Building Community at Carolina Codes with Vonage

At Vonage, we believe Developer Relations is about more than just code. It is about fostering an environment where developers can share ideas, learn from one another, and feel part of something bigger. That is why we were proud to be the Platinum sponsor at this year’s Carolina Code Conference in Greenville, South Carolina.

Max and Diana at Carolina CodesThe Carolina Code Conference is special. Unlike many large conferences, Carolina Code keeps everyone in the same room, sharing talks and experiences together. This setup makes it feel more like a gathering of friends than a traditional conference. Developers from across the US came together not just to hear speakers, but to truly connect with one another.

Community Moments That Last

Throughout the weekend, the theme of community was everywhere. At our booth, attendees stopped by for conversations, picked up Vonage hats, and, our personal favorite, sparkly Vonage headbands. These little touches became icebreakers. We saw people wearing them in the hallway, laughing together, and even sparkling in the audience during Diana Pham’s talk on gamification. It was a reminder that even small gestures can lower barriers and make people feel welcome.

Leveling Up with GamificationWe also had the chance to host a happy hour at New Realm Brewery. Over 70 people joined us, even in the midst of a thunderstorm, and the conversations ranged from career journeys to the future of APIs to the simple joys of finally meeting online friends in person.

Community Connections at New Realm BreweryThe impact of the weekend was clear in the reflections shared afterward. Justin Jones, a conference attendee, expressed how powerful the weekend was even for those newer to the industry:

“As a person who doesn’t have a lot of tech experience and even less in coding. This was truthfully one of the best and most memorable experiences I’ve had to date. So many wonderful and brilliant minds all in one place. Thank you.”

The conference proved that if you’re simply curious about technology, there’s a place for you in the Carolina Code community.

Ben Link, another attendee, captured the same spirit in his recap on LinkedIn, where he reflected on the spontaneous conversations and friendships sparked throughout the event. His post highlights what many of us felt that weekend, that DevRel is at its best when it brings people together in authentic, human ways.

Why Community Matters in Developer Relations

Moments like these are at the heart of why community matters in DevRel. While technology is constantly changing, the connections we build are what really shape this industry. When developers gather, share stories, and realize they are not alone in their challenges or ideas, that is when collaboration happens.

As one attendee put it, the best part of Carolina Code Conference is walking away with new friends, not just new knowledge. That feeling of recognition and finding people who share your curiosity and passions is the foundation of meaningful community.

Conversations at the Vonage Booth

Vonage’s Commitment to Community

For us at Vonage, being part of Carolina Code Conference went beyond sponsorship; it was about showing up as members of the larger DevRel community. Whether that meant handing out swag, sharing knowledge from the stage, or raising a glass at happy hour, our goal was to help create spaces where people could connect.

Community is the heart of Developer Relations, and conferences like Carolina Code remind us why. They are places where ideas spark, friendships begin, and everyone leaves feeling a little more connected.

We are grateful to the organizers, the speakers, and everyone who stopped by our booth or joined us at happy hour. Most of all, we are grateful to be part of this community.

If you missed us this time, don’t worry, we will be at more events soon!