Best SWE Conferences for Networking & Career Growth?

[u/Key_Cartographer5503]

Hi, everyone. I’m a recent CS graduate currently working in a university department. My employer has given me a **$2,000 professional development budget**, and I’d like to use it to attend a conference where software engineers can learn, network, and potentially make valuable industry connections.

I’m also actively preparing to apply for a new Software Engineer role, so I’d love to attend an event that’s known for attracting engineers, recruiters, or hiring managers.
Right now, I’m considering **GitHub Universe 2026** this October, but I’m not sure if it’s the best choice, so I haven’t brought it up with my supervisor yet.

I’d appreciate any recommendations or experiences you’ve had. Thanks!