From Pittsburgh to New York: A PyCon US 2024 Adventure
As I embarked on my journey to PyConUS2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I couldn’t have imagined the profound impact the experience would have on me. With the gracious support of a PSF grant, I was able to attend this premier Python conference, and it turned out to be one of the longest and most rewarding trips I have ever taken.
The event, held at the David Lawrence Convention Center from May 14th to 24th, began with two days of tutorials, where I had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the vibrant Python community. On the third day, I attended my first tutorial, which focused on WebAssembly. This session, led by the founders of PySheets, Chris Laffra and Kurt Vile, provided an insightful introduction to their innovative spreadsheet UI for Python.
The following days were a whirlwind of activities. I had the chance to visit the sponsor booths, where I won my first prize — a Keychron keyboard from Ansys. The competition involved spending 15 minutes at their booth solving Python challenges, and I was thrilled to walk away with this amazing prize and a lap desk from MongoDB
Throughout the conference, I was struck by the generosity and passion of the Python community. I had the privilege of meeting QA experts from JetBrains and countless other individuals who were eager to share their knowledge and experiences. This, in turn, fueled my own desire to learn and grow as a Python enthusiast.
Beyond the conference itself, I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Pittsburgh. The Andy Warhol Museum was a particular highlight, as I marveled at the iconic artist’s work and gained a newfound appreciation for the intersection of art and technology. I also took a ride on the famous Duquesne Incline, which offered breathtaking views of the city’s famous “Golden Triangle.”
My journey continued with a trip to New York City, where I was awestruck by the bright lights of Times Square and the bustling energy of the city. The road trip from Pittsburgh to New York was an adventure in itself, winding through the picturesque landscapes of New Jersey.
As I reflect on my experience at PyCon US 2024, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed passion for Python. This event has truly transformed my understanding of the Python community and has inspired me to continue learning, growing, and contributing to this dynamic ecosystem. I can’t wait to return to PyCon US in the years to come, eager to dive deeper into the ever-evolving world of Python.
If you’re interested in attending the next PyCon US, be sure to mark your calendars for the 2025 event. And for those in Kenya, keep an eye out for updates on the upcoming PyConKE, which I’ll be organizing later this year. The Python community is vibrant and welcoming, and these events are the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and expand your knowledge.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” — Mark Twain
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