Coast of the UK, and as Wilton Knight once said "one person can make a difference", so Mark decided to create the meetup, and the community around it.

Contact Us

For any questions or comments, please contact us via:

Buy us a Coffee

Buy the {dev.talk} team a coffee with Ko-Fi.. Any monies given will be used to provide refreshments at the following meetup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is there a code of conduct?

    YES, and it will be strictly followed: Code of Conduct

  • How do we get in touch?

    All ways to get in touch are on our website: devdottalk.uk

  • I am just learning, can I come?

    YES - Everyone is welcome. Come and meet people from all stages in their career.

  • Will there be refreshments?

    Soft drinks and biscuits will be provided.

  • Are there going to be recruitment agencies attending?

    No selling or promotion of services is allowed at our event. Any person found doing so will be asked to leave.

  • Is this event really free?

    YES - The organisers are committed to creating a community and receive no benefit from the event other than the community. We rely on the support of the venue hosts for a free event space.

  • Can we contribute to the refreshments?

    Sure, they are currently provided by the organisers (we have no sponsors), but if you want to help out, check out our Ko-Fi link.

Privacy Policy

{dev.talk} is committed to protecting your privacy and will never sell your information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information for all attendees:

We collect the following types of additional information for speakers:

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information only:

4. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, no data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

6. Photography and Recording

By attending our events, you consent to being photographed or recorded, as we may capture images or videos for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform us in advance or speak with an event organizer.