Overview
The Great Lakes Software Symposium is a two-day conference hosted by No Fluff Just Stuff (NFJS) from April 22 to 23, 2027. It is designed for software developers, software architects, and whole engineering teams who want to update their skills and approach to software development as frameworks, languages, and methodologies continue to evolve. NFJS describes the conference as focused on the latest technologies and best practices in modern software development and architecture.
Topics and Sessions
Sessions explore software architecture, AI, machine learning, modern Java, DevOps, microservices, Spring 6, big data, and more. The page lists the following topics for 2027: software architecture, AI, machine learning, modern Java, Spring 7 and Spring Boot 4, Kubernetes, microservices, TypeScript, functional programming, web app security, automation tools, continuous delivery, and testing. Attendees can learn about new tools and best practices that improve code quality and maintainability.
The event is organized around four themes:
- New technology, with in-depth sessions on recent developments in the software industry.
- Tools and practices, focused on choosing and using tools efficiently.
- Software architecture, covering architecture decisions and their long-term impact.
- Leadership and teamwork, including sessions on how teams can work together more effectively.
Dates and Schedule
The conference runs from April 22 to April 23, 2027. The listed start time is 8:30 AM Eastern on April 22, and the listed end time is 5:30 PM Eastern on April 23. The captured page does not include a detailed session-by-session agenda or session times.
Location
The in-person event takes place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173, United States. The page header refers to the event as taking place in Chicago, IL.
Speakers
The page highlights the following speakers:
- Michael Carducci, software architect and magician.
- Brent Laster, global author, trainer, and founder of Tech Skills Transformations LLC.
- Daniel Hinojosa, independent consultant.
- Rohit Bhardwaj, director of AI and data architecture at Salesforce, author, and enterprise AI practitioner.
NFJS states that its speakers are experienced developers, software architects, authors, consultants, open source developers, and trainers.
Format
Attendance is available in person or online via Zoom. Your ticket includes 2.5 days of virtual training, which NFJS lists as a $2,125 value. The ticket also includes 5 Virtual Workshop credits, which can be redeemed after registration. Half-day virtual workshops require 1 credit, and full-day workshops require 2 credits. Credits can also be used to view sessions in the On-Demand Training Library. NFJS states that it offers 6 to 8 live, instructor-led virtual workshops each month.
Who Should Attend
The conference is described as accessible not only to senior engineers but to the whole team. It is suited to developers, architects, and team members who want to learn the latest tools, techniques, and best practices in software development and architecture.
Past Events
The page lists earlier editions of the Great Lakes Software Symposium held on August 1-2, 2025, June 10-12, 2022, October 25-27, 2019, and November 2-4, 2018.
