ATTENTION ALL GEEKS: THAT CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR JANUARY 2023 EVENT IN ROUND ROCK, TEXAS
- Publish Date: November 5, 2022
Guest Author
- Publish Date: November 5, 2022
(Austin, TX) – THAT Conference, a self-described “camp for geeks” offering a full-stack, tech-obsessed experience filled with learning and networking opportunities for “code-loving humans,” has announced its schedule, topics and keynote speaker lineup for its bi-annual conference, which is taking place January 15-18, 2023 at the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark in Round Rock, Texas.
“My initial vision was for THAT to be whatever the community wanted it to be, so long as it was rooted in technology for the common good,” said Clark Sell, a former software engineer who founded THAT in 2010.Â
 Clark said the original concept for THAT was for a group of “geeks” to meet virtually and discuss…anything through a web portal that connects members through a video call in the browser, with no additional software or tools necessary. In “Geek-Speak,” these are called “Activities,” and to date, THAT’s 2,600 members have completed over 800 Activities spanning over 1,000 hours of collaboration. Topics can vary and have included parenting “Geeklings,” entrepreneurship and the latest gadgets and trends, among many others. Each Activity is part of a Community to help members connect with even more like-minded individuals.
 When the virtual platform for THAT (which, by the way, isn’t an acronym for anything, but it sure is catchy) took off, Clark, who’s passionate about peer-to-peer learning, inclusivity and not being limited by arbitrary restraints, envisioned a live version of THAT where members could meet in person and experience that same kind of positive energy, but through face-to-face interaction.
 Enter the first THAT Conference in 2012, which was a success that only gained momentum the following years. Of course the COVID pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020, and 2021 and 2022’s conferences saw modest but steady recoveries (click here for THAT Conference’s current COVID Guidelines). However, it’s full steam ahead for next year’s THAT Conference in January, which features approximately 75 sessions led by “Camp Counselors” – nationally-known experts who offer unique viewpoints from their fields. Topics (click here for the schedule) run the gamut from cyber security to coding, with perspectives from both career development and personal fulfillment.
James Q. Quick will headline this January’s THAT Conference with his keynote address scheduled for the 16th. Called “Feeling Stuck in Your Career...Now What?” Quick, an entrepreneur and JavaScript Developer, will share his philosophy about everyone’s unique ability to influence and control their career paths, and outline steps to attain personal and professional growth.
While all ages (including families) are welcome at both THAT Conferences, the January event in Texas is especially perfect for professionals, from entry-level to the C-Suite, solo entrepreneurs to big companies – who are looking for continuing education, career advancement and networking opportunities. Another aspect of THAT Conferences that set them apart from the same-old, same-old, is the existence of “Open Spaces,” where attendees have the chance to tailor their conference experience by choosing what topics they want to learn about.
In addition to the tech-driven activities and information at the conference, there will also be plenty of time to unwind after a long day of learning, including a happy hour, game night, daily exercise gatherings and of course – waterpark fun.
Clark has high hopes the 2023 THAT Conference in Texas will continue to foster in-person collaboration and a sense of community for Geeks everywhere.
 “It seems like there are always these doom and gloom headlines about how technology will be the downfall of humanity,” said Clark, “but my goal for THAT was to show how technology, in all its forms, has the power to bring us together. Year after year we’ve had attendees tell us THAT Conference is unlike anything they’ve ever been to. They love how open and accepting everyone is, how we show them the power of learning and tech for the common good.
 “I want people to walk away from THAT conference inspired to take their individual skills and talents out into the world and make it a better place.”
 For more information on THAT Conference, going on January 15-18, 2023 at Round Rock, Texas (including sponsorship opportunities), visit www.that.us. Â
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 About THAT Conference
THAT Conference is the in-person iteration of THAT, a community of “Geeks Helping Geeks” through virtual and in person collaboration. Founded in 2010, THAT currently has over 2,600 members who have participated in over 800 Activities – topic-based scheduled gatherings that anyone can create for any multitude of reasons in which anyone can join. Activities are held through a video call in the browser, with no need for any additional tools or software. In 2018 THAT’s Founder and CEO, Clark Sell, decided to take THAT’s positive energy and sense of community on the road and host the first-ever THAT Conference.
THAT Conferences, now held twice a year – January at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas, and in July at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. – have now become the leading events for “tech-loving Geeks” of all ages who are looking to connect and learn from each other.
For more information about THAT, go to www.that.us
To learn more about THAT Conferences, including the one scheduled for January 2023, go to www.that.us/event/tx/2023
For sponsorship opportunities, visit www.that.us/events/tx/2023/sponsors/Â Â
Excerpt: THAT Conference, the Tech World’s answer to boring professional conferences, is scheduled for Jan 15-18, 2023 in Round Rock, Texas.
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