The Evolution of ng-conf and HeroDevs with Aaron Frost
Summary of episode #39 of the Angularidades podcast
Listen to the entire conversation in Spanish with Aaron Frost on Spotify, YouTube, and other podcast platforms.
This episode of the Angularidades podcast welcomes Aaron Frost, widely recognized as “Frosty”. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience in software development, team building, and organizing large conferences. Aaron is a co-founder of ng-conf, XLTS.dev, and HeroDevs, and has played a crucial role in shaping and advancing the Angular community for over a decade.
Topics covered
- Post-pandemic challenges in tech conferences.
- Importance of diversity and inclusion in tech events.
- Supporting legacy software through HeroDevs.
- Frosty's personal insights and cultural influences.
- Future vision for HeroDevs and ongoing contributions to the tech community.
Frosty discusses the current challenges faced by tech conferences in the post-COVID era, highlighting how the pandemic has altered sponsorship and attendance dynamics. He notes that many companies are hesitant to spend as before, affecting the overall organization and sustainability of in-person conferences.
Frosty speaks about the origins and evolution of ng-conf, sharing that the conference may explore new locations like Las Vegas or California to adapt to changing circumstances and reach broader audiences.
Throughout the episode, he elaborates on some of the aspects of maintaining legacy software through HeroDevs, which allows you to keep your end-of-life open source software secure, compatible, and compliant without migrating.
Frosty emphasizes the importance of supporting outdated software tooling and frameworks, crucial for many businesses to maintain operational stability and legal compliance. The never-ending support for Angular versions that are no longer supported by Google (v14 and below, as of this date) is covered by the Angular NES and Angular JS NES products.
He also offers advice to those considering organizing tech events, stressing the importance of making people feel safe and ensuring community support, a careful financial planning, and promoting inclusivity among speakers and content to foster a secure, diverse, and engaging event.
Lastly, Frosty reflects on his personal journey and the cultural influences that have shaped his approach to business and community building. He expresses a deep connection with the Hispanic community, attributing it to his transformative experiences in Mexico, which continue to influence his professional career and personal perspective.
Takeaways
- Supporting local conferences and organizers is crucial, as they may face significant post-pandemic challenges such as difficulty in selling tickets and securing sponsorships.
- As a conference organizer, ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees is critical.
- Effective conference organization requires understanding and addressing the diverse needs and backgrounds of potential speakers and attendees to ensure a broad and inclusive platform.
- Focusing on psychological safety in the workplace ensures a healthy and productive environment, enhancing employee satisfaction.
- HeroDevs has successfully attracted and retained elite talent in Latin America by offering interesting projects and a safe, collaborative environment.
- Building a diverse and reliable team, treating employees well, and creating a safe work environment is fundamental for scaling and maintaining company growth.
- Obtaining official LTS (Long-Term Support) rights from major companies requires time, trust, and solid relationships.
- Delegating responsibilities to experts in various areas allows focusing on individual strengths and achieving a greater impact.
- It is possible to grow within capitalism without becoming a traditional capitalist company, prioritizing the well-being of employees and clients.
- Building trust within professional networks and the broader community can significantly enhance a company’s credibility and operational scope, as demonstrated by Frosty’s efforts with XLTS.dev and HeroDevs.
Stay tuned and check out who is getting interviewed for future episode releases at https://twitter.com/angularidades or LinkedIn.
