Over 100 software developers from across the country gathered at the Sunderland Software Centre on Saturday (12October) evening to celebrate the end of the annual Developer! Developer! Developer! North Conference.
The reception, hosted by Sunderland Software City and Make It Sunderland, an inward investment initiative from Sunderland City Council, rounded off the popular one day conference for software developers specialising in Microsoft technologies, which was held at the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s Campus.
The conference is the biggest .net event in the UK and provides free technical education to the Microsoft developer community in the UK and Europe and regularly attracts over 400 attendees.
The evening reception aimed to showcase the best of Sunderland, with delegates invited to network with local IT companies and discuss what makes Sunderland a global hub for technology and software businesses.
Guests were also able to sample a range of locally produced beers at a pop-up bar hosted by Maxim Brewery and canapés made with local produce.
David Dunn, Chief Executive of Sunderland Software City said: “DDD North is one of the biggest events in the software calendar bringing together developers from across the UK and Europe to learn, develop and discuss business opportunities.
“The event has been held at the University of Sunderland for the past three years and attracts the brightest software developers in the industry so we are honoured to be hosting a reception at the Sunderland Software Centre for the first time this year.
“The delegates really enjoyed the Sunderland-inspired canapés and the Maxim beers on offer, and were keen to discuss and find out more about how Sunderland has cemented itself as a leading software hub.
“Events such as this reinforce Sunderland’s position on the global ICT map and strengthens the city’s reputation as an innovative global leader in the development of new technologies.”
The reception also gave delegates the opportunity to tour the Sunderland Software Centre’s high-spec facilities and find out more about the businesses already based in the building.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council said: “Sunderland Software Centre – as part of an exclusive network of smart hubs – is helping to really connect the North East to movers and shakers in the technology and software community, and the DDD North event is a prime example of that.
“To have the opportunity to play host to such a prestigious event represented an excellent opportunity for us to share success, learn from others and build links with key industry players who can help further our vision of being a city that is right at the cutting edge.”
The event ended with a prize draw, with delegate Victoria Bird winning a Microsoft Surface Tablet courtesy of Make it Sunderland.
Andrew Westgarth, DDD North organiser and Microsoft Most Valued professional said: “The reception at the Sunderland Software Centre was a great way to round off the day’s events and provided the perfect opportunity for delegates to relax and discuss the day’s topics whilst enjoying a local beer in state of the art surroundings.”
