DevelopmentNow Offices

At DevelopmentNow, we like learning how to use and program new technology, and the ability to write skills for Amazon's Alexa assistant is pretty exciting. We're hosting a free workshop and hackathon at our offices, during which we'll learn together to write a new Alexa skill, and demonstrate it, in an hour!

Because this will be late October, and because we also like the spooky atmosphere of that time of year, we're going to focus on thinking of skills with a Halloween bent. Given time and interest, we may even be able to put together a decision-tree narration of a haunted house. We're also eager to hear your own ideas and see what all the participants come up with together.

What's the planned schedule?

Our office doors will open at 10 am, and we'll officially kick off the session at 11. We'll share quickstart documents to everyone in attendance, and have a couple of our in-house developers with Alexa experience roaming the place to help figure things out. At 4 pm, we'll wrap up and take turns showing off what we've built.

What are my transport/parking options?

Parking around the east side of the Burnside Bridge is limited, but generally viable on weekends. We're also very close to the MLK and Burnside stop for the A Loop of the Portland Streetcar, or a block from the nearest bus stop on the 19 or 20. We have indoor bike parking as well.

What should I bring to the event?

Please bring a laptop and a willingness to learn! You don't need previous experience. We'll provide power, wifi, workspace, food, cooperative instruction, and our Echo for testing.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

[email protected]

You said there will be food?

Yes! We'll provide coffee and pastries when the office doors open at 10, and order Sizzle Pie around 2 pm for our hard-working participants.