What we run, year-round

    Programming that gives the community a shape.

    REFACTR isn't a once-a-year event. It's a calendar of recurring formats, each designed for a different kind of conversation. Here's what we run and who each one is for.

    Audience watching a Tech Talk at REFACTR

    Tech Talks

    Monthly meetups on the topics shaping how we build.

    Our flagship format. One evening a month, three or more talks per session, and the room shows up. Topics range from AI and developer tooling to languages, open source, careers, and the leadership side of engineering. Includes occasional hands-on workshops and joint sessions with other Atlanta tech communities.
    FormatTalks, Q&A, sometimes hands-on
    FrequencyMonthly
    Who it's forCurious developers at any level

    What you take away

    A new mental model, a few new conversations, and sometimes a new collaborator.

    See upcoming Tech Talks
    Small group at a REFACTR Code Reading Club session

    Code Reading Club

    A space to explore unfamiliar code together.

    A monthly, language-agnostic session where we sit with a piece of code we didn't write and learn what it teaches us. No prep required. Fresh eyes often spot what experts overlook, and the conversation tends to be the most surprising part.

    Hosted by community member Elizabeth Jamison, with discussions sometimes led by other community members who step in.

    FormatGuided observation, small-group discussion
    FrequencyMonthly
    Who it's forAnyone curious about how other people write code

    What you take away

    New ways of seeing code, a vocabulary for talking about it, and time spent with people who care about craft.

    See upcoming Code Reading Club sessions

    Hosted at PrizePicks. Based on the open Code Reading Club format by Marit van Dijk.

    Panelists on stage at a REFACTR event

    Panels

    Multiple voices on the same question.

    A few times a year, we host panels — moderated conversations with engineers, leaders, recruiters, and others who have something specific to say. One is usually a career panel; the rest rotate by topic. Less polished keynote, more honest answers.
    FormatModerated panel + audience Q&A
    FrequencyAbout twice a year
    Who it's forAnyone who prefers multiple perspectives over one

    What you take away

    Several different perspectives on the same question, with room for the audience to push back.

    See upcoming Panels
    REFACTR community at a Bytes & Bites social

    Socials

    Less agenda, more people.

    Bytes & Bites: monthly lunch meetups at local food halls.

    Out of Office Hours: after-work happy hours.

    404 Movie Not Found: community movie nights at local theaters.

    Plus holiday parties, networking events, and other one-off gatherings.

    The events where the work is the conversation. No talks, no slides, just a room and a reason to be in it.

    FormatA mix of meals, drinks, movies, and parties
    FrequencyRoughly monthly across formats
    Who it's forEveryone, especially folks new to the community

    What you take away

    A few new connections, a meal, and the feeling that the community is real.

    See upcoming Socials

    Hacktoberfest

    Open source, together, every October.

    Each October, we run programming for Hacktoberfest — contributing to open source, learning the etiquette of a good pull request, and helping each other across the finish line. Watch the calendar in September for the year's lineup.

    Want to suggest a program — or lead one?

    We're always open to ideas, especially from people who want to help run something.

    Get in touch