Chain React Conf vs COVID — 2022
Omicron and other Decepticons attack!
When we signed the contract for the beautiful Armory to host Chain React 2022, the venue had been the home for the US React Native conference, so we were jumping up and down. React Native developers flock and voyage to a high-quality event with announcements of the future of React Native. Our event is the hot-ticket.
The Chain React event is normally held in Portland Oregon. Don’t get it confused:
To say we were ecstatic to hold this event after the pandemic lockdowns is an understatement. Here at Infinite Red we’re 100% remote, and we utilize Chain React as an opportunity to work together side by side to make one of the most impressive events of the year. It’s one of our favorite times of the year, and we’ve missed you too!
We have fond memories of stories from attendees, and even epic news from our stage. React Native Hermes was announced at Chain React 2019, by Facebook, and has been the most notable and significant advancements in React Native announced.
Chain React has been the event of choice for several Fortune 500’s to announce their breakthrough technology in React Native. We’ve had speakers from Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Google and more. Needless to say, we’ve all been waiting for the opportunity to enjoy Chain React again, with the decline of COVID…. right?
Omicron and on and on
Is Portland going to be the place we all loved in July? Maybe. But for a conference organizer, as cases rise, it’s become impossible to coordinate.
The beloved Pearl District is significantly closed down. Take a look at this short list of wonderful places that have unfortunately closed their doors: https://portlandfoodanddrink.com/covid-19-restaurant-closures/
No matter how badly we want to throw Chain React in 2022, we know that the event has to be top-notch. No one wants to attend a high-networking event with no tools for networking, and looming threat of sickness.
This all begs the question, which is the reason for this blog post…
“So what does this mean for our beloved Chain React 2022?” — React Native fans
No Chain React 2022 — But there’s something…
Sadly, after a meeting with key organizers, people on-site in Portland, and conversations with individuals, we’re canceling Chain React 2022. Yes, this means Infinite Red loses it’s deposits, etc., but all of that pales in comparison to the lost opportunity. We simply can’t justify destroying a legendary event, simply because we think it’s been too long. (YOU HEAR THAT MATRIX MOVIE? 🤣).
Because we’re hands-on, we’ll be releasing a Podcast episode on React Native Radio, where we dive deeper into this discussion. Look for that to be released as early as this week!
So what’s the good news?
Packing 500 people into a room during a pandemic, checking people’s comfort levels, and fever checking everyone sounds like a pretty complicated task. However, what about 30 people for a workshop? Or maybe 60? That seems doable.
If you’re interested in a small get-together, we’re playing with the idea of solving this issue in 2022, and we want to know if you’d be interested in attending.
Do me a favor please!? Fill out this form and let us know your thoughts?!
We’re hoping to build something to keep our community connected. That’s what we do.
We have plenty of virtual experiences and ways to connect. We do the React Native Radio podcast, and we also have the React Native Newsletter, and even Jamon Holmgren’s streams with React Native Live. We have all the monumental virtual ways to keep up with what’s going on in React Native. However, we’re always pushing the bar. So let us know your thoughts on a training!
We promise to bring back this outstanding event as soon as possible (and logistically feasible). It’s our favorite.
View the official announcement on the Chain React website: http://chainreactconf.com/
Gant Laborde is a co-owner and Chief Innovation Officer at Infinite Red, published author, adjunct professor, worldwide public speaker, and mad scientist in training. Clap/follow/tweet or visit him at a conference.
