A critical part of building a vibrant technology community is providing opportunities for professionals to engage, learn and collaborate. Because the computer science industry moves so quickly, the entire community benefits when knowledge is shared. That's why Boise Code Camp's free technical training event provides great value to software developers in the Treasure Valley.

This year's Boise Code Camp will be hosted by the computer science department in the College of Engineering at Boise State University and is organized by a group of tech professionals led by Scott Nichols.

Code Camps were created to provide training on software development and industry trends. Each one follows a universal set of guidelines intended to make the event accessible, engaging and community-run.

This year's Boise Code Camp will be the seventh annual such event in the community. Boise Code Camp offers a full day of sessions on topics that include agile practices, cloud computing, database fundamentals and networking advances.

Workshops are carefully coordinated to guarantee that each Code Camp will offer quality content to software developers of all levels of expertise. Boise Code Camp 2013 will feature a special track taught by seniors from Meridian Tech School. This track will introduce basic programming to children as young as 8 years old, which creates a great opportunity to engage future computer science professionals.

Boise Code Camp helps to create a stronger Idaho workforce. In a post-recession economy, it's financially difficult for many smaller Idaho companies to send their employees to larger, more expensive conferences, so Boise Code Camp provides a free, high-quality solution. Additionally, the conference offers a supportive venue for individual consultants and companies to demonstrate their subject-matter expertise. With the high costs of out-of-state recruiting, shining a spotlight on local talent helps Idaho companies connect with qualified professionals.

Realizing the value of Boise Code Camp, numerous companies and organizations have stepped forward to support our efforts to help the software community, including Acquity Group, Boise State University, Clearwater Analytics, FieldSync, Resource Data Inc., Idaho Technology Council, Armgasys, Bodybuilding.com, Keynetics, Google, Infragistics, Microsoft and Synoptek. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, Boise Code Camp can not only provide speakers and facilities, but also free breakfast and lunch to attendees.

If you believe in the vision of Boise Code Camp - to create an environment where knowledge is easily and freely shared - there are several ways you can show support. Sponsors are welcome and appreciated. We also encourage prospective speakers and volunteers to contact us through www.boisecodecamp.com. Finally, please spread the word about Boise Code Camp, encourage attendance and support the growth of Idaho's tech community.

Boise Code Camp presents a great learning opportunity that empowers our local software developers. Please demonstrate your support of our technology community by joining us March 16 at BSU.

ajain@boisestate.edu; 426-3821