Ottawa has a wonderful software scene! I especially like the following groups, and go often, for the technical talks and networking.
- OCLUG – Ottawa Canada Linux User Group
- I have been going for several years. It’s the biggest of these groups, not often below 20 people, sometimes up to about 50. What else is good? Lively discussion at the Beer SIG after, active email list, dedicated board, both new and experienced people feel welcome, academic members, wide range of interesting topics.
- OGRE – Ottawa Group of Ruby Enthusiasts
- This group generally has a full house of about 20 or so people in their smaller intimate space at Shopify, and the buffet brings out people early for active discussions. More goodness? Active mail list with actual code, latest trends in software development, both Open Source and commercial products discussed, short presentations with live demos at the meetings, pros and newbies, developers and designers.
- Agile Ottawa
- This group has easily the nicest space in Ottawa software groups, sharp full-length technical presentations on Agile Software Development and related topics and generally a very good bar talk after. More! Active LinkedIn group, easily the highest ratio of bloggers to readers in any group in the city, consultants and developers, experienced and new, Scrum or Kanban or personalised process, out-of-town presenters.
- CapCHI
- The Capital Computer Human Interface group has polished academic and industry presentations, with generally 20 to 30 people. Light snacks facilitate the before-meeting. What else is fantastic? Discussions after at the bar, grad students + professors + government + industry, developers and designers, software and hardware.
- Ottawa Scrum User Group
- A group I’ve only dropped in on twice, but already one of my favourites with great audience participation in casual, focused talks on mostly the Scrum end of the Agile Software Development movement. More betters? Developers + hiring managers + a couple of consultants, government and hi-tech, students and experienced developers, newbies to master Scrum leaders. The before-menu varies but there’s lots.
The terms “beer” and “bar” refer to a gathering in a chattering place where some people imbibe, but you don’t have to. I have enjoyed lots of groups in the city, but prefer locations I can easily reach by bus, so I may be missing some of the best.
Click on “Ottawa Groups” at the top of the page for meeting details.
Talk Software 