Top Ten Reasons to go to Chain React
Why you need to go to the US React Native Conference in May
Ever since we announced Chain React 2023, members of the React Native community have been asking me to share why I’m so excited about it, so I said, ‘EZ! Consider it done!” and wrote up my top 10 reasons why Chain React is an epic conference.
Look, this blog post is for YOU! Chain React 2023 is heating up, and I hate FOMO, because that’s not what we’re about. Our tagline is “Community Through Code”, and I want you there with us! If you need to convince your boss to buy you a ticket, I did a post on convincing your boss found here:
But if you’re interested in React Native and you haven’t been to the glory that is Chain React, buckle your safety belts; this blog post is for you.
- Here it comes! I’m so excited! 🤩 💖💖💖
This is the Top 10 - Check it!
- The Big Return of Chain React!
- Portland has Epic Stuff
- Access the Experts
- Meet the Community
- Meet the Hosts of React Native Radio & Newsletter
- Connect with Vendors
- Get Inspired
- Powerup with Workshops
- Fortify your Career in React Native
- Have Fun!
Reason 1: The Big Return of Chain React
Chain React has been mentioned as people’s top 3 favorite conference in person and on Twitter over and over again.
Needless to say, it was hard canceling due to the pandemic, which put the kibosh on so many fantastical events, including Infinite Red’s iconic Chain React. But last year, we announced the return, and we all collectively got goosebumps.
This year will have a tangible, magical feel as everyone, both old fans and new, attend and experience our premium conference in May in 2023 🌟 (17th Workshops — 18th-19th Conference)
There’s a reason why sponsorships and workshop tickets are close to selling out. People have been waiting for this conference since 2020!
Reason 2: Portland has Epic Stuff
Want to know a secret? Portland, Oregon’s Downtown Pearl District is half the fun. It’s overflowing with unique food, a variety of entertainment, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
The conference hotel is in the heart of the city, and the walk from there to the Portland Armory Stage for the conference brings you countless options for coffee, keepsakes, snacks, and even an opportunity to explore the LARGEST BOOKSTORE IN THE WORLD!
We LOVE this walk. Attending Chain React is a wonderful affair, but a big part of that is experiencing Portland’s unique style, too!
You’ll get a good dose of Portland with your fellow attendees on the walk, the conference, the afterparties, and so much more! Is it fair to call this work? It’s kind of an adventure.
BONUS: I personally recommend you extend your stay through the weekend after the conference and take an electric bike tour. Because the conference ends on a Friday, take a look at a few options on how to spend the weekend.
Reason 3: Access the Experts
The world’s best React Native minds will be there. Some single-track conferences have a beautiful stage, impressive speakers, and wonderful presentations… and then… you never see the speaker again.
Well, that’s not how Chain React works.
When you’re in the main auditorium, you’re able to enjoy the talks, and when you’re in the lobby, you’re surrounded by speakers, attendees, and vendors. Feel free to strike up a conversation; we encourage it!
If that’s not enough, our Coffee and Silver sponsor Test Double will be running code pairing sessions at their station “Code & Coffee” on the mezzanine.
Get caffeinated, plug into a power strip, and get expert advice from our coffee sponsor!
Chain React is the React Native mixer event. Experts from top consultancies as well as React Native developers from Meta, Amazon, Expo, Infinite Red, and Microsoft, will be at Chain React, and you’re a “Oh Hello!” away from meeting them all.
Reason 4: Meet the Community
You don’t have to just be starstruck. It’s easy to make friends. Just find one of our conference workers and have a long and amazing conversation. They’ll introduce you to others.
Additionally, Chain React is an ideal spot to hire and get hired. Our “Hot Swap” table is replete with stickers from companies, cards of people looking for React Native work, and emails address of people looking to hire.
We help mix people, so even if you’re going alone, be ready to head home with a bunch of new friends and colleagues.
Bring business info or just fun stickers and swag to leave on the table for everyone!
Reason 5: Meet the Hosts of React Native Radio & Newsletter
Some of my favorite React Native personalities will be there looking to meet you!
The React Native Radio Podcast has over 250 episodes with thousands of downloads per episode. While many people have been on the panel of hosts throughout the years, the current 🌟 ALL-STAR 🌟 cast has been running things for a while, and they’ll be at Chain React.
Meet them virtually in the video below and in person at the conf:
Talk these hosts into having you as a guest or just to chat! They’re going to be running a contest where some of your ideas will make it into future episodes!
You might have even spotted a cameo in the above promo by the talented Editor in Chief of the React Native Newsletter Jon Major Condon. Spoiler: he’ll be at Chain React, too! Jon Major is famous for his monumental React Native Newsletter and entertaining explainer videos:
All of these fantastic media personalities will be at Chain React talking and meeting new people. They’re all friendly, and only one of them bites, so the odds are in your favor that you’ll meet and befriend them!
