When I first learned about CodeCabin, I was intrigued by the idea of an "unconference" as CodeCabin is described. Don't get me wrong - I love a good tech conference and you can't beat Codegarden as far as conferences go, but one of the things I don't like about tech conferences is how exhausted and overwhelmed I feel afterward. Enter CodeCabin!
I attended my first Umbraco event in 2023 - the Umbraco US Summit - where I learned about the Umbraco community and a ton of other Umbraco related things like 24 days, Skrift, Spark, UmbraCoffee, Codegarden and of course CodeCabin.
I was intrigued by the idea of an "unconference" as CodeCabin is described. Don't get me wrong - I love a good tech conference and you can't beat Codegarden as far as conferences go, but one of the things I don't like about tech conferences is how exhausted and overwhelmed I feel afterward. I come away with a ton of new ideas, but am drained of the mental energy to implement any of them and that's before trying to catch up on all the things that piled up while I was gone. I'm guessing many of you can relate.
Enter CodeCabin. What is an unconference you might ask? Pretty much the opposite of a conference - smaller, less structured, fewer sessions with more focus on deep learning, recharging and making lasting connections. In 2024, I got the opportunity to attend CodeCabin. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I got on a plane, a few planes actually, and a few trains and made my way to Grindleford in the UK to find out what this CodeCabin thing was all about.
What did I get out of attending CodeCabin?
I learned. With so many talented, approachable people there, it was impossible not to learn something.
I connected. I participated in meaningful conversations not just about Umbraco and tech, but life and being human and vulnerable.
I relaxed. This is something I don't do very often and I'm guessing many of you might be the same way. Life and work keep you busy and moments of relaxation are few and far between. Having three days with few distractions and fewer commitments was bliss.
I built. I was finally able to buckle down and finish a package I had been working on for months but could never quite find time to finish. Plus I had smart people all around me offering help whenever I got stuck (see above where I learned things!).
I also did things at CodeCabin I wouldn't do anywhere else - like play charades (my family was shocked when I told them) - because I felt so comfortable and unselfconscious among the friendly, welcoming group of CodeCabiners.
And this all happened in just 3 days without me feeling the least bit overwhelmed; that's how magical CodeCabin is!
What am I excited about as an organizer?
For me, the only downside to CodeCabin was the trek to get there. The venue in the UK is idyllic and the event was absolutely worth the trip, but it's quite a haul from Colorado. So when the opportunity came up to help organize a CodeCabin event in the US, I jumped at the chance. I'm incredibly excited to be able to help open the experience up to a new audience in the US. I can't wait to meet new umbracians, many of whom have never been able to participate before, and share this unique experience with them. I just hope we can live up to the high standards the CodeCabin founders have set.
What are the other organizers looking forward to?
Check out this video to find out!