​ “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” is a popular saying conveying the idea that it is impossible to get something for nothing. Desert Code Camp, held on November 17 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, offers not only lunch but breakfast as well as a free day of training for anyone interested in software development. Attendees can also get a free non-credit class and certificate of participation through CGCC for those who register through the Center for Workforce Development at http://www.cgc.edu/workforce (select the Training tab to register).

The event, which has been offered twice a year for the past two years, is coordinated by Joe Guadagno in partnership with the Southeast Valley .NET User Group and the City of Chandler. 

Desert Code Camp brings regional software development professionals together for the opportunity to immerse themselves in seminars, presentations and networking. Similar events are held regionally in places like Silicon Valley, New York and Los Angeles as part of an international trend in which peer groups of all platforms, programming languages, and disciplines focus on coding and software development, providing tips and tricks on new technologies and discovering new approaches to problem solving.

“Desert Code Camp is about sharing information to further empower the industry as a whole,” said Joseph Guadagno. “When someone has a great idea or learns a new tip or trick – or even a failure – sharing it among peers only serves to help increase knowledge and take the industry to a new level more quickly.”

Guadagno expects the event, which has approximately 125 different sessions, to attract more than 700 attendees from as far away as Mexico.

“The event continues to grow both in number of sessions and in attendees. Many times people can't leave work for a day or two to attend training or even seminars. Desert Code Camp allows them to get that additional training, whether it is for professional or personal use,” said Guadagno.

With many of Arizona’s technology companies located in Chandler and Gilbert, the conference helps cultivate a stronger talent pool for the local employers. 

“An educated workforce is key to attracting technology companies, which in turn creates jobs,” said Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “Creating opportunities for our current and future workforce to learn and connect will continue to make us a stronger community.”

The location of the camp on Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Pecos campus also allows students get exposure to experts in the industry, which is an important element of their curriculum.

“Creating opportunities to connect our students with professionals in the field allows them to learn firsthand the kind of environments they will experience once they enter the workforce,” said Patricia Baker, CGCC Computing Studies faculty.  The college offers a wide variety of courses, degrees, and certificates in information technology, including programming and systems analysis, networking, hardware maintenance, and database operations.

“We are proud to host this event and provide our community access to content and opportunities that can aid in keeping skills fresh, and provide increased job placement and advancement opportunities," said Baker.

For a complete listing of sessions available at Desert Code Camp, visit http://nov2012.desertcodecamp.com/