Open to everyone

We’ve been receiving a lot of feedback about the codeSmash event. One thing in particular that has caught me by surprise is the apparent prestigious image of the event.

“I don’t think I’m good enough to go,” I hear people say. You’re not good enough? Nonsense! codeSmash is open to programmers of all skill levels.

Upon deeper investigation, it seems that the connection with Stanford University is a little intimidating for some. While I was staying at Stanford, I met some incredibly talented people. But I’ve also met some incredibly talented people around Brisbane and the Gold Coast!

Perhaps it’s an Australian thing. People here never seem to think they’re much good. But if I didn’t think programmers around this area weren’t much good, I wouldn’t of even bothered starting an event here.

The real difference between Silicon Valley and a place like this, I believe, is passion and ambition. Passion by far outweighs skill. Those who try will do much better than those who do nothing. One thing you immediately notice in Silicon Valley isn’t the high level of talent, but the high level of passion. It doesn’t take a genius to do something brilliant – it just takes persistence.

There will be some big shots coming to the event – people who have been in the software biz for many years, and are experts in the field. But don’t feel intimidated if you’re only just starting your programming adventures. There are going to be plenty of novice programmers too, and this is the perfect opportunity to learn from other brilliant software enthusiasts.

This event is open to anybody. If you’re interested in software, interested in building, interested in technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, or just interested in cool things in general, then this is the place to be!

Don’t be shy. Come along and show off your skills, learn from the best, and most important of all, have fun!