SwedenCpp 2023
2023 marked a significant milestone for SwedenCpp as we transitioned to a Meetup Pro group.
Although we still have two separate meetups, this move signifies a major development for us. You can check out the details here: SwedenCpp Meetup Pro group.
More about this later, first, let’s dive int events we hosted this year.
Stockholm
This year in Stockholm, we had a schedule with seven events, celebrating our seventh anniversary. Here’s a brief overview of the activities.
0x25: In the Mine, Concepts and More
We kicked off the new year with our traditional January event, held in the mine at Atlas Copco. This location is truly special to me. Being 20 meters below the surface adds a unique charm to the event.
It has become a wonderful tradition to start our year in the mine, which might just be the most unique location any C++ user group has for a Meetup.
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0x26: [Limited Edition] C++ in Space
In February, OHB Sweden graciously hosted us at their office for a discussion about C++ in space. This event was truly special, made possible by the developers at OHB who went above and beyond to welcome us to their workplace.
The theme of the event was evident in its title. OHB Sweden, a company that specializes in building satellites, extensively utilizes C++ for their satellite software.
Their office, characterized by its small and cozy atmosphere, meant that only a limited number of us could be there in person. However, we were fortunate to capture the talks on video for everyone to enjoy.
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0x27: A rehearsal for safety
In May, we had the pleasure of welcoming Timur Doumler to Stockholm. Our SwedenCpp Pro Partner, Net Insight, kindly hosted us in their office. This venue choice was particularly fitting as just the year before, we had Phil Nash in the same office. It was noteworthy to have both hosts from CppCast visit us, each giving a talk at our SwedenCpp Pro Partner, Net Insight.
Timur took this opportunity to rehearse his talk for an upcoming international conference. I’m really glad we could assist him in this preparation. This is one of the key reasons I organize these events. Timur is not the only speaker who has used our Meetup as a platform to try out a talk.
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0x28: 5Ms, 7 years, and more. A summer splash
Our summer event took place at our SwedenCpp Pro Partner, Nexer. This event holds a special place in our calendar as it’s not only the last one before the summer break but also our annual SwedenCpp birthday celebration. This year, we marked our 7th anniversary.
Additionally, this event was personally significant to me for another reason: It coincided with my wedding anniversary. Being able to organize the event on this date is a testament to the incredible support I receive from my wife. Her backing is crucial to the success of SwedenCpp, and I couldn’t do it without her.
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0x29: Tiny problems, profiling, and merkle tree roots
The kickoff to our post-summer season turned out differently than expected, yet it was a learning experience. We visited our SwedenCpp Pro Partner, Prevas, in Sundbyberg. A planned speaker had to cancel at the last minute, but thankfully, our amazing community stepped up, and I quickly found a replacement.
This meant that our speaker session was much shorter than usual. As a result, we had significantly more time for mingling that evening, which attendees really appreciated. From this experience, I learned the value of having a shorter speaking segment and allowing more time for social interaction.
0x2A: Intrinsic speed && Entity Component Systems
In October, we had the pleasure of visiting our SwedenCpp Pro Partners at HiQ. It had been some time since our last visit there, and it was delightful to return. The view from their office at Slussen is particularly impressive.
This event was also the debut of my new audio recording equipment, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Amidst taking photos, I unfortunately forgot to turn on the video recording, missing the first minute of a talk. However, thanks to the audio being recorded on the wireless transmitter, I was still able to produce the full video.
0x2B: Fix almost all bugs && a 6502 emulator with C++
The final StockholmCpp Meetup of 2023 took place at our newest SwedenCpp Pro Partner, Svenska Spel. This was our first time visiting Svenska Spel, and I was impressed with the location. It’s particularly well-suited for recording videos. Finding power outlets and setting up equipment was a breeze here.
The atmosphere at Svenska Spel stood out to me. It was a relaxed yet focused event, which I really appreciated. The balance between a laid-back environment and a dedicated approach to the meetup made it a memorable experience.
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Gothenburg
Gothenburg hosted four events this year. Although the first half of the year began slowly, the second half saw a significant uptick in activity and engagement.
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to visit Gothenburg. The last time was back in 2018. As a result, I’m unable to provide personal insights into this year’s events. However, I can share the links to these events for those interested:
- Safety critical C++: introduction and lessons learned from an automotive product
- Community event
- Undefined behavior in C and C++
- Get Comfortable With SFINAE
I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to make a trip to Gothenburg again soon. It’s certainly on my to-do list.
SwedenCpp Pro
SwedenCpp is likely the first C++ meetup group to go pro in multiple ways.
Firstly, we are part of the Meetup Pro group. While this in itself may not seem extraordinary, as any group can opt for this with sufficient funds, it’s noteworthy for a hobby group given the cost (2x30 USD/month == 720 $/Year). The remarkable aspect here is the support from our SwedenCpp-Pro Partners, allowing us to maintain the Pro group without dipping into personal finances.
This support extends beyond just the group’s maintenance. It also enables me to travel to and from our events via cab, which is immensely helpful considering the amount of video equipment I need to transport.
Therefore, 2023 marked the year when SwedenCpp became self-sustainable. While I continue to invest a great deal of time into SwedenCpp, I no longer need to invest my own money.
There have been C++ user groups sponsored by a single company, but to my knowledge, no other group enjoys the kind of multi-company sponsorship and network that we have developed. I am incredibly proud of this achievement.
Meetup as a Platform
The effectiveness of Meetup as a platform is increasingly coming into question. As an event organizer, I’ve encountered numerous bugs, and these issues extend to users as well. For instance, we’ve had situations where users were unable to view others' comments during discussions. A major drawback for a platform meant to foster community interaction.
Another example is the apparent requirement for users to be logged in just to view past announcements. This isn’t ideal for a public group aiming for broad accessibility.
Despite these challenges, Meetup’s established reputation (name) means we’ll continue using it for the time being. However, I remain open to exploring alternative platforms that might better serve our community’s needs.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up, I want to express my thanks to everyone who has been a part of SwedenCpp’s 2023 journey: Our members, speakers, event hosts, and of course, our Pro Partners. Your support and participation have been the backbone of our success!
Looking forward, there’s much to be excited about. We’ll continue to explore new ways to enhance our meetups. I’m also eager to see how our community grows and evolves in the coming year.
Here’s to another year filled with enriching experiences, new connections, and continued growth, all driven by our shared passion for C++!