Reason 6: Connect with Vendors
At this time, we’ve already sold out of Platinum and Gold sponsorship spots. Vendors love Chain React’s lobby, and you’ll see why.
People are great, but I love swag. Don’t get me wrong… I’m addicted to swag, and if there was a meeting for people like us, I’d have the coin, the shirt, and the pen.
The vendors at Chain React have so much more to offer than a typical conference table. It’s easy to have a conversation that runs right over the break and causes you to miss a talk.
If you’re interested in free stuff and key insights into React Native companies, the vendors are a goldmine.
Reason 7: Get Inspired
THE SPEAKERS! We have some amazing speakers coming. Not only will you see speakers from big companies like Amazon, Expensify, Microsoft, and Meta, but you’ll see quality speakers and developer advocates from the trenches.
Our talks have range. It doesn’t matter if you’re new or if you’ve been doing React Native since the beginning, you’ll learn a lot, and you’ll see the entire industry paraded before your eyes in mere days.
You’ll get the real-world feel as you meet consultancies like Formidable, Infinite Red, Callstack, Test Double, Expo, Guild, and more! Chain React is a collection of React Native experts that is unparalleled.
Reason 8: Powerup with Workshops
Talks are great, but we all know we come out of a workshop feeling superpowered. That’s why Chain React is offering three workshops. These are special tickets, and they can sell out.
The three workshops support beginners, intermediate, and advanced.
The Beginner workshop is for anyone who knows JavaScript and React, but is looking to get into React Native. It’s taught by our loving teacher and senior dev Mazen Chami, who’s always gotten excellent reviews on his workshops.
The Intermediate workshop is focused on Testing React Native apps. This was our most popular workshop in 2019 and is back by popular demand. See the one and only Josh Justice from Test Double give his testing workshop.
The Advanced workshop is taught by Lizzi Lindboe, who was one of the people who helped document the release of the new React Native architecture for Meta. This workshop will make sure you understand the new technologies it brings such as Fabric, TurboModules, and Codegen — and how to get the most out of them!
As a bonus, workshops also give you extra socializing time with people at your skill level.
Workshops have food and breaks, so when you can focus on networking and learning. And as you head to the big single-track conference the next day, you will already know plenty of people.
Workshop tickets are getting close to selling out. Buy yours and your co-worker’s ASAP! These are limited (no exceptions).
Reason 9: Fortify your Career in React Native
If you’re serious about React Native, what can you get out of Chain React?
What can’t you get!?
Imagine taking a workshop from some of the industry’s best consultants, heading to the conference where you will make new friends in an exciting, eventful city. Arriving at the US React Native conference, grabbing swag, and chatting with major companies in React Native. Then, taking your laptop into the theater, grabbing a comfortable seat, and watching presentations on the state of React Native from the people who make React Native happen. Then, running into those same people in the lobby and talking with them.
If you or your company are invested in Chain React. This is where you need to be.
Reason 10: Have Fun!
We’re ready to host you in PDX. Let’s get you in a great hotel, and tell you what’s coming your way.
Buy your ticket, and let’s get started!
Conference Hotel
If you’re taking a workshop, fly in on May 16th or earlier to PDX. That way, you’re in the hotel for the workshop on the morning of the 17th. There’s a lot to see in Portland, and you want to be rested up. We have the official room block for a discounted rate for you! The room block can sell out, so lock that in!
The workshops will be on the C floor of the official hotel. If you’re just coming for the conference, use the same room block and be ready to take a short walk to the PCS Armory on May 18th and 19th!
Quality Food
Lunch is provided for the workshop and conferences. We’ll have the amazing Devil’s Food catering company making your meals.
While our food will be outstanding, some people like to walk across the street and enjoy some of Portland’s exclusive restaurants, and I don’t blame them. You have countless dinner options, and you can’t squeeze all that deliciousness into three days.
I personally recommend Screen Door or Deschutes, right next to the venue!
After Party Location
On May 18th, after the first day of talks, we have an epic After Party planned at the one and only Expensify Office Building!
Expensify is the Platinum sponsor, and I’m looking forward to having food, drinks, and conversation with all of you at the After Party! Their office is right behind the hotel.
MORE!
There’s something for everyone, and every idea is so enticing, it’s hard to list them all. Here’s a few: We have a top-notch MC, quality Coffee, a private nursing room for parents, and the hotel is even pet friendly. It’s our goal to make the conference welcoming and supportive to all.
We’ve built an inclusive and welcoming place for collaboration in everything we do. It’s a fundamental party of our design and our conference DNA.
If you decide to stay the weekend, options increase exponentially. This is our 4th conference here in Portland. We hold them here because it’s always a success and attendees rave about it.
~~~ We can’t wait to host you in May 😎 ~~~
Thanks for Reading!!!
If you have any questions, contact us as soon as possible. Spots are running out, and I can’t wait to see you. It’s been too long!
About the author: 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.
