As promised, the team at Anteo Group is committed to providing the Atlanta technical community with reviews of the best user groups in town. We are asked this question at least one a week – ‘how can I learn about new technologies and stay relevant if I am not working with it on my current project?’ In an industry that is constantly evolving and forever progressing, it can be overwhelming to stay current.
Atlanta is a growing technology town, sprouting new user groups, conferences and associations faster than you can add an Outlook reminder. As with staying up-to-date with technology, determining which user groups or conferences are worth your time can be daunting.
Our team averages 3-4 user groups/meet-ups/conferences/presentations a week and has been to enough user groups and meet-ups to share an opinion on the best-of-the-best. We also take the time to get feedback from developers, managers, etc. in the community as to what has worked for them; real examples and stories of what has proven to be an effective spend of their valuable time.
Today, we are taking a closer look at the Atlanta Software and Systems Process Improvement Network, SPIN.
SPIN
Atlanta SPIN organization was chartered in 1994 and has been a force for software process improvement in the Atlanta area since. The organization has a growing membership list that currently numbers 1350+ members.
The group meets every third Wednesday of the month, except in November and December, when they meet on the second Wednesday. The meetings typically attract audiences of 40-50 and provide a forum for like-minded people interested in learning from others and sharing their own experiences.
This is also time allowed before and after the meeting for networking among the participants, including a review from the audience of any job openings that are available. The Board, through its work with sponsors, ensures that food and drinks are also available at no cost to the membership.
This past Wednesday, Atlanta SPIN gathered at 5 Seasons Brewing on Roswell Road for a presentation by Brewmaster Kevin McNerney. We were treated to a 45 minute tour and presentation of their brewing facilities and a details description of the brewing process. Kevin spoke about the evolution of the brewing process and how modern brewers have learned so much from the past seven thousand years of brewers.
Kevin went to college at the University of Colorado at Boulder and made a pact with one of his closest friends that they would one day open a brewery together. A few years later, Sweetwater Brewing Company was born. Kevin helped grow Sweetwater into one of the most recognizable micro-breweries in the Southeast and expanded the brand outside of the state.
After developing the Sweetwater brand, Kevin looked for a project where he could be more creative with his brews. He transitioned to his current position as Brewmaster of 5 Seasons Brewery on Roswell Road and now has seven beautiful stainless steel tanks where he can brew whatever he feels like undertaking. He says that he enjoys brewing Belgian Beers the most but mostly enjoys the freedom to brew what he chooses.
After hearing Kevin talk, I think of the quote, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. Kevin is a man who has a passion for brewing and it shows in the quality of his product.
To Learn More About SPIN visit http://atlantaspin.org/
