The Benefits of Attending Developer Conferences: Insights from Infobip Shift
Attending developer conferences, such as Infobip Shift, comes with quite a number of benefits that can make a big difference in the career path of a developer.
Events like this provide a truly immersive environment where developers can learn from industry leaders and discover emerging trends, as well as gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. My experience was no different.
Infobip Shift has certainly exceeded my expectations, and now I’m sharing it with you so you can read about it first-hand.
Why Developer Conferences Like Infobip Shift Matter
One of the biggest advantages of attending such conferences is the opportunity for continuous learning. The tech industry evolves rapidly, and conferences offer space for developers to keep up with the latest advancements.
Through various talks, workshops, and panel discussions, developers can expand their knowledge on topics like AI, network APIs, cloud computing, and more, equipping them with new skills and tools to stay competitive in their field.
Conferences also present excellent networking opportunities (at the end of the day, isn’t that one of the major reasons for attending them anyway?). Events like this always gather a diverse group of professionals, from developers and engineers to CTOs and tech entrepreneurs. And in a surrounding like that, connecting with like-minded people becomes almost inevitable.
Not only that, but conferences create a space for meaningful interactions, allowing developers to talk to peers, potential mentors, and even future employers or collaborators. However, if you are not particularly skilled at networking at conferences, here are 5 tips that could help you.
Need I even say that this is the kind of networking that leads to job offers, partnerships, and a broader professional network that can be invaluable for career growth?
Events like Infobip Shift emphasize collaboration, innovation, and the future of technology. Developers do not only leave with new skills but also with a deeper understanding of where the industry is heading.
Exclusive Insights from Infobip Shift
Now, who’s ready for some concrete info? Let me show you some exclusive insights and how it all looked through my lenses.
Infobip Shift 2024 featured a variety of standout sessions.
At the session “0 to 412km/h: Behind the Wheel of a Rimac Revolution”, Sasha Sekovanec, Chief of Staff at Rimac Group, shared the remarkable journey of how Rimac Group developed their electric hypercar, the Nevera.
Sekovanec spoke about how the company built many of the car’s components from scratch, showcasing their innovative spirit and commitment to engineering excellence. He also touched on the possibility of career changes. He shared his own story of entering the automotive industry without any prior experience, and how Rimac Group fosters this kind of growth.
Additionally, Sekovanec highlighted Rimac’s efforts to align their brand with the prestigious Bugatti. It depicted the company’s vision of becoming a major player in the luxury performance car market.
Networking Opportunities at Infobip Shift: Building Professional Connections
Networking at Infobip Shift offered an incredible opportunity to connect with some of the leading companies in their respective fields.
But, if you want to make the most out of it – you need to start networking way before you actually get into a conference. Take a look at this blog post to pick up some tips and tricks on how to do that.
Now, let’s get back on the topic.
Alongside Infobip, which served as the host, Red Hat was also a notable presence at the event. Known for their enterprise open-source solutions, Red Hat helps organizations develop more flexible and innovative software infrastructure.
Other major companies included Postman, a leading platform for API development that streamlines collaboration between developers. Also, CKEditor, a widely used WYSIWYG editor that powers content creation across the web, had a notable presence. Attendees had the chance to meet employees from these companies, exchange ideas, and discuss the future directions of the tech industry.
Beyond formal sessions, there were plenty of opportunities for spontaneous interactions. Industry professionals shared their experiences and explored potential collaborations. Plus, attendees could snag some fun promotional materials and even win valuable prizes through various competitions. In the end – who doesn’t love swag with a side of luck?
And of course, as a key part of the social experience, the day wouldn’t be complete without the amazing parties. They capped off each evening, offering everyone a chance to unwind and bond in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
Hands-on Experience at Infobip Shift: Workshops and Coding Sessions
At Infobip Shift, we had the opportunity to participate in workshops, where we actively contributed to the development of AI tools.
One of the most engaging experiences was the chance to experiment with AI chatbots, exploring their applications in software by well-known companies. These workshops provided valuable insight into how AI can be integrated into various platforms, helping developers understand its potential in enhancing user experiences.
Another workshop that stood out was “API Essentials: Mastering Testing and Collaboration with AI in Postman.” This 60-minute session introduced participants to the core concepts of API testing and collaboration, with a special focus on how AI can streamline these processes.
Attendees learned the basics of API testing within Postman, wrote and organized test scripts, and discovered how to collaborate effectively using Postman workspaces, ranging from personal to public environments. The highlight of the workshop was integrating Postbot, Postman’s AI assistant, into the API testing and documentation workflow, providing a glimpse of how AI can simplify and accelerate tasks.
The experience of building or testing AI tools is an invaluable part of our learning journey, giving them practical knowledge that can be directly applied in real-world scenarios.
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends at Infobip Shift
One of the key topics of discussion was the future of Network APIs and their transformative potential.
In collaboration with Nokia and Hrvatski Telekom, the host demonstrated a groundbreaking use case – remotely driving a car in Zadar, Croatia, while it was located 2,500 km away in Finland. This incredible feat was made possible through the power of 5G networks and Network APIs.
In a session led by Shkumbin Hamiti, head of Nokia’s network monetization platform, attendees learned how Network APIs can unlock the full potential of 5G technology, enabling developers to create new applications or enhance the performance of existing ones with ease.
Hamiti, along with Matija Razem from Infobip and Boris Drilo from Hrvatski Telekom, showcased how these APIs are not only easy to integrate into code but also open up a dynamic ecosystem of opportunities for innovation.
The interactive tele-driving demonstration was a thrilling example of the real-world applications of these technologies, emphasizing how Network APIs will shape the future of not only the tech industry but also the world. This forward-looking demonstration highlighted the numerous possibilities that await developers in the era of 5G and network-driven innovation.
Spotlight on the domain .ME Booth at Infobip Shift
The .ME Booth was a true highlight of Infobip Shift, attracting a lot of attention from attendees.
Visitors to the booth had the chance to learn all about .ME domains and even try out the Domain Genie AI tool, which generated a list of available .ME domains based on basic input from the user—making it easy for attendees to find and register their own personalized domain names. It was also a fantastic opportunity to exchange experiences with our team, learn more about Montenegro, and hear plenty of lighthearted stories along the way.
The booth wasn’t just informative—it was fun, too! Attendees could capture unforgettable memories by taking photos at the booth, creating lasting souvenirs of their time at the conference. On top of that, we gave away fancy t-shirts, reflecting not just our brand but also our wonderful host city, Zadar. And for those preparing for the colder months, we also handed out socks, with a playful reminder that “Winter is Coming.”
Final Thoughts: How Infobip Shift Will Shape Your Work
Attending Infobip Shift truly highlighted how AI is no longer a distant concept but a reality that is transforming both the developer world and everyday life. AI is simplifying tasks, enhancing productivity, and opening new doors for innovation. Being at the conference broadened my understanding of how AI can be seamlessly integrated into my own work, offering practical solutions that were previously unimaginable.
Moreover, the insights I gained into the power of Network APIs were eye-opening. The potential they offer, especially when combined with 5G technology, presents endless possibilities for creating new applications and enhancing performance. The conference has left me inspired and excited about the future, with a clearer vision of how to leverage both AI and Network APIs to push the boundaries of development.Beyond the technical knowledge, the connections I made at Infobip Shift are perhaps the most valuable takeaway. These relationships, built with fellow developers, industry experts, and thought leaders, will not only influence my work but will be invaluable in my personal and professional journey for years to come.